What do you think?
Rate this book
The Accidental Queen
Coming to America meets Bridgerton in this enthralling, contemporary debut novel by L.R. Jackson which blurs the lines of forbidden romance and showers hopeless romantics with a second-chance love reunion.
Unlike fairy tales of old, sometimes a woman must fight to save her king.
Ebony Rose desires the freedom to love without limits—but that’s for people who aren’t harboring the kind of skeletons that could threaten their very existence. Desperately running from her past and a broken heart, Ebony refuses to allow anyone to get close to her—until she crosses paths once more with Dafari, the knight in shining armor she lost long ago.
The last thing King Dafari expects to find in New York is the girl who got away—although he had hoped. Marrying a woman outside of his culture is strictly forbidden, and the clock is ticking for him to choose a queen. However, Ebony Rose embodies all the qualities he seeks in a mate and a matriarch for his country, and Dafari is determined to make Ebony his, despite the laws and traditions that stand between them. Then he makes a grave discovery that causes his world to spiral and leave him questioning everyone he loves.
Secrets buried under betrayal emerge, threatening to destroy the bond between Ebony and Dafari. Will they survive the sinister conspiracy surrounding them, or will royal misdeeds and scandal topple their chance at redemption and true happiness?
“The Accidental Queen will be your new obsession! Its diversely crafted world and wicked-sharp detail speaks to why L.R. Jackson is the multifaceted author we all need.” —Shanora Williams, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Ruin
Unlike fairy tales of old, sometimes a woman must fight to save her king.
Ebony Rose desires the freedom to love without limits—but that’s for people who aren’t harboring the kind of skeletons that could threaten their very existence. Desperately running from her past and a broken heart, Ebony refuses to allow anyone to get close to her—until she crosses paths once more with Dafari, the knight in shining armor she lost long ago.
The last thing King Dafari expects to find in New York is the girl who got away—although he had hoped. Marrying a woman outside of his culture is strictly forbidden, and the clock is ticking for him to choose a queen. However, Ebony Rose embodies all the qualities he seeks in a mate and a matriarch for his country, and Dafari is determined to make Ebony his, despite the laws and traditions that stand between them. Then he makes a grave discovery that causes his world to spiral and leave him questioning everyone he loves.
Secrets buried under betrayal emerge, threatening to destroy the bond between Ebony and Dafari. Will they survive the sinister conspiracy surrounding them, or will royal misdeeds and scandal topple their chance at redemption and true happiness?
“The Accidental Queen will be your new obsession! Its diversely crafted world and wicked-sharp detail speaks to why L.R. Jackson is the multifaceted author we all need.” —Shanora Williams, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Ruin
- GenresRomance
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
2990 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 29, 2023
The Cover Caught My Attention, But The Storyline Held It!
The Cover Caught My Attention, But The Storyline Held It!
The Accidental Queen by Author L.R. Jackson is a page turner. I love a good romance suspense and the author delivered that and more.
The Accidental Queen is also a second chance romance filled with childhood trauma and family secrets that prevented Ebony and Dafari’s initial union.
I couldn’t help but admire Ebony for her bravery and her determination to succeed with so many obstacles placed in front of her. The chemistry between Dafari and Ebony is fire. The sisterhood bond between Ebony, Shay, and Trina is unbreakable.The secondary characters are memorable and I am hopeful that they will get their own story.
This is my first time reading L. R. Jackson’s work and I’m looking forward to seeing what she has coming out next.
The Accidental Queen Is Coming To America meets Wakanda Forever!
The Cover Caught My Attention, But The Storyline Held It!
The Accidental Queen by Author L.R. Jackson is a page turner. I love a good romance suspense and the author delivered that and more.
The Accidental Queen is also a second chance romance filled with childhood trauma and family secrets that prevented Ebony and Dafari’s initial union.
I couldn’t help but admire Ebony for her bravery and her determination to succeed with so many obstacles placed in front of her. The chemistry between Dafari and Ebony is fire. The sisterhood bond between Ebony, Shay, and Trina is unbreakable.The secondary characters are memorable and I am hopeful that they will get their own story.
This is my first time reading L. R. Jackson’s work and I’m looking forward to seeing what she has coming out next.
The Accidental Queen Is Coming To America meets Wakanda Forever!
August 23, 2025
This book was a pick by my BOOKCLUB. Overall. I like the plot and the MMC. This book is my first read by the author.
