What woman doesn’t want to wear a tiara? Me. The one who lives in yoga pants and knows she’s not special enough to be a princess. One minute I’m starting my dream life in NYC, and the next, a man too hot for his own good is banging on my door, telling me that I’m a long lost princess of a country on the other side of the Atlantic. Not exactly your typical Friday night in the Big Apple. … in the Big Apple.
Suddenly, all of my plans for the future are yanked away. I’m trapped in a life filled with social obligations–and stilettos!–and an uptight royal family I didn’t know existed. They, and the whole rest of the freaking country, have lofty expectations I’m not sure I can meet.
At least the aforementioned sexalicious man, Elias, is my constant shadow, protecting me with his life. The whole situation is overwhelming. So I’ve secretly put him in charge of my happiness, too…and he’s taking my orders very, very seriously.
So seriously, I’m falling for him even harder than the new country I’m coming to…maybe…love.
And that’s a major problem, because he’s crazy about me, too. I may not know all the zillion rules about being royal, but I know one for sure: No way can a princess date her bodyguard…
Each book in the Sexy Misadventures of Royals series is STANDALONE:
* The Princess Problem
* Ruling the Princess
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What a fun read. Christi Barth always delivers endearing characters, going through unusual challenges, written in a humorous voice.
Sisters Kelsey and Mallory Wishner had dreamed about moving from their small Michigan town to Manhattan and had finally done it. Kelsey had her dream job as a graphic designer, working at home on her computer. One dream she never did have was to be a Disney Princess, but their unpacking was interrupted by a crowd of “hot men” at their door, headed by Elias Trebanti, Royal Protective Service of the tiny nation of Moncriano. It seems that when Kelsey applied for a part time teaching job, she needed to be fingerprinted and hers revealed her to be the missing princess, kidnapped when she was an infant. While Kelsey is skeptical, she agrees to go to Moncriano- but only if Mallory comes too.
From the start, Elias is drawn to this kind, funny warm, beautiful woman, sister of his best friend, and she to him, her protector. But she is not sure that she will even stay in Moncriano, as she was very happy with who she was before. And whether she stays or not, Elias being a commoner and her a princess is not a relationship that would be permitted in Moncriano and if she goes back to America he would not be able to come with her. But not to worry, they do get their HEA.
I read an ARC provided by Entangled via NetGalley.com. this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Princess Problem
By: Christi Barth
*REVIEW*
Like so many other girls, I loved The Princess Diaries when I was younger. Who wouldn’t want to be a long lost princess? Kelsey is a charming character-just a girl suddenly deemed royalty-handling the situation as best she can. Thank goodness for hottie bodyguard, Elias, to help Kelsey through this royal maze. Together, these two are an adorable entertaining couple who you will root for all the way. I love the reminiscent vibe of this story and recommend for all the girls dreaming about just such a fairytale life.
This is an interesting read. I enjoyed the reading and loved both Elias and Kelsey. They’re such perfect characters and you won’t be able to help yourself but fall in love with them.
Kelsey’s life is changed all of a sudden when she finds out that she is a princess of some small country in Europe. Which might be every American’s dream is a nightmare for her. She was happy in her life and was excited to start in a new city with her sister and now, she finds out that she has another family. A royal one at that. To make matters worse she feels attracted to her bodyguard. That goes against the protocols of being a princess.
Elias thinks his job will be easy. All he needs to do is find the lost princess, bring her home and keep her safe. He never thought that it would be so difficult to keep his hands to himself and not kiss her. She is unlike anyone he knows and he is having a hard time resisting her charm. After all, somethings can never be.
I think that this is a very well written story and has the right amount of humor and romance. I really enjoyed this charming tale about a princess and her bodyguard.
This book cracked me up. It might be the only time when the commoner finds out she’s a princess and says, “Yeah, thanks, but no thanks.” It was a quick read and lots of fun!
When I was younger one of my favorite movies was The Princess Diaries….this book is my love of a character being an unknown princesses come to life!!
I loved that Kelsey gets thrust into this crazy strict world and that we see her teach her family that she’s not just the long lost Princess Valentina, she’s Kelsey. I also loved Kelsey & Elias! GAH! This book will definitely be one that I re-read many, many times!!
