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Royal Powers #2
The Hero and the Hidden Royal
A M/M Superhero Romance
One frightened man with an illegal superpower. One brave man who wants him regardless.
Both are put to the ultimate test. And failure is not an option.
Derek Carson has a superpower—invisibility. But in a country where all those born into the royal family have a superpower, Derek is banned from using his power because he’s not “officially” in the royal family tree. He’s required to conceal it, but how can he do that when fear triggers his invisibility?
And Derek is afraid of everything—spiders, insects, strangers, thunder, heights…. Without control of his power, an invisible man is actually a hard thing to hide. He’s never been brave in his entire life, until the night he rescues a stranger who attempts to stop a robbery.
Sam Jeffries is everything Derek wishes he could be—big and strong, with a protective streak a mile wide—but most of all, Sam is brave. Unlike Derek, Sam’s not afraid of anything. Sam is hero material.
For Sam, dating a guy who’s not only scared of many things, but is invisible most of the time, is not easy. However he thinks Derek is worth it. When Derek turns invisible on him, Sam just kisses him until he forgets about his anxieties and reappears.
But when Derek is kidnapped, both will be tested.
Now Sam has something to fear and Derek must be brave enough to survive.
One frightened man with an illegal superpower. One brave man who wants him regardless.
Both are put to the ultimate test. And failure is not an option.
Derek Carson has a superpower—invisibility. But in a country where all those born into the royal family have a superpower, Derek is banned from using his power because he’s not “officially” in the royal family tree. He’s required to conceal it, but how can he do that when fear triggers his invisibility?
And Derek is afraid of everything—spiders, insects, strangers, thunder, heights…. Without control of his power, an invisible man is actually a hard thing to hide. He’s never been brave in his entire life, until the night he rescues a stranger who attempts to stop a robbery.
Sam Jeffries is everything Derek wishes he could be—big and strong, with a protective streak a mile wide—but most of all, Sam is brave. Unlike Derek, Sam’s not afraid of anything. Sam is hero material.
For Sam, dating a guy who’s not only scared of many things, but is invisible most of the time, is not easy. However he thinks Derek is worth it. When Derek turns invisible on him, Sam just kisses him until he forgets about his anxieties and reappears.
But when Derek is kidnapped, both will be tested.
Now Sam has something to fear and Derek must be brave enough to survive.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2020
73 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Renae Kaye
30 books877 followersRenae Kaye is a lover and hoarder of books who thinks libraries are devilish places because they make you give the books back. She consumed her first adult romance book at the tender age of thirteen and hasn’t stopped since. After years – and thousands of stories! – of not having book characters do what she wants, she decided she would write her own novel and found the characters still didn’t do what she wanted. She believes that the world is too complicated for her, so she loses herself in stories. The only thing that keeps her going are her children who are the delight of her life.
Renae lives in Perth, Western Australia. She is a survivor of being the youngest in a large family and believes that laughter (and a good book) can cure anything. Which is why it's a pity laughter is sometimes scarce on the ground.
You can contact her at renaekaye@iinet.net.au.
Renae lives in Perth, Western Australia. She is a survivor of being the youngest in a large family and believes that laughter (and a good book) can cure anything. Which is why it's a pity laughter is sometimes scarce on the ground.
You can contact her at renaekaye@iinet.net.au.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 1, 2020
What I thought would be a quick and easy read, starting with the first book Duking It Out , I was pleasantly surprised that these short stories have weight and are very enjoyable, a pack some depth. Filled with loving moments and amazing characters..
I look forward to continuing this series.
I look forward to continuing this series.
Read
January 29, 2021DNF at 80%
I wasn't really getting the point of this and there wasn't much going on at this point. I really liked the first one and I was really surprised that Renae Kaye wrote this because it didn't seem to be up to her usual standards.
I don't usually do well with multi-author series but I thought I would try since I enjoy both Renae Kaye and EJ Russell. I don't know if I will try anymore.
I wasn't really getting the point of this and there wasn't much going on at this point. I really liked the first one and I was really surprised that Renae Kaye wrote this because it didn't seem to be up to her usual standards.
I don't usually do well with multi-author series but I thought I would try since I enjoy both Renae Kaye and EJ Russell. I don't know if I will try anymore.
May 10, 2023
Royal Powers can lead to Knighthood with Visibility
Being invisible at birth just enhanced the fears and discomforts of life until invisibility became the common state for our young hero. The requirements to not reveal his power and ability was a real complication for everything he did until he met Sam, his perfect opposite.
Falling in love quickly while trying to help other overcome a gang of thugs collecting protection money from many businesses occupy Sam's attention when not with his invisible partner, who was helping many with research in the Archives to document history and ancestry. The successful completion of their marriage received respect and solved the royalty questions.
Being invisible at birth just enhanced the fears and discomforts of life until invisibility became the common state for our young hero. The requirements to not reveal his power and ability was a real complication for everything he did until he met Sam, his perfect opposite.
Falling in love quickly while trying to help other overcome a gang of thugs collecting protection money from many businesses occupy Sam's attention when not with his invisible partner, who was helping many with research in the Archives to document history and ancestry. The successful completion of their marriage received respect and solved the royalty questions.
February 23, 2021
I liked the invisibility and the the problems faced with an uncontrollable power, seems to be the the theme for the series so far. Opposites attract insta love. The blurb kinda gives everything away so past the halfway mark it was more expecting when Derek would get kidnapped. Favourite character was Peggy with the zapping.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
3.5 stars
I liked both characters, the invisibility, the mystery, and the danger. There were some funny moments and sweet moments. I think the sexy times overshadowed the romance and mystery though. I would have liked a little more closure.