June 11, 2025
Listened to the audio and I definitely enjoyed this book a lot!!!
July 20, 2023
It’s not every day you read a book that so effectively tells the story of love, family, and growth with a different angle on the marry a prince trope. Through dual POV’s, this book paints a picture of what a realistic fairy tale ending looks like when an African king meets his match, loses her, and they both fight to be together.
The author effectively weaves together a story about a woman, Ebony, and an African king Dafari telling the story of their path to each other amidst betrayal, secrets, and conspiracies.
Ebony who has been running away from who she really is while along the way showing herself to be exactly who she has always been: a true heroine with a heart of gold who effectively saves herself and those she loves.
The book, while strong with Ebony’s voice, is not as effective with Dafari’s. His voice was not as strong nor as developed. While it did not derail the story, there was a noticeable difference in the strength of the voice of the characters. It took me a bit longer to get into the book due to that, but the story overall was well written with a solid storyline.
In this story you have second chance at love and are teased with a major secret of Ebony’s that she has hidden and has directed the trajectory of her life. It is a heartbreaking but beautiful tale. If you enjoy found family, first love, true love, and strong heroines you would enjoy this book.
The author effectively weaves together a story about a woman, Ebony, and an African king Dafari telling the story of their path to each other amidst betrayal, secrets, and conspiracies.
Ebony who has been running away from who she really is while along the way showing herself to be exactly who she has always been: a true heroine with a heart of gold who effectively saves herself and those she loves.
The book, while strong with Ebony’s voice, is not as effective with Dafari’s. His voice was not as strong nor as developed. While it did not derail the story, there was a noticeable difference in the strength of the voice of the characters. It took me a bit longer to get into the book due to that, but the story overall was well written with a solid storyline.
In this story you have second chance at love and are teased with a major secret of Ebony’s that she has hidden and has directed the trajectory of her life. It is a heartbreaking but beautiful tale. If you enjoy found family, first love, true love, and strong heroines you would enjoy this book.
June 28, 2024
I won a copy of The Accidental Queen in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to the author and publisher; it’s much appreciated. I haven’t enjoyed a Romance this much in such a long time. The dual points of view of Dafari and Ebony are so relatable (even though Dafari is a King!). I enjoyed the Suspense elements - it didn’t matter that I guessed the ending. I did find the lack of protection the entire time Ebony and Dafari were intimate to be alarming and problematic. This type of irresponsible behavior really bothered me. However, the novel really is sweet and exciting and I definitely recommend.
August 12, 2024
The Accidental Queen is my first book from this author, so I was excited to read it as I love discovering new authors. This story was an okay and one-time read type of story for me. I was expecting a romance story, and I didn't get any type of romance feeling from this story. In this book we get Ebony (Maci) and Dafari's story. They were okay characters, but I couldn't connect with them, and it was hard to believe in their love for each other. The story goes from past to present, which I think the author was trying to show the connection between Ebony and Dafari, but it just wasn't there. Ebony had a rough childhood after the death of her parents and as an adult her life hasn't changed much. She's barely hanging on financially but thankfully. her best friend Shaya has been there for her in more ways than one. Dafari, King of Mafachiko does not have the same struggles as Ebony, but he is determined to find his father's killer. His journey back to the states brings him face to face with the woman he never stopped loving. He's finally found Ebony, and he's determined to keep her in his life. However, Ebony's boyfriend Tori has other plans, but Tori has been keeping a huge secret of his own. I disliked Tori with every fiber of my being and could not for the life of me understand why Ebony would continue to put up with him. The sex could not be that good and his attitude killed it for me. I don't want to give too much away but this story had death, abuse, drama, betrayal, steamy scenes, surprises, bombs being dropped and more. Even with all of the things I listed, the pace of the story hurt this story for me. It was too slow, and it made the story drag. The main this was the connection between the main characters for me, it just wasn't there. There were also parts of the story regarding the characters actions that seemed a bit unbelievable, but the main characters got a HEA. This wasn't a terrible story, but it also wasn't a favorite for me. I would still recommend that readers give this story a try to see if it's a story for them.
September 5, 2024
First things first: L.R. Jackson needs her flowers and then some. Now that we've established that, let's get into this review.