Doesn’t every little girl dream of being a princess one day? Of being swept off her feet and whisked away to a castle and living her happily ever after with her dream prince? I know I did growing up. Seriously, who wouldn’t fall in love with Prince Charming?
But reality sure as heck isn’t anything like a dream. Just ask Kelsey. She’s identified as a long-lost European princess and whisked away to her potential new life—after finally living what was her dream life in New York City. Sure, it was only for a couple of days, but she knew she’d love NYC once she got used to it.
But now she’s in a foreign country. Meeting her family as an adult, independent woman—one raised to speak her mind. And it’s going to be a challenge trying to get to know her siblings, learn all the royal protocol and used to having no freedom of movement, bodyguards, and a wardrobe to die for.
Speaking of bodyguards. Elias is assigned to protect Kelsey—but who’s protecting Elias from falling in love with her? And she with him. It’s not allowed—and could become dangerous if he’s distracted from his duties. Did I say it’s also against the rules? But rules are made to be broken, right??
I really enjoyed the romance between Kelsey and Elias. Their attraction and connection felt real and deep. And their banter was fun and sexy. I totally connected with Elias and his worry over duty versus love—and the struggle he had.
The Princess Problem was a fun twist on royal romance and in the end, I was fully satisfied and happy with Elias and Kelsey’s HEA.
I was so surprised by how much I loved this book! After Kelsey and her sister finally achieve their dream of living in NYC, her world seems to crash around her when she finds out she is actually a princess that was kidnapped as a baby. Confused and hesitant, she agrees to travel to meet her family and get more information about what happened to her. Elias, the guard tasked with not only finding her but also bringing her home, has ties to her original kidnapping and while he’s attracted to her is unwilling to risk his family’s reputation. As Kelsey attempts to assimilate into life as a royal, she finds herself unable to bond or relate to her family and it pushes her more to spend time with who she’s comfortable with – Elias. This was my first book by Christi but it won’t be my last, especially since we get Genevieve’s book next! I really enjoyed her style of writing and the pace of the storyline, not to mention the plot! It was definitely a Hallmark movie but in book form and I couldn’t get enough!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Charming, & Entertaining! This story was well written, light in the drama department, was witty, cute, entertaining, and a pretty fun read for the most part, but sometimes low drama and angst and a whole lot of charm is just what you need. And with such great characters and a delightfully fun spin on a royal romance story this was a fun and quick read.
Kelsey and Mallory Wishner were finally officially residents of the most exciting city in the world. Manhattan. It had been a lifelong dream of theirs and they had finally scraped and saved enough to afford it. But before they were even done unpacking, Kelsey was speechless, when a handsome man with official documents arrived at her front door, informing her, she was the kidnapped princess of the House of Villani, the royal family of Moncrian. What young girl hasn’t wanted to be a Princess at one time or another? But this had to be a reality show? Right? No it’s not.
This is quite the fun ride as Kelsey and her sister Mallory are swept off to meet the Royal family. And what better way to enjoy the meet and greet but to start to have strong feelings for her handsome bodyguard? And maybe having a little fun on the side? Yes this is filled to the brim with laugh out loud moments, and stomach-flip, romantic times that will keep you reading into the night.
I requested a complimentary copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is the first book that I have read from this author and it was an ok read for me. Others may like it. Kelsey was living in New York when she finds out that she is a long lost princess and that she was kidnapped as a infant. When her real family finds her, Elias comes to get her and she doesn’t question anything and just goes with him. There were some funny parts in this story and the characters at times grated on me. As I said, it wasn’t for me but I am sure that others will like.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
From beginning to end Barth holds your emotions in her hands. Kelsey and Elias wrap themselves around your heart rather quickly and stubbornly refuse to let go. The Princess Problem shakes up the way we view royalty and delights while doing so. Kelsey is ready to live her best life. Her dreams are finally coming true until a sexy stranger throws a detour in the way of her happy ending. Whether you laugh yourself silly or to tears, Barth makes a lasting impressing with this heartwarming, laugh out loud charmer.