I liked both characters, the invisibility, the mystery, and the danger. There were some funny moments and sweet moments. I think the sexy times overshadowed the romance and mystery though. I would have liked a little more closure.
August 2, 2020
3 stars
I'm a little bit disappointed to be honest. Mostly, because I expected more from Renae Kaye. I've read almost all of her books and most of them I absolutely adore. Some have even made it to my favorite shelf, like "The Shearing Gun" and "Loving Jay". So I'm sorry to say that this was probably my least favorite book of hers. It just lacked substance. It was insta-lust, immediately followed by insta-love. It was tooth-achingly sweet, fluffy to the point of ridiculousness and had such a silly, little plot it made me roll my eyes at several points.
The worst thing for me, though, is that it could have been vastly improved by taking the characters and their relationship more seriously. The beginning was actually pretty intriguing and I loved Derek, he was such a sweet person. But the moment he met Sam it just went downhill for me. It was lots of small things and if anyone is interested, I'm listing them here, because of spoilers What I also don't get at all is the whole idea for this series. Because why would it be illegal to use your superpowers if you're not a Royal? Nobody seemed to monitor it or actively keep "normal" people from using them.
Anyway, I liked some aspects of the story, mostly Dereks superpower (which could have been utilized better, though), his work as an archivist at the Ministry (the plot with the secret safe interested me way more than the one with the villains) and his relationship with his parents (which included some funny dialogue). Sam, on the other hand, stayed pretty bland throughout the book. I couldn't really connect to him.
After having read the first two books I don't think I will continue with this series. Even though the idea is fresh and fun I'm missing a bit of substance to the stories so far. Just a bit too cutesy-sweet for me. But if you're looking for light-hearted, sweet, quick reads you should give them a try.
I'm a little bit disappointed to be honest. Mostly, because I expected more from Renae Kaye. I've read almost all of her books and most of them I absolutely adore. Some have even made it to my favorite shelf, like "The Shearing Gun" and "Loving Jay". So I'm sorry to say that this was probably my least favorite book of hers. It just lacked substance. It was insta-lust, immediately followed by insta-love. It was tooth-achingly sweet, fluffy to the point of ridiculousness and had such a silly, little plot it made me roll my eyes at several points.
The worst thing for me, though, is that it could have been vastly improved by taking the characters and their relationship more seriously. The beginning was actually pretty intriguing and I loved Derek, he was such a sweet person. But the moment he met Sam it just went downhill for me. It was lots of small things and if anyone is interested, I'm listing them here, because of spoilers What I also don't get at all is the whole idea for this series. Because why would it be illegal to use your superpowers if you're not a Royal? Nobody seemed to monitor it or actively keep "normal" people from using them.
Anyway, I liked some aspects of the story, mostly Dereks superpower (which could have been utilized better, though), his work as an archivist at the Ministry (the plot with the secret safe interested me way more than the one with the villains) and his relationship with his parents (which included some funny dialogue). Sam, on the other hand, stayed pretty bland throughout the book. I couldn't really connect to him.
After having read the first two books I don't think I will continue with this series. Even though the idea is fresh and fun I'm missing a bit of substance to the stories so far. Just a bit too cutesy-sweet for me. But if you're looking for light-hearted, sweet, quick reads you should give them a try.
September 10, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
The Hero and the Hidden Royal is not that story; it’s a cute, fluffy, insta-lust/love romance where one MC’s personality trait is almost solely comprised of his anxiety and the other by his heedless savior complex.
As the second book in the shared world of the multi-author Royal Powers series, it works well as a standalone, and frankly, benefits from its fantastic premise since it makes a pretty simplistic romance about an anxious/borderline obsessive man unique. Unfortunately, as Derek’s power keeps him from being comfortable exploring and living in his world, the reader is kept from exploring it much as well.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
The Hero and the Hidden Royal is not that story; it’s a cute, fluffy, insta-lust/love romance where one MC’s personality trait is almost solely comprised of his anxiety and the other by his heedless savior complex.
As the second book in the shared world of the multi-author Royal Powers series, it works well as a standalone, and frankly, benefits from its fantastic premise since it makes a pretty simplistic romance about an anxious/borderline obsessive man unique. Unfortunately, as Derek’s power keeps him from being comfortable exploring and living in his world, the reader is kept from exploring it much as well.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
September 9, 2020
Unique Storyline
I adored Derek. I want more of his Mom. Do not mess with her son! Sam was a big sweety. Unique storyline that made me smile.
I adored Derek. I want more of his Mom. Do not mess with her son! Sam was a big sweety. Unique storyline that made me smile.
August 7, 2020
I really liked this story... until the end. I loved the MCs, they were sweet and their situation made me chuckle. I really liked how the story is in the same universe and shares some of the same characters as Duking It Out but just as things are getting exciting it quickly (way too quickly) wraps up. *insert annoyed face* The only part of the ending I liked was Derek's mom, she cracked me up! I'm left feeling a bit unsatisfied.
TAGS
-- Super heroes -- Super powers -- Royalty -- sweet -- made me laugh -- loved the MCs... Derek & Sam -- really disliked the ending -- maybe it's another case of "it's me not the book" -- didn't hate this but the ending left me frustrated -- could have been so much more -- quick easy read -- read in one sitting
February 21, 2021
Derek was adorable and Sam was absolutely lovely! Definitely one of the sweetest pair of guys I've read recently.