Dafari has a great responsibility bestowed upon him. He has been crowned the new King of Mafachiko, Africa and must assume the throne after the death of the previous king, his father. He and his trusted advisor decide to take a trip to America to investigate his father's murder. Once in America, as fate would have it, he would run into Ebony…literally. Once the two meet again and rekindle their romance their story takes an unexpected turn. We are then shown a captivating romantic suspense story with the perfect combination of angst and love.
Ebony has such a beautiful soul. She is resilient, selfless and strong. Her stubbornness is a blessing and a curse. It allowed her the strength to refuse to give up but hindered her advancement in her goal to succeed by refusing any help. I could feel Dafari's frustration with her willingness to struggle. Dafari is patient, generous and protective. His dedication to his country is admirable.
I absolutely loved Dafari's mom. It was refreshing to read about a loving mother figure. Baas!!!! I loved the ride-or-die loyalty he has with Dafari. Shaya is a real one too. This book appears to be a standalone, however, hopefully there will be more from these characters in future books or even a series.
The plot is so engaging I could hardly put it down! The Accidental Queen has drama, romance, love, betrayal, angst, suspense, friendship and family and did not disappoint!
Favorite Quote: "She leans down and lifts my chin up softly. "You're a queen now. You bow to no one."
**Thank you to Black Odyssey Media and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Dafari has a great responsibility bestowed upon him. He has been crowned the new King of Mafachiko, Africa and must assume the throne after the death of the previous king, his father. He and his trusted advisor decide to take a trip to America to investigate his father's murder. Once in America, as fate would have it, he would run into Ebony…literally. Once the two meet again and rekindle their romance their story takes an unexpected turn. We are then shown a captivating romantic suspense story with the perfect combination of angst and love.
Ebony has such a beautiful soul. She is resilient, selfless and strong. Her stubbornness is a blessing and a curse. It allowed her the strength to refuse to give up but hindered her advancement in her goal to succeed by refusing any help. I could feel Dafari's frustration with her willingness to struggle. Dafari is patient, generous and protective. His dedication to his country is admirable.
I absolutely loved Dafari's mom. It was refreshing to read about a loving mother figure. Baas!!!! I loved the ride-or-die loyalty he has with Dafari. Shaya is a real one too. This book appears to be a standalone, however, hopefully there will be more from these characters in future books or even a series.
The plot is so engaging I could hardly put it down! The Accidental Queen has drama, romance, love, betrayal, angst, suspense, friendship and family and did not disappoint!
Favorite Quote: "She leans down and lifts my chin up softly. "You're a queen now. You bow to no one."
**Thank you to Black Odyssey Media and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
April 24, 2025
The Accidental Queen by L.R. Jackson. This story was my first introduction to this author, and I was looking forward to this story. The synopsis really grabbed my attention, and I was excited for this story. I have to say I do wish I had not read any of the reviews by other people about this story. This is the story of Ebony, a young lady who is extremely intelligent but is working a job well below her talents. Instantly, I knew she had secrets. These secrets had her living a life where she was living a life to be invisible. Something about her life isn't right, and she is trying to keep her head above water. One day, an accident has her crossing paths with an old love. She still has feelings for Dafari. If it wasn't for her secrets, they could have been more. Now that Dafari has come across his love, he is determined to never lose her again. He never knew why she left him. Ebony doesn't know that Dafari is an African prince now king.They both have never stopped loving each other. Their attraction is strong. When outside forces step in, Ebony finds herself in a situation she could have never expected. Loved Dafari and Ebony. The story did introduce us to the next book which is Dafari's right-hand man, Baas and Ebony's best friend Shaya. Great set up for the next book. 4 stars for me.
March 15, 2025
Ebony and King Dafari unexpectedly get a second chance at love but the same secrets that drove them apart the first time come back up again
The Accidental Queen was a roller coaster of emotions with a mix of suspense, humor, tension, and heartwarming moments. Dafari and Ebony’s relationship was anything but smooth and although they loved each other deeply, their secret keeping created significant contention.
Ebony’s stubbornness did test my patience at times. Knowing her past offered an understanding into her decision making however, I still found myself frustrated with her character. Dafari was enjoyable and his jealousy led to some funny moments. Him tossing money at her situations was pretty amusing.
The Accidental Queen is an intriguing story that will take you through a range of emotions. With all that being said, and without taking away from Ebony and Dafari, I think Shaya and Baas would make a more compelling story.
