His majesty has returned and he’ll take more than his throne in this royal romance by Natalie Anderson!
He’ll claim his kingdom… and anyone that stands in his way!
After ten years in hiding, Crown Prince Lucian returns from the dead to reclaim his throne. His first task? Stopping his usurper’s wedding! As a media frenzy ensues, Lucian feels honor bound to provide jilted princess Zara with shelter in his palace…
Abandoned in disgrace by her controlling family, Zara has no option but to trust the new king. She knows restoring his rule is Lucian’s sole priority, but behind his lavish castle walls, the chemistry between the ruthless royal and the virgin princess sparks an urgent, irresistible desire…
From Harlequin Escape to exotic locations where passion knows no bounds.
Read all the Innocent Royal Runaways
Book 1: Impossible Heir for the King Book 2: Back to Claim His Crown
Natalie Anderson is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes emotional contemporary romances full of sparkling banter, sizzling heat and uplifting endings—perfect for readers who love to escape with everyday empowered heroines and arrogant alphas who are too sexy for their own good. With over five million books sold, her stories are translated into more than a dozen languages, she’s been a Romantic Times Award nominee and a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year). When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrangling her four fab kids, walking Alfie, the mini schnauzer and laughing with her husband at the end of the day–unless they’ve taken Romeo, the Campervan for a spin. She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Oh I really enjoyed this one. Lucian and Zara were a fabulous coupling and whilst I’m not really into royal fairy stories, I did enjoy this beautifully executed story.
This is the 2nd book in the series and it was awesome, it’s about 2 people who are broken by their pasts. The h was a princess who had never experienced life outside of her castle. She is funny, beautiful, outspoken and kind, her family had neglected her. She meets the H when he stops her wedding to his cousin who had tried to kill him. It took him 10 years to become physically and mentally ready to take back his kingdom. The H had guilt issues about leaving his mother, who died unexpectedly when she thought he had died. There’s drama, comedy and great love scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great ending.
Tropes : royal romance Ending : HEA (set a couple years with their daughter and unborn son) Triggers : attempted murder (toward MMC), death of parents (MMC's), slight mention of mental health problem Spice: 🔥🔥/5 Angst: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 OM/OW drama: not really (the H was jealous of guys that were dancing with the h at the ball) Celibate while separated: yes (slight couple of weeks separation) Standalone/Series: Standalone
Hero: Lucian Heroine: Zara Kink: dual virgins
The hero was a virgin! wow, it was as rare as a leprechaun in HP land. I only ever read 1 other HP book that got virgin hero in it. This one was pretty cute with medium angst. The H wasn't a cruel asshole and the h wasn't the naive shy woman that usually existed in the HP universe.
The push and pull wasn't bad and I believe their love towards each other. A good book to read to pass time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Maybe I’ll come back to this one day, but it’s a DNF.
I just didn’t like how he acted like, “Why are you still here and how soon can you be gone?” And then immediately was a.) sharing personal, sexual history with this complete stranger, and b.) inviting her to private meals because she “entertained” him.
He also keeps getting pressed on the, “Why stay away for 10 years thing”, and keeps repeating a lame, “wasn’t the right time”, blah, blah, blah.
Just feels too contrived…like they’re saying specific things to move the plot a specific direction, not because that’s how these characters the author’s created would actually behave.
Couldn’t tolerate it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
After ten years in hiding, Crown Prince Lucian returns from the dead to reclaim his throne. His first task? Stopping his usurper’s wedding! As a media frenzy ensues, Lucian feels honor bound to provide jilted princess Zara with shelter in his palace…
Abandoned in disgrace by her controlling family, Zara has no option but to trust the new king. She knows restoring his rule is Lucian’s sole priority, but behind his lavish castle walls, the chemistry between the ruthless royal and the virgin princess sparks an urgent, irresistible desire…
It was ok, however I was not a fan of heroine pursuing the hero. In the beginning he wanted her to leave but she kind of blackmailed him into letting her stay. She was also trying to get him to sleep with her. He did want her and was just struggling with feelings of not being worthy etc, but I would prefer the hero to pursue the heroine. P.
I did really like that hero and heroine were both virgins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Royal angst, sizzling chemistry, and a second-chance twist you didn’t see coming.
When exiled Prince Lucian crashes a royal wedding (dramatic much?), he’s not just reclaiming his crown—he’s rekindling a fiery connection with Princess Zara. It’s tense, emotional, and oh-so-steamy.
If you’re into slow burns, palace drama, and broody heroes with guilt issues, this is your jam. Bonus: BOTH are virgins?! 👀