May 1, 2023
Saying “Mamma mia on a duck with a cherry on top” during sex automatically lost this book a star on its own
July 29, 2020
I enjoyed this fun sweet romance about an ordinary guy who is a hero, and a guy with superpowers who considers himself anything but. This is the 2nd story in the Royal Powers shared universe. Royals and superpowers, what’s not to love?
While the last story in the series had at its centre men who are royalty so allowed to use their powers, I enjoyed reading the flip side of that. Derek isn’t a royal, at least not officially so needs to hide his powers as he’s not supposed to use them. I loved his total lack of control of his invisibility and thought the author was very creative in the problems that entailed. I liked how his powers are an extension of his personality and who he is, and how his control, or lack thereof, reflects his confidence in himself and his fear of the world around him.
I loved how Sam sees past Derek’s invisibility issues—no pun intended—and accepts him for who he is, and everything that goes with that. I loved Sam and how he is exactly who Derek needs. They’re perfect for each other, and their flirting is very sweet. I liked how Derek’s a total geek and I loved the LOTR references. And it’s a motorbike, not a moped. ;)
The supporting cast are fun, especially Derek’s parents. I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of his mother! She’s so much the opposite of his father who is very direct and onto it.
I liked how this tied into the events of the first book, with what happened in that one in the background, and affecting the characters, in this one. References to other stories are one of my favourite things about shared worlds. The ending for Derek and Sam’s story is perfect on many levels, and I hope to get a glimpse of these guys in the other Royal Powers books.
While the last story in the series had at its centre men who are royalty so allowed to use their powers, I enjoyed reading the flip side of that. Derek isn’t a royal, at least not officially so needs to hide his powers as he’s not supposed to use them. I loved his total lack of control of his invisibility and thought the author was very creative in the problems that entailed. I liked how his powers are an extension of his personality and who he is, and how his control, or lack thereof, reflects his confidence in himself and his fear of the world around him.
I loved how Sam sees past Derek’s invisibility issues—no pun intended—and accepts him for who he is, and everything that goes with that. I loved Sam and how he is exactly who Derek needs. They’re perfect for each other, and their flirting is very sweet. I liked how Derek’s a total geek and I loved the LOTR references. And it’s a motorbike, not a moped. ;)
The supporting cast are fun, especially Derek’s parents. I wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of his mother! She’s so much the opposite of his father who is very direct and onto it.
I liked how this tied into the events of the first book, with what happened in that one in the background, and affecting the characters, in this one. References to other stories are one of my favourite things about shared worlds. The ending for Derek and Sam’s story is perfect on many levels, and I hope to get a glimpse of these guys in the other Royal Powers books.
July 23, 2020
Superhero Royal MM Romance
2 stars!
Book 1 was so promising but book 2 didn't appear to carry the first storyline through and featured 2 completely new MCs. The world was the same but book 2 was significantly more boring.
The romance felt like it was forced to be front and center when it really made more sense as a secondary storyline. The main focus appeared to be the break ins but at one point that fell off and we were left with a lot of questions and no answers. It turns out that was likely a plot device. :( It really didn't have the right ratio of romance to plot for me.
I think my biggest frustration with this book was that the blurb felt completely different than the book I got. I expected this MC to be lost and invisible and the other MC struggling to find him because he is invisible that would be challenging but no. That didn't happen.
Overall, a disappointing addition to this series. I will likely try the next before I scrap this series.
2 stars!
Book 1 was so promising but book 2 didn't appear to carry the first storyline through and featured 2 completely new MCs. The world was the same but book 2 was significantly more boring.
The romance felt like it was forced to be front and center when it really made more sense as a secondary storyline. The main focus appeared to be the break ins but at one point that fell off and we were left with a lot of questions and no answers. It turns out that was likely a plot device. :( It really didn't have the right ratio of romance to plot for me.
I think my biggest frustration with this book was that the blurb felt completely different than the book I got. I expected this MC to be lost and invisible and the other MC struggling to find him because he is invisible that would be challenging but no. That didn't happen.
Overall, a disappointing addition to this series. I will likely try the next before I scrap this series.
July 29, 2020
This book was ok. I had really high hopes for this story, but, for me, it fell flat. The characters were fine. The story was fine. There was nothing exciting that drew me in. I thought Derek's job was interesting, and his power was really neat. But he was afraid of everything. It didn't seem like his invisibility was much of a challenge in his relationship with Sam. The blurb indicates that Sam and Derek would be tested when Derek is kidnapped. This was such a short little part of the book, and I thought the reason he was kidnapped, and the entire kidnapping fiasco, was absurd. Other people clearly liked this book, but for me it was just ok.
November 14, 2020
This was, OK. It tried to do too much for such a short story, and it felt, off. I didn't read the first book, since it's by a different author, but assume that the missing Prince storyline, that I kept waiting to read more about, was from that book? Or maybe the next one, but it certainly wasn't told in this one and I kept waiting for more. It felt misplaced, and I felt robbed that I didn't get to find out what happened. It didn't feel like a teaser. It felt misplaced, and I felt robbed that I didn't get to find out what happened.
Still an author I enjoy, and it won't stop me from exploring more of her work.
Still an author I enjoy, and it won't stop me from exploring more of her work.