A superb story. Kelsey’s life is upended when she finds out she is a lost Princess. She is whisked away by her royal bodyguard Elias. They are immediately attracted to each other but try to fight it as they each have individual responsibilities. This is a fun and lighthearted story. As Kelsey tries to find out who she truly is, she discovers her new family and country. With witty and snarky conversations between the characters, we come to love each one. This is an absolutely delightful story that should fulfill every girls dreams. Becoming a princess and falling in love.
I really liked how The Princess Problem takes every little girl’s fantasy and spins it on its head – would you REALLY like to discover that you’re actually a princess? It seems like a great idea, but the reality might not live up to expectations. For our heroine, it means that she’s been plucked from her life and dropped in a foreign country, where everyone assumes it’s an honor for her to become a princess and Kelsey just feels like her dreams were taken away from her. It’s a well written and interesting read that focuses on family, forbidden romance, and features a touch of suspense.
The story follows Kelsey, an American woman who has just achieved her dream of moving to New York City. She’s excited to have a job she loves, a tiny apartment with her sister, and a whole world of possibilities ahead of her. That all changes when a routine fingerprinting reveals that she’s actually a princess who was kidnapped as a baby. When a sexy, stoic bodyguard shows up at her door and tells her that all her dreams are about to come true, she’s not sure what to think… especially since being a princess isn’t HER dream. Elias is both confused by and attracted to the feisty American who doesn’t seem to be motivated by the promise of jewels and wealth. As Kelsey rejoins her family, the only person who seems to understand what she’s going through is Elias, and that draws them together – despite the fact that they are banned from dating.
I’ve read (and enjoyed) books by Christi Barth before, so I was excited to give this a try. The writing is great, and the premise kept me on my toes. Both Kelsey and Elias are easy to relate to – this is all a little overwhelming to Kelsey, and she responds perfectly. I liked Elias a lot because we got to see things from his perspective as well, but he is pretty formal and stiff at times, so it wasn’t always easy to feel the chemistry between them. I think if a little less focus was on the family dynamics and a little more was on Elias and Kelsey away from all things royal, this would’ve been a 5-star read for me. That being said, if you like royal romances then this is certainly an interesting take on the subject and a worthwhile read. My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review of this book.
The Princess Problem by Christi Barth a sweet five-star read. This wasn’t five-stars all the way through, but overall it was so sweet I couldn’t mark it down. I know I can’t wait for Ruling the Princess as I am desperate to hear more from Genny, even though I didn’t like her for most of this story, but in the end, I could see where she is coming from. Elias is everything you want from a big hunky bodyguard, and he comes through in all ways. Kelsey made me chuckle so may many times, I could identify with her in so many ways, and I was jealous of her relationship with Mallory to have someone that close and supportive in your life is something everyone needs and deserves. You do need to leave reality behind when you start this story but do it as its so fun that you would be sorry to miss it.
The Princess Problem is an absolute pleasure to read. As a fan of the fairytale princesses of the world, I can only imagine how it feels to become one. As a Jersey girl with no formal training and not knowing much about tiny European countries, I can totally understand Kelsey’s dilemma.
A regular girl and an irregular life. It’s a clash of unreal proportions. Kelsey went from 4th floor walk up and 600 SQ. FT. to 634 rooms. There is no handbook big enough for those kinds of changes. Not only that but a gloriously handsome man whose only job is to keep her safe but finds ways to make her happy…Yeah, I’m not sure I have an unbiased perspective. I would totally have jumped Elias consequences be damned. Then again, I’m just a Jersey girl.
It’s highly romantic and dutiful ways make The Princess Problem a must read. Even better, Christi Barth is continuing to regale us with the royals of Moncriano. I can not wait for all the royal gossip!
4.5 stars
I really loved this story. Kelsey, thrown in to a whole new world and the life she never knew. Elias is that strong, protective type that puts his whole self into what he does. I love the back and forth, the sweet, the heat and the way everyone connects. A definite must.
This was really a very entertaining, light read. A little different than your usual romance. Highly recommend for a heart-warming story!
A fun read. Predictable but fun!
Had a hard time liking this book. Predictable. The one thing that drove me nuts is that when she found out she was a princess, she didn’t call her parents. Who would immediately go with a stranger to a foreign country once they were told, but having lived whole life with their ‘family ‘ and not call to find out what was going on?