The Accidental Queen was a roller coaster of emotions with a mix of suspense, humor, tension, and heartwarming moments. Dafari and Ebony’s relationship was anything but smooth and although they loved each other deeply, their secret keeping created significant contention.
Ebony’s stubbornness did test my patience at times. Knowing her past offered an understanding into her decision making however, I still found myself frustrated with her character. Dafari was enjoyable and his jealousy led to some funny moments. Him tossing money at her situations was pretty amusing.
The Accidental Queen is an intriguing story that will take you through a range of emotions. With all that being said, and without taking away from Ebony and Dafari, I think Shaya and Baas would make a more compelling story.
August 21, 2024
Love the cover! The blurb of the book is why I was so interested in the story. A romance with royalty, betrayal, and drama! 🤭
Ebony and Dafari met while in college and had an epic whirlwind romance. Once Dafari was solidified in his feelings toward Ebony, she disappears from his life, only to be reconnected two years later in a twist of fate.
When I tell you I ate this up, I sure did! I truly gave this four stars because I was getting fed up with Ebony holding herself back from revealing her past to Dafari. All I know is that Ebony needed Shaya as much as Shaya needed Ebony. This was a well-paced read that really does a great job of holding your attention!
Ebony and Dafari met while in college and had an epic whirlwind romance. Once Dafari was solidified in his feelings toward Ebony, she disappears from his life, only to be reconnected two years later in a twist of fate.
When I tell you I ate this up, I sure did! I truly gave this four stars because I was getting fed up with Ebony holding herself back from revealing her past to Dafari. All I know is that Ebony needed Shaya as much as Shaya needed Ebony. This was a well-paced read that really does a great job of holding your attention!
August 13, 2024
Rounded up from 3.5 ⭐️. It was an enjoyable read, quick and easy to get through. At first, I will say it was a bit of a turn off reading it because it reminded me a lot of “Coming to America” however, there was an added layer of mysterious circumstances.
I did think that the characters were slightly confusing and there could’ve been more backstory on the primary and secondary characters.
The story seemed rushed at some points and I would’ve loved more details.
I will say that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and would read more books from this author.
ARC copy received in exchange for my honest review from Black Odyssey Media
I did think that the characters were slightly confusing and there could’ve been more backstory on the primary and secondary characters.
The story seemed rushed at some points and I would’ve loved more details.
I will say that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and would read more books from this author.
ARC copy received in exchange for my honest review from Black Odyssey Media
July 30, 2024
3.75🌟 It really seems that this book is Coming to America meets Bridegerton!!
Dafari a King from Mafachiko, seems to not have any interest in the marriage market. He resolves his desires by having relations with Ife, but nothing else. Ebony is from a different culture than Dafari, they come together in a loving, fun and exploring who they should be together before it gets serious between the two. The flame grows and loves succeeds.
ARC read **Voluntary read** Sent by Black Odyssey Media.
Dafari a King from Mafachiko, seems to not have any interest in the marriage market. He resolves his desires by having relations with Ife, but nothing else. Ebony is from a different culture than Dafari, they come together in a loving, fun and exploring who they should be together before it gets serious between the two. The flame grows and loves succeeds.
ARC read **Voluntary read** Sent by Black Odyssey Media.
August 11, 2024
𝐞𝐀𝐫𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
5 🌟
-
First, this cover is gorgeous 😍 and caught my attention, but the storyline is what held my attention as well! The Accidental Queen will give you Coming to America vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and devoured it in one day.
I can't even express how much I love this storyline, and how the marrying a prince trope was done.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•Second Chance Romance
•Black Romance
•Dual POV
•African Prince
-
Thank you, Netgalley, and Blacm Odyssey Media for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
5 🌟
-
First, this cover is gorgeous 😍 and caught my attention, but the storyline is what held my attention as well! The Accidental Queen will give you Coming to America vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and devoured it in one day.
I can't even express how much I love this storyline, and how the marrying a prince trope was done.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•Second Chance Romance
•Black Romance
•Dual POV
•African Prince
-
Thank you, Netgalley, and Blacm Odyssey Media for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2024
3.25/5-
Overall this was a pretty decent book there were definitely many things happening. So many moving parts. Ebony was living a life that wasn’t really hers. She is a struggling single woman who was too stubborn for her own good. Dafari was a new king who wanted to take matters into his own hands and ignore traditions.