September 16, 2020
After how much I LOVED Duking It Out, this book was a disappointment. It didn't have the same character development or the great connection between the couple that you felt for Sander and Tarik. This book jumped right into sleeping together without any development of their relationship, and that left me not engaging with any deep connection between the two. There just wasn't much of a story in this one.
October 8, 2020
This was disappointing because I enjoyed the first book in the series much more. The quality was better. And then I realized, well, they're written by different people! That honestly put me off from reading the rest of the series.
Read
April 28, 2023Derek has the most adorable superpower and Sam is lovely.
Read
June 8, 2021DNF
Read
January 19, 2022DNF at 37%
Read
September 25, 2020A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 ⭐️
Since the moment of his birth, Derek Carson’s power of invisibility has been the bane of his existence. You’d think living in a world where superpowers are common, Derek would have no trouble fitting in or finding guidance. Unfortunately, as Derek has no known connection to the royal families and only directly acknowledged decedents of royalty are “supposed” to have powers, Derek is in a class of underground citizens who have powers that are illegal for them to use. Moreover, Derek’s power is tied closely to his fears and anxiety, and as Derek is anxiety personified, he has little active control over his invisibility, creating a life of isolation and loneliness—until the night he saves Sam Jeffries.
While watching a tall, big guy bravely taking on three attackers, Derek forces himself to intervene when a gun comes into play. Not wanting to deal with the hassle of the police and the red tape around his powers (especially since he can’t calm himself enough to be visible), Derek takes the stranger to his home to clean him up and find out what’s going on. Derek quickly learns that Sam’s compassionate heart and protective streak is as large as his body, and soon finds himself swooning over the beautiful, flirtatious man. He downright melts when Sam finds Derek’s invisibility delightful rather than annoying. Soon, the two are rushing headlong into love, and despite Derek’s perceived limitations, he is hopeful. Getting caught in the crosshairs of a conspiracy and kidnapping is something even Derek’s obsessively pessimistic brain hadn’t conjured up, and the situation will test him and Sam in various ways.
I chose "The Hero and the Hidden Royal" for Self Published Book Week of our Reading Challenge Month because I found the idea of having a caste system that incorporates superpower usage into its power structure, as well as a character dealing with a power they can’t control or hide intriguing. How someone learns to live with being almost constantly invisible because they are basically afraid at all times, and how/what they would do to manage or overcome this seems like it would be a fascinating character journey. The "The Hero and the Hidden Royal" is not that story; it’s a cute, fluffy, insta-lust/love romance where one MC’s personality trait is almost solely comprised of his anxiety and the other by his heedless savior complex.
As the second book in the shared world of the multi-author Royal Powers series, it works well as a standalone, and frankly, benefits from its fantastic premise since it makes a pretty simplistic romance about an anxious/borderline obsessive man unique. Unfortunately, as Derek’s power keeps him from being comfortable exploring and living in his world, the reader is kept from exploring it much as well. As Derek works for the Ministry of Powers (the government agency tasked with monitoring the use of superpowers and prosecuting illegal occurrences), Derek is an archivist who works alone, so the reader is given only a glimpse as to what the agency does, how it performs its duties, how/why these people aren’t supposed to exist (since genetics aren’t really a thing here apparently), and how the existence of non-royals with powers can even be kept a secret considering there are A LOT of these people populating the story.
However, while I might have wanted to know more (such as if powers are common and it’s necessary to hide non-royal power-bearers, why are there no resources to help Derek’s parents deal with an invisible child, especially since his birth would have been documented from day one by the Ministry?), none of that is relevant to the story outside of Derek’s job and a historical mystery he uncovers. The story is focused on Derek, and is told with a light, airy, Disney fairy tale-ish tone. I especially found the beginning comedic, whimsical, and delightful as it covers Derek’s upbringing. How quickly Derek falls for Sam is sadly believable, as he has no real friends (even among coworkers who seem to like him) and allusions to his sparse dating history hint at bad/hurtful endings for him. Since Derek is so sweet and Sam so positively upbeat and game for anything, their swift courtship (and Derek’s extreme desperation to get Sam to bone him) fit the tone of the story. I just wished there was a little more to the characters themselves. For although Derek is a bit more fleshed out than Sam, they’re both somewhat one-dimensional, functioning more as contrasting archetypes rather than fully fledged characters.
Additionally, had the story stuck to the fluff or executed the kidnapping better, I might have enjoyed it more. Said kidnapping doesn’t occur until most of the way in, isn’t connected to the one interesting plot line that made a kidnapping seem at least plausible, and is as quickly wrapped up as one would expect given the limited narrative space left. And I hate to say it, but the bad guy dialogue is so painful and trite, it made me REALLY wish the kidnapping hadn’t happened. I’ve never seen the word “ape” written so many times when not reading about primates (or a 4chan post). Moreover, while this event seems set up to provide growth/self-actualization for Derek, it lands pretty flat as Derek doesn’t grow or begin to believe in himself more. Instead, he embraces “damsel” mode wholeheartedly, choosing to believe in being rescued by his knight in shining armor rather than himself. The only thing Derek doesn’t do is sing “Some Day My Prince Will Come.”
That being said, Derek’s mother’s involvement in the rescue brings back some of the fun and charm from the beginning, and the ending hands off the continuing thread to the next book in the series without a cliffhanger. Overall, "The Hero and the Hidden Royal" is a frothy, quick, and amusing enough read, and will probably be enjoyed most by those who’s catnip involves insta-love, cute, self-deprecating virgins, and physically imposing good guys who are protective teddy bears.
3.25 ⭐️
Since the moment of his birth, Derek Carson’s power of invisibility has been the bane of his existence. You’d think living in a world where superpowers are common, Derek would have no trouble fitting in or finding guidance. Unfortunately, as Derek has no known connection to the royal families and only directly acknowledged decedents of royalty are “supposed” to have powers, Derek is in a class of underground citizens who have powers that are illegal for them to use. Moreover, Derek’s power is tied closely to his fears and anxiety, and as Derek is anxiety personified, he has little active control over his invisibility, creating a life of isolation and loneliness—until the night he saves Sam Jeffries.
While watching a tall, big guy bravely taking on three attackers, Derek forces himself to intervene when a gun comes into play. Not wanting to deal with the hassle of the police and the red tape around his powers (especially since he can’t calm himself enough to be visible), Derek takes the stranger to his home to clean him up and find out what’s going on. Derek quickly learns that Sam’s compassionate heart and protective streak is as large as his body, and soon finds himself swooning over the beautiful, flirtatious man. He downright melts when Sam finds Derek’s invisibility delightful rather than annoying. Soon, the two are rushing headlong into love, and despite Derek’s perceived limitations, he is hopeful. Getting caught in the crosshairs of a conspiracy and kidnapping is something even Derek’s obsessively pessimistic brain hadn’t conjured up, and the situation will test him and Sam in various ways.
I chose "The Hero and the Hidden Royal" for Self Published Book Week of our Reading Challenge Month because I found the idea of having a caste system that incorporates superpower usage into its power structure, as well as a character dealing with a power they can’t control or hide intriguing. How someone learns to live with being almost constantly invisible because they are basically afraid at all times, and how/what they would do to manage or overcome this seems like it would be a fascinating character journey. The "The Hero and the Hidden Royal" is not that story; it’s a cute, fluffy, insta-lust/love romance where one MC’s personality trait is almost solely comprised of his anxiety and the other by his heedless savior complex.
As the second book in the shared world of the multi-author Royal Powers series, it works well as a standalone, and frankly, benefits from its fantastic premise since it makes a pretty simplistic romance about an anxious/borderline obsessive man unique. Unfortunately, as Derek’s power keeps him from being comfortable exploring and living in his world, the reader is kept from exploring it much as well. As Derek works for the Ministry of Powers (the government agency tasked with monitoring the use of superpowers and prosecuting illegal occurrences), Derek is an archivist who works alone, so the reader is given only a glimpse as to what the agency does, how it performs its duties, how/why these people aren’t supposed to exist (since genetics aren’t really a thing here apparently), and how the existence of non-royals with powers can even be kept a secret considering there are A LOT of these people populating the story.
However, while I might have wanted to know more (such as if powers are common and it’s necessary to hide non-royal power-bearers, why are there no resources to help Derek’s parents deal with an invisible child, especially since his birth would have been documented from day one by the Ministry?), none of that is relevant to the story outside of Derek’s job and a historical mystery he uncovers. The story is focused on Derek, and is told with a light, airy, Disney fairy tale-ish tone. I especially found the beginning comedic, whimsical, and delightful as it covers Derek’s upbringing. How quickly Derek falls for Sam is sadly believable, as he has no real friends (even among coworkers who seem to like him) and allusions to his sparse dating history hint at bad/hurtful endings for him. Since Derek is so sweet and Sam so positively upbeat and game for anything, their swift courtship (and Derek’s extreme desperation to get Sam to bone him) fit the tone of the story. I just wished there was a little more to the characters themselves. For although Derek is a bit more fleshed out than Sam, they’re both somewhat one-dimensional, functioning more as contrasting archetypes rather than fully fledged characters.
Additionally, had the story stuck to the fluff or executed the kidnapping better, I might have enjoyed it more. Said kidnapping doesn’t occur until most of the way in, isn’t connected to the one interesting plot line that made a kidnapping seem at least plausible, and is as quickly wrapped up as one would expect given the limited narrative space left. And I hate to say it, but the bad guy dialogue is so painful and trite, it made me REALLY wish the kidnapping hadn’t happened. I’ve never seen the word “ape” written so many times when not reading about primates (or a 4chan post). Moreover, while this event seems set up to provide growth/self-actualization for Derek, it lands pretty flat as Derek doesn’t grow or begin to believe in himself more. Instead, he embraces “damsel” mode wholeheartedly, choosing to believe in being rescued by his knight in shining armor rather than himself. The only thing Derek doesn’t do is sing “Some Day My Prince Will Come.”
That being said, Derek’s mother’s involvement in the rescue brings back some of the fun and charm from the beginning, and the ending hands off the continuing thread to the next book in the series without a cliffhanger. Overall, "The Hero and the Hidden Royal" is a frothy, quick, and amusing enough read, and will probably be enjoyed most by those who’s catnip involves insta-love, cute, self-deprecating virgins, and physically imposing good guys who are protective teddy bears.
August 7, 2020
This is an unusual book - a very refreshing and different romance. Derek Carson has a superpower, invisibility … but he can’t control it and it is triggered by any flight or flight reaction Derek has. As a result, Derek lives a very isolated life, without any close relationships (other than his parents) because people don’t know how to interact with a person they can’t see. Derek constantly has to prove himself: He’s presumed to be royalty, because only royals have superpowers, but he doesn’t have proof. As a result, he isn’t allowed to live as royalty and is prohibited from using his superpowers, ... except he can’t prevent himself from turning invisible. He finds himself in an endless cycle of disappearing when he wants to be seen because he is afraid, but when he wants to be invisible, he can’t because he needs to prove that he is not a threat because of his superpower and that he is not breaking the law because he can’t control it. Ironically, everyone seems to notice someone who’s invisible and Derek is exhausted from constant management of his reactions, his surroundings, and other people.
Then he meets Sam Jeffries, who Derek thinks is a hero who is not afraid of anything. Sam isn’t put off by Derek’s invisibility. In fact, he treats him like a regular person and is just genuinely happy to be with him. The relationship between Derek and Sam is lovely and you will attach to both MCs quickly because they are so likeable. The book has a good mix of romance and action, and is just a really enjoyable fast read. Derek and Sam paint a nice portrait of opposites attract; they are seemingly different in every way, physically and emotionally, but they seem to fit with each other perfectly. The book also plays with the whole extraordinary in the ordinary idea by looking at Sam, who is not a royal and doesn’t have superpowers, with Derek, who has superpowers that he can only use when he’s afraid. It’s interesting to think about the implications of Derek’s seeming conundrum - is it really true that he can’t be a hero because he’s not brave? In actuality, I think the message is that being brave makes you a hero or conversely, that being a hero means you are brave, regardless of whether you have any superpowers to back that up. Being a hero is tied to your attitude, not your physical powers or traits. Notably, Derek is brave when he meets Sam, yet he is invisible at the same time, perhaps best illustrating that point.
This book is number 2 in the series. I did not read book 1 first, and didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not having read it, although I enjoyed the writing style of the author so I will likely go back and read the first book as well.
Then he meets Sam Jeffries, who Derek thinks is a hero who is not afraid of anything. Sam isn’t put off by Derek’s invisibility. In fact, he treats him like a regular person and is just genuinely happy to be with him. The relationship between Derek and Sam is lovely and you will attach to both MCs quickly because they are so likeable. The book has a good mix of romance and action, and is just a really enjoyable fast read. Derek and Sam paint a nice portrait of opposites attract; they are seemingly different in every way, physically and emotionally, but they seem to fit with each other perfectly. The book also plays with the whole extraordinary in the ordinary idea by looking at Sam, who is not a royal and doesn’t have superpowers, with Derek, who has superpowers that he can only use when he’s afraid. It’s interesting to think about the implications of Derek’s seeming conundrum - is it really true that he can’t be a hero because he’s not brave? In actuality, I think the message is that being brave makes you a hero or conversely, that being a hero means you are brave, regardless of whether you have any superpowers to back that up. Being a hero is tied to your attitude, not your physical powers or traits. Notably, Derek is brave when he meets Sam, yet he is invisible at the same time, perhaps best illustrating that point.
This book is number 2 in the series. I did not read book 1 first, and didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not having read it, although I enjoyed the writing style of the author so I will likely go back and read the first book as well.
September 6, 2020
I love the Royal Powers series and Renae Kaye's "The Hero and the Hidden Royal" didn't disappoint. This series should be read in order because there are hints dropped in this book about some of the events from Duking It Out.
What do you do if you have a superpower and you aren't a member of the Royal Family? You're banned from using your power especially if you aren't officially in the royal family tree like Derek. Derek's superpower definitely gives him the perfect tool to show his superpower. His power of invisibility is triggered by fear so anytime that he is afraid, anxious, or uneasy...he disappears.
One night, Derek hears something happening and decides to be brave for once. He rescues Sam, a giant and gentle hero, from being bashed by a trio of evil-doers and takes him home to bandage his wounds. Sam possesses all the traits of a hero that Derek wishes he had. He's big, strong and protective of everyone he cares about and he definitely cares about Derek. What does a boyfriend have to do to make his fearful partner visible to his eye? Kiss away his fears to make him visible and soothe his fear. Their rapport and relationship quickly evolves into something more. I adored their quick banter and loving relationship especially over the motorbike/moped :) It was so sweet and wonderful to witness Sam's protective streak with Derek and having Derek summon the courage not to be afraid.
Derek's parents are wonderful and I loved the mystery of finding out if Derek really belongs in the royal family. The ending was perfect and I can't wait to read more in this wonderful series :)
What do you do if you have a superpower and you aren't a member of the Royal Family? You're banned from using your power especially if you aren't officially in the royal family tree like Derek. Derek's superpower definitely gives him the perfect tool to show his superpower. His power of invisibility is triggered by fear so anytime that he is afraid, anxious, or uneasy...he disappears.
One night, Derek hears something happening and decides to be brave for once. He rescues Sam, a giant and gentle hero, from being bashed by a trio of evil-doers and takes him home to bandage his wounds. Sam possesses all the traits of a hero that Derek wishes he had. He's big, strong and protective of everyone he cares about and he definitely cares about Derek. What does a boyfriend have to do to make his fearful partner visible to his eye? Kiss away his fears to make him visible and soothe his fear. Their rapport and relationship quickly evolves into something more. I adored their quick banter and loving relationship especially over the motorbike/moped :) It was so sweet and wonderful to witness Sam's protective streak with Derek and having Derek summon the courage not to be afraid.
Derek's parents are wonderful and I loved the mystery of finding out if Derek really belongs in the royal family. The ending was perfect and I can't wait to read more in this wonderful series :)
October 6, 2020
After the first installment of this shared-world series focused on the royals who have superpowers, I was excited to read something similar yet completely different. The fact that some “commoners” also have superpowers is unsurprising based on how the world works. I was also intrigued by the concept of a regulatory authority that employs those non-royals with powers.
On the romance side of the story, Derek and Sam were an absolute delight. Their “meet-cute” did not feel contrived, and while the pace of their growing relationship did feel rushed at times, the characters were so adorable that I was happy to roll with it. Derek’s involvement in Sam’s dilemma was also resolved in a fun way, though the danger was still believable.
My biggest quibble with this story is that absolutely none of it took advantage of the southern European setting of North and South Abarra. Every name in the book is Anglicized, and other than Sam referring to spending some time in Madrid, the book could have taken place anywhere in America or most of the United Kingdom. Kaye missed out on some world-building opportunities, and I felt the lack. I appreciate that events from the previous book, DUKING IT OUT, were referenced, but a particular sub-plot on Derek’s end is also never resolved.
The title itself gets top marks for how it can serve a dual purpose based on which characters you’re thinking of. I still look forward to continuing with the books in this series, even if this particular author did not strike a chord with me.
On the romance side of the story, Derek and Sam were an absolute delight. Their “meet-cute” did not feel contrived, and while the pace of their growing relationship did feel rushed at times, the characters were so adorable that I was happy to roll with it. Derek’s involvement in Sam’s dilemma was also resolved in a fun way, though the danger was still believable.
My biggest quibble with this story is that absolutely none of it took advantage of the southern European setting of North and South Abarra. Every name in the book is Anglicized, and other than Sam referring to spending some time in Madrid, the book could have taken place anywhere in America or most of the United Kingdom. Kaye missed out on some world-building opportunities, and I felt the lack. I appreciate that events from the previous book, DUKING IT OUT, were referenced, but a particular sub-plot on Derek’s end is also never resolved.
The title itself gets top marks for how it can serve a dual purpose based on which characters you’re thinking of. I still look forward to continuing with the books in this series, even if this particular author did not strike a chord with me.
August 8, 2020
I usually adore this author and while this story was a nice one, it didn't really meet what I've come to expect from them. This was a sweet story that's in a truly compelling world that started with a bang in Duking it Out by E.J. Russell, but has kind of fizzled in terms of the individual relationships. There is some crossover in some drama that occurs in the first story which gives a bit of cohesion here, but the romance in this story just wasn't compelling.
Both men were cute at first, but there was a whole lot of inner monologuing and description and storytelling that didn't make the story feel dynamic. It instead dragged where more dialogue and perhaps even a dual POV would have given us something different, something...just more, I suppose. I liked where we ended up and that Derek mostly figured himself out and was eventually recognized by the royals for his courage. That was a bright spot because it showed character evolution, but the romance was tame and Sam was short-sighted with his role in the whole drama. His sweetness and interest in Derek was good though, so it was enough to think they were a good match.
So overall this was a nice story, just not a compelling one. The world is more interesting than this particular couple and I'm hoping that the series gets back to where we started.
Both men were cute at first, but there was a whole lot of inner monologuing and description and storytelling that didn't make the story feel dynamic. It instead dragged where more dialogue and perhaps even a dual POV would have given us something different, something...just more, I suppose. I liked where we ended up and that Derek mostly figured himself out and was eventually recognized by the royals for his courage. That was a bright spot because it showed character evolution, but the romance was tame and Sam was short-sighted with his role in the whole drama. His sweetness and interest in Derek was good though, so it was enough to think they were a good match.
So overall this was a nice story, just not a compelling one. The world is more interesting than this particular couple and I'm hoping that the series gets back to where we started.
August 4, 2020
This is the second book in the Royal Powers series, a set of unconnected stories that take place in a shared-world of royal superheroes.
The Royal in the title of this book is Derek. He's often invisible...literally. That's his superpower, but he unfortunately can't control it and it's triggered every time he is afraid, nervous or upset/emotional, which is a lot! Sam is the 'real life' titular Hero and they meet when Derek takes care of him after he's assaulted.
There are a few references to the plot in the first Royal Powers story and Derek works for a branch of the Ministry, so there's a nice feeling of continuation of the shared world. I like the MCs; Derek's vulnerability is quite endearing and the way in which Sam deals with his involuntary invisibility is sweet. Where The Hero And The Hidden Royal falls down for me a little is it is a bit too short to really pull off all three main arcs (the circumstances around Sam's attack, the romance of Derek and Sam's growing relationship and Derek's kidnapping.
There's the foundation for a really great story here, but it doesn't quite work for me. The Hero And The Hidden Royal is a nice, fluffy, low-angst read, though. 3*
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
The Royal in the title of this book is Derek. He's often invisible...literally. That's his superpower, but he unfortunately can't control it and it's triggered every time he is afraid, nervous or upset/emotional, which is a lot! Sam is the 'real life' titular Hero and they meet when Derek takes care of him after he's assaulted.
There are a few references to the plot in the first Royal Powers story and Derek works for a branch of the Ministry, so there's a nice feeling of continuation of the shared world. I like the MCs; Derek's vulnerability is quite endearing and the way in which Sam deals with his involuntary invisibility is sweet. Where The Hero And The Hidden Royal falls down for me a little is it is a bit too short to really pull off all three main arcs (the circumstances around Sam's attack, the romance of Derek and Sam's growing relationship and Derek's kidnapping.