One of the best prince/princess books I ever read. Loved how they overcome problems and stayed together, and loved how family came together. Definitely a feel good book.
Kelsey and her big sister Mallory have just moved to the Big Apple, NYC, Manhattan, and are ready to live the dream they’ve been planning and saving up for for nearly a decade. After finally moving into their tiny apartment, they begin to unpack and dive into life in the big city at full steam when a knock on the door changes everything. Kelsey’s world is upended when she’s told she’s the long-lost daughter of the king of a small country nestled near the Italian coastline. A country she’s never heard of. They tell her she was kidnapped as an infant, something that makes no sense to Kelsey, who grew up in a very decidedly middle class family that was perfectly average in every way. She never had even a hint that she was a) adopted or b) kidnapped. None of it makes any sense to her or Mallory. And the fact that she can’t reach her parents, only makes matters worse when government officials from Moncriano want her to return to her home country. Elias, her self-described body guard is as hot as he is foreign, only muddying the waters further.
Kelsey not only needs to navigate royal life, bond with a family she’s never known, come to terms with her past, but also decide in two weeks if she’s ready to embrace her true identity and give up the only way of life she’s ever known. Yeah, no pressure there.
Plot
Kelsey must embrace her true roots or not. That’s the heart of the story. But the romance with Elias is a strong subplot. Her journey throws a lot of obstacles in her way, not the least of which is getting to know her royal family. With her birth mother having already died, her father, the king, is struggling with embracing the daughter he believed gone forever. She has a brother for the first time ever, but also an older sister who seems to hate her. The fact that Elias is her subject as well as her employee makes any relationship completely off limits. Which of course only makes the sparks fly hotter.
My biggest problem with this book is that Kelsey seems to take it all in stride. The fact that she’s willing to just go with the hot stranger without verifying anything for herself, that she’s not more distraught over her past and secrets withheld from her, ate away at me at a low level as she meets her “real” family. She mentions a few times in passing that her parents weren’t kidnappers, but this should have been driving some serious low-level angst in everything she does. Instead, less than 20% in, she’s snogging her security detail in the garden instead of having an identity crisis of epic proportions. But if you can overlook this for the sake of convenience, it’s a lighthearted take on what it’s like to be unexpectedly thrust into royal life, like a grown-up THE PRINCESS DIARIES. It’s definitely a fun, fast read.
Characters
The characters aren’t terribly deep, but they are fun, and not stereotypical. Kelsey is delightful as the reluctant royal and her sister, Mallory, is hysterical as her partner in crime. I love Kelsey’s loyalty to Mallory as well as her sense of duty to both her families. Elias is honor-bound and full of principle. Princess Genevieve is so relatable as the older sister whose entire life has been shaped by Kelsey’s kidnapping and is struggling with yet the latest upheaval in her relatively short life. Prince Christian is adorable as the loving older brother who has no idea how to interact with his youngest sister. I was totally pulling for a Christian/Mallory side romance. The rest of the characters are there to provide humor and conflict and do their jobs well. There really isn’t a whole lot for any of them to overcome on a deep level, leaving this more plot-based than character-based and that’s perfect for a romantic comedy.
What I Enjoyed About THE PRINCESS PROBLEM
1. Royalty. Sure, Americans don’t have our own royalty, in fact if anything we’re anti-royal since our whole country was founded on bucking the monarchy, but it’s still fun to get a behind-the-scenes reminder of why being a princess would suck on almost every level.
2. Elias. Not only is he yummy to look at, but his sense of duty and honor makes him nearly irresistible.
3. Christian. He walks a fine line between the duties of heir to the throne and that of an adoring older brother with class, humor, and intense hotness.
4. Mallory. Kelsey is her sister. She always has been and she always will be, regardless of Kelsey’s royal status. I love how nothing changes for her when it comes to her little sister.
5. Politics. I’ll admit, I didn’t really expect that in this story, but it plays into everything, although with a light touch by the author. It adds intrigue that would otherwise be missing.
Bottom Line
A super fun, lighthearted royal romance.
Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.