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Return of the Ancestors #2

Naming of the Queen

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What is the cost of a name? Everything.

The princess always knew her name would come with a price, but she never knew how steep the cost would be. Falsely accused of killing her husband’s family, she’s on the run with the father she never knew. With help from him and a band of outcasts, she’s learning just how much she might have to pay, not only to save herself but all of Greatland. It’s up to her to learn who she truly is and restore the ways of the Ancestors. Yet what her heart yearns for most is to be reunited with the man she must speak her name to first—Rowan, king of Northrend.

Rowan vowed no woman would ever own the heart of the king of Northrend again. But the woman with no name captured not only his heart but his soul. And despite the crimes she’s been accused of, he’s having a hard time believing he was wrong about her. Yet with the balance of Northrend and Greatland in his hands, he has a choice to make—choose the woman he loves, or save his kingdom from going to war.

It is a dangerous game they play. One where it’s hard to know who is a friend and who is a foe. But if they wish to win, the lovers must reunite and help their people choose love and freedom before a shadow overcomes the land. The people must name their queen before it’s too late.

JJ Makenzie presents a masterfully woven fantasy romance that will leave you breathless and begging for more.

438 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2023

140 people are currently reading
197 people want to read

About the author

J.J. Makenzie

3 books69 followers
Pseudonym for Jennifer Peel

JJ Makenzie has always wanted a secret identity, so she finally gave herself one. In real life, JJ is a USA Today bestselling author of rom-coms and contemporary romance. She also pretends to be a rock star in her car. She’s obsessed with 70s and 80s music, but also has a soft spot for a good country ballad. Her days are spent writing among the beautiful Rocky Mountains. At night she dreams of all the characters she has yet to introduce to the world. She may also be a crime fighter with this new secret identity, but that’s another story.

For updates on new releases and all things related to The Queen With No Name, follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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5 stars
244 (41%)
4 stars
163 (27%)
3 stars
142 (23%)
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37 (6%)
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8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
Profile Image for Christina.
799 reviews33 followers
May 31, 2023
This story’s conclusion has been worth the wait- that and much, much more. I still can’t stop thinking about it, even weeks after finishing it! It was such a rollercoaster of emotion- anger, grief, hope, hate, relief, loss, betrayal, happiness, and love. Ms Makenzie, you have totally wrecked me- how in the world can I read anything else when I’m so twisted up inside over this book?!!! Saying I loved it just doesn’t do this story justice.

The story picks up right where the last one left us hanging, and I honestly couldn’t read it fast enough. Princess is still good and kind, yet I loved that she was stubborn and her trust in everyone was deeply shaken after the end of the last book. It was beautiful to see her work though her feelings, and to read more of her story, both past and present.

And don’t even get me started on Rowan- I loved reading his perspective. He is angry and hurt, but I liked seeing him take a closer look at everything and the wisdom that came with it. He aches for his wife, but is so torn up inside on who to trust, what to believe, and the choices he must make.

The story comes full circle, complete with characters (both old and new) that you will adore and root for; a plot that thickens and keeps you guessing and wondering til the end; broken and forged relationships between family, friends and foes; a passionate and protective love that will have your toes curling and sighing in delight; and an epic conclusion that will leave you feeling all the feels. As for me, there were tears… literal tears at the sweetness of the ending. This book has held me captive from the beginning and I was hooked for the entirety of it!
Profile Image for Kathy Jo.
774 reviews141 followers
September 24, 2023
5+ Stars!

Oh my heart! Y'all. I don't even know where to begin to tell you how much I utterly adored this book! It was absolutely phenomenal! Here it is, days later, and I can't stop thinking about it. It's definitely one of those books that will be staying with me for a long, long time.

But, y'all. This book needed to come with some warnings!

1. If at all possible, read it with one of your bookish friends. I can attest that you are going to want to have someone to chat with throughout this entire book.
2. Make sure you have tissues at the ready. If you're anything like me, you'll definitely be crying. Some sad tears, but also happy tears.
3. Make sure you have cleared everything off your schedule before you even think about starting this book. I promise that zero things will get done once you start.
4. Be prepared for the biggest book hangover of your life! You will definitely be ruined for the foreseeable future.

Wow. Just WOW! I am completely blown away. I don't know where to begin with my review. If I'm being honest, I don't even want to leave one. Why, you ask? Because I don't want to take any chances of giving anything away. This is definitely a book that you need to experience yourself. Trust me. My advice would be to curl up in your comfy reading spot and enjoy the journey you're about to embark on.

Princess and Rowan hold a special place in my heart. Their journey is so heartachingly beautiful. There's just something about these two that make me want to hold their story close to my heart and protect it from the world. I honestly can't explain it. Their love story is just too special, too incomparable in beauty. My wish is that everyone loves them as much as I do.

Ms. Makenzie had me feeling all the feels in this book. I absolutely love when an author can literally make me feel the same way the characters are feeling. It makes the book more real to me, like I'm sitting right there with them experiencing everything they are. It's the best feeling in the world! I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting, I am still in love with these two! What do you think?!

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Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,887 reviews240 followers
October 20, 2023
*update for audiobook*
I loved the two narrators for this audiobook! They are fantastic! The narrator for Rowan has a fantastic voice that fits perfectly what I imagined Rowan's character to be like! I loved being immersed in this world again! And the sweet voice of the narrator for Princess just as wonderfully portrayed her character for this second book as she did for the first book! Even with having read the book previously and knowing what was coming, I was completely hooked! I highly recommend this audiobook! And I'll be listening to it again and again! My thoughts below for the book completely apply for the audiobook!

I received a copy of the audiobook from the producer, Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Listening!!!
*************

I don't quite know what I want to say in this review. I know. Shocker right?! Julie doesn't know what to say! Hahaha! Ok, I have words. I'm just not quite sure how I want to write them in this review. So many thoughts and feelings running through my brain right now. It's just expressing them and not giving spoilers as I'm thinking back about this book and all the things!

I started reading an early copy but then had so much happening in life and I ended up really sick that I just couldn't focus on reading. And let me tell you, it was tough not being able to focus on reading this one. I had to just set it aside and wait until I could focus on all the things in the book, cause this one needed my undivided attention. And when I finally could focus, I devoured it!

If you've read the first book, which you absolutely