There's the foundation for a really great story here, but it doesn't quite work for me. The Hero And The Hidden Royal is a nice, fluffy, low-angst read, though. 3*
An ARC was provided by GRR in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2020
Derek has a very difficult life thanks to his power of turning invisible because he can't control it and is manifesting when his scared.
Sam is a brave man that risk his own life to protect the persons he cares about.
When this two meet Derek is extremely scared so invisible and Sam fights three men. Derek takes Sam to his apartment and tends to Sam's injuries while being invisible and his scared Sam will be scared of him and it will run.
They form a connection that end up to love but Sam has to be very careful to not scare Derek and if that happens then to make him feel comfortable so he can be visible again.
At first sight they are totally opposite by way of seeing life and by way of acting in it. Derek needs to brave and confident when he's kidnapped and he succeeds in doing so by thinking of Sam and having trust that he'll save him.
It was a very sweet and adorable read and the funny moments in combination with the mystery and a little of suspense makes this book a must read. Plus there are a couple of surprise at the end that will put a smile on your face.
Sam is a brave man that risk his own life to protect the persons he cares about.
When this two meet Derek is extremely scared so invisible and Sam fights three men. Derek takes Sam to his apartment and tends to Sam's injuries while being invisible and his scared Sam will be scared of him and it will run.
They form a connection that end up to love but Sam has to be very careful to not scare Derek and if that happens then to make him feel comfortable so he can be visible again.
At first sight they are totally opposite by way of seeing life and by way of acting in it. Derek needs to brave and confident when he's kidnapped and he succeeds in doing so by thinking of Sam and having trust that he'll save him.
It was a very sweet and adorable read and the funny moments in combination with the mystery and a little of suspense makes this book a must read. Plus there are a couple of surprise at the end that will put a smile on your face.
July 27, 2020
Derek is afraid of everything, which can be complicated because fear make him invisible. His super power is pretty worthless and not being a royal he’s not allowed to use it. One night he rescues Sam in a dark alley. Sam is brightness, funny, so sure of himself, beautiful once the bruises heal, and he makes Derek feel visible.
I liked Sam’s conviction that Derek was important. His strength and belief in Derek was just what the shy, terrified, sweet man needed. I also liked that they took their time before they got too intimate.
Like the other stories in the series, this one kind of ended on a HFN. I’m hoping that at the end of the series that we will get an epilogue for all the characters, although with each book being written by a different author I’m doubtful.
This was a sweet story with good characters. Derek’s mom is a force to be reckoned with (at least for the bad guys).
I received an arc of this book.
I liked Sam’s conviction that Derek was important. His strength and belief in Derek was just what the shy, terrified, sweet man needed. I also liked that they took their time before they got too intimate.
Like the other stories in the series, this one kind of ended on a HFN. I’m hoping that at the end of the series that we will get an epilogue for all the characters, although with each book being written by a different author I’m doubtful.
This was a sweet story with good characters. Derek’s mom is a force to be reckoned with (at least for the bad guys).
I received an arc of this book.
August 10, 2020
These series don't work for me *sigh*. I liked the first book well enough, did not care much for the third book which I read before this book and ended up disappointed with this one.
I'm a fan of Renae Kaye but this book does not even feel like her writing. It's missing the wry humor, no nonsense style and a sizzling attraction between MCs which have pulled me in with Loving Jay years ago. Even short stories in the anthologies the author participated in gave more sparks than this novella.
This book felt like written in purple prose which author has never employed before and the source of my disappointment.
The series themselves don't feel interconnected despite the same location/universe and the current MCs were nice and kind of down to earth but I did not feel much for them because their romance was tepid at best and the entire invisibility power was not explored to the full potential. Resolution was too easy though I did like the epilogue.
I'm a fan of Renae Kaye but this book does not even feel like her writing. It's missing the wry humor, no nonsense style and a sizzling attraction between MCs which have pulled me in with Loving Jay years ago. Even short stories in the anthologies the author participated in gave more sparks than this novella.
This book felt like written in purple prose which author has never employed before and the source of my disappointment.
The series themselves don't feel interconnected despite the same location/universe and the current MCs were nice and kind of down to earth but I did not feel much for them because their romance was tepid at best and the entire invisibility power was not explored to the full potential. Resolution was too easy though I did like the epilogue.
August 4, 2020
Another wonderful addition to the series
After reading the first in the series, I could not wait to get my hands on the second and it did not disappoint. While each book is written by a different author and can be read as a standalone, it is certainly worthwhile to read them in order as events, characters, and scenery overlaps. Each book focuses on one couple with at least one superpower between the two. Derek, who’s power of invisibility is a hindrance as well as a help, meets larger than life Sam while Sam is attempting to stop a robbery in progress. When Sam is injured, Derek takes Sam home and patches him up while he’s falling in love. The progression of the story and their relationship is beautiful and I cannot wait to read the next installment of this magical series.
After reading the first in the series, I could not wait to get my hands on the second and it did not disappoint. While each book is written by a different author and can be read as a standalone, it is certainly worthwhile to read them in order as events, characters, and scenery overlaps. Each book focuses on one couple with at least one superpower between the two. Derek, who’s power of invisibility is a hindrance as well as a help, meets larger than life Sam while Sam is attempting to stop a robbery in progress. When Sam is injured, Derek takes Sam home and patches him up while he’s falling in love. The progression of the story and their relationship is beautiful and I cannot wait to read the next installment of this magical series.
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