The Rogue Prince is Book 1 in Royals of Cardenas, a historical romance series set in the fictional kingdom of Cardenas, following the lives of the royal Rothchester family.A rakehell prince … Third son of the king of Cardenas, Prince Damien Rothchester is known for his drinking, gambling, and whoring. Knowing he will never inherit the throne, he goes about life feeling purposeless. But when he … feeling purposeless. But when he steps into a glittering ballroom on the night of his twenty-fifth birthday, the roguish young prince’s life will be forever changed.
A fiery Gypsy dancer …
When Esmeralda Amador steps into the king’s ballroom to perform for the prince’s twenty-fifth birthday, every eye in the room is upon her. One pair of eyes intrigues her most of all … those of Prince Damien, seeming to stare straight through to her soul.
The two know nothing can ever come of their attraction; he is a prince, and she a Gypsy dancer. Yet, neither can seem to resist the passion that sparks when they are together, or the unmistakable call of destiny forcing their lives onto the same path.
However, love is not the only thing destiny has in store …
With a deadly plot against the royal family surrounding him in danger and intrigue, Damien will face a decision he never thought he would have to make. Will he step up to claim a responsibility that should never have fallen to the third son? Or will he abandon it to risk all for love?
Previous published as The Third Son. Re-released in 2019 with all-new edits, content, cover, and title
Royals of Cardenas Reading Order
Book One: The Rogue Prince
Book Two: The Awakened Prince
Book Three: The Lady Warriors of Barony
Book Four: Wild Gypsy Rose
Book Five: The Gypsy Lord
Bonus Novella: The Courtesan
Spin-off Series: Sons of Cardenas, coming soon!more
I loved the twist of what happens to the prince throughout the story.
Elise Marion has created engaging characters in this historical romance. And situationally proves that you should say what you mean, not what you expect the others want to hear.
Couldn’t put it down
I liked this book a lot more more than I expected at first for some reason- perhaps because the setting is fictional and the story line is rather unrealistic (love at first sight for bad boy Prince and gypsy dancer). This love story has intrigue (threat to the royal family) and one challenge after another to a happy ever after so there’s lots to keep you interested.
A lovely romantic read! I would highly recommend this to anyone who love great characters and a lovely story line.
I liked it very much.
Best historical romance novel I’ve read in awhile! Hard to put this novel down and get to work!
Wonderful characters, loathsome characters! The perfect mix for an entertaining solid story.
Good story.
A wonderful story of hardship, betrayal and true love. The characters, location and the situations they found themselves in could very well have been true life. I loved every minute reading this book.
Awesome
Not my type of romance
I could spend all day talking about this book. I swear – all day. This was the first Elise Marion book I read and she convinced me that her world-building is truly the best around.
This story, about Damien and Esmeralda is truly original, thoughtful, wonderfully sensual, and full of twists and turns that are very realistic. It is set in a land that came purely our of Elise Marion’s creative mind, one I wouldn’t mind getting into a rooting around a bit to see what else she might be able to cook up.
Overall, I would recommend this book to ANYONE who wants to read a sensual, lovely story of a Prince and his Gypsy, with a happily every after that will make you smile.
WOW… What a rollercoaster of a ride! The Rogue Prince by Elise Marion is book one in a new series Royals of Cardenas. This is my first book I have read by Elise and I am telling you it won’t be the last. I laughed, I cried and at time it was so intense that I could not wait to see what would happen next. You can help but fall in love with the character and the regency descriptions are very clear but do feel like you are in another place and time. This story has rape, murder, grief, gypsies, a fortuneteller, lies, deception, greed, madness, an awful mother, family love, a trap, injures, pain, suffering, pregnancy, a father’s love, love at first sight and a love that wasn’t meant to be. This story has it all and I am highly recommending this book!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
What can I say this was a really good book from start to finish I was really drawn in by the characters in the story line was well written. I enjoyed the interaction of the main characters and thought the supporting characters brought a lot to the story I can’t wait to read more from the thought
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow….what a story – it has everything you could want and more! There is mystery, suspense, twists and turns, betrayal, intrigue, and so much more. It is a well written emotionally deep historical romance that is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat and tug on your heart strings. The characters are strong and deep and will be taken on a wild and dangerous ride to their HEA … but it will be worth it. An amazing series starter. Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an interesting take on a historical romance that I really enjoyed. Our story takes place in the fictional country of Cardenas. Our hero, Prince Damien Rothchester, is the third son of the King. Never meant to inherit the throne Damien has dedicated his life debauchery. Our Heroine, Esmeralda, is a gypsy dancer who has been arranged to provide entertainment at the Prince’s 25th Birthday Ball. The two meet and feel an instant attraction Both know nothing can ever come of their attraction but can’t seem to resist one another. Events happen that lead to Damien having to take up responsibilities for his family and their country that he never thought to fall on his shoulders. Will he be able to make the needed sacrifices or will risk it all for love? cal romance
This book was awesome. The 3rd son of the King (Prince Damien) is known for his drinking, gabling … being a rake. He feels he has no purpose in his life until he meets a beautiful gypsy. When Esmeralda sees Damien sparks fly. I enjoyed this first book in the series. This book had lots of suspense, interesting side characters and of course I get my HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book by Elise Marion I’ve read, so I came into it with no preconceived ideas as to her writing style or what to expect. I’m so glad I stumbled onto this one. She has literally built a historical land that will enchant and filled it with characters that so easy to love or love to hate. Woven a plot throughout with enough angst, drama and mystery to keep me on the edge of my seat and sprinkled in heavy doses of sensual chemistry to spice things up. What more could you ask for in a historical romance? The next book, please. I just found another author to follow.
Intriguing read
The book’s plot is quite unusual, and that has intrigued me. It is entertaining and the story’s pacing is steady and not lagging. Character development is perfect, as well as its world building. The use of different characters’ POV is to take note here, I can see each emotion and logic. This is packed with mystery, hindrances, betrayals, and enough suspense that lead to HEA. This book is highly recommended to historical romance readers, and will definitely read more books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.