If I am being honest, this was predictable for me. I already knew who did the job. It wanted to see how it would be revealed. I can see the coming to America flow in this story. Baas was my guy. He took his job seriously and I appreciated his loyalty. The connection with Shaya happened a little too quick for me.
One thing that I wasn’t a fan of was the constant flashbacks initially in the beginning. I felt that it could have come off better if the past would have been a chapter initially and we continue from there for the rest of the book.
Overall, I was entertained.
Overall this was a pretty decent book there were definitely many things happening. So many moving parts. Ebony was living a life that wasn’t really hers. She is a struggling single woman who was too stubborn for her own good. Dafari was a new king who wanted to take matters into his own hands and ignore traditions.
If I am being honest, this was predictable for me. I already knew who did the job. It wanted to see how it would be revealed. I can see the coming to America flow in this story. Baas was my guy. He took his job seriously and I appreciated his loyalty. The connection with Shaya happened a little too quick for me.
One thing that I wasn’t a fan of was the constant flashbacks initially in the beginning. I felt that it could have come off better if the past would have been a chapter initially and we continue from there for the rest of the book.
Overall, I was entertained.
May 1, 2025
The suspense kept me on edge
Dafari wasted no time going after Ebony once this second opportunity presented itself! Secrets and things left unsaid on both their parts doesn’t get made known before tragedy strikes. Dafari knows he will protect Ebony at all costs but will she also do the same? Listen I was highly upset with Ebony & her decision to go through with the foolery but glad she got some common sense b/c WHAT! I loved the side characters Shaya & Baas!
Dafari wasted no time going after Ebony once this second opportunity presented itself! Secrets and things left unsaid on both their parts doesn’t get made known before tragedy strikes. Dafari knows he will protect Ebony at all costs but will she also do the same? Listen I was highly upset with Ebony & her decision to go through with the foolery but glad she got some common sense b/c WHAT! I loved the side characters Shaya & Baas!
October 15, 2024
I liked this book. It started out with mystery and going back a few years so we can understand where the characters were coming from. It wasn’t confusing and it was easy to keep up with. I didn’t completely connect with the characters, but for a debut novel it was a very easy and light read. I would read other novels by this author.
October 30, 2024
There is nothing like reading a book where the characters are real to life that you can't help but associate with your own life. There's nothing like a good old-fashioned love story. One that leaves you breathless. I loved this book!!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for gifting me this book in exchange for my honest review
October 9, 2024
I would rate it 3.5 or 3.75 stars if I could. I enjoyed the story line and the dual perspectives, but I feel like there was a build up in the conflict that felt a little too drawn out and then a quick, too easy/clean wrap up/solution in the last 15-20 pages.
March 24, 2025
I enjoyed it but it didn’t grab my attention fully. I felt like Dafari was lacking a little bit as a mmc but I think Ebony was very well written. The plot was good and I like that there were flashbacks to when they were in college. I don’t think it is Coming to America meets Bridgerton
August 21, 2025
Slow burn
The level of growth that the FMC does not match the level of responsibility placed upon her throughout this book. However, the story and the writing get better once you get past chapter 10 through chapter 23.
The level of growth that the FMC does not match the level of responsibility placed upon her throughout this book. However, the story and the writing get better once you get past chapter 10 through chapter 23.
April 25, 2023
LR Jackson is not just a beautiful woman but I love the spins in your writing! I'm her biggest fan!!
May 19, 2024
2.75 stars
June 27, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book.
August 18, 2024
Amazing! What a beautiful story!
February 16, 2025
Very engaging story
Super cute romance with action packed plot . Quiet a few twists and turns with a happy ending definitely recommend
Super cute romance with action packed plot . Quiet a few twists and turns with a happy ending definitely recommend
May 22, 2025
Very quick read. Some of it was disjointed, but it was overall a good story.
June 2, 2025
So I enjoyed this book because it reminded me of coming to America. The downside is that the book often spoke of this undying passion and I felt zero of it in the writing.
June 12, 2025
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read.
August 26, 2025
An easy but enjoyable read!
Throw in a couple plot twists and a little twist of fate to create a unique story line.
I couldn’t put it down
Throw in a couple plot twists and a little twist of fate to create a unique story line.
I couldn’t put it down
September 8, 2025
I can't believe I read this book in 2 days! could not put the book down whats-so-ever! Ebony was a little annoying at first but I pushed through it! can't wait yo read another book by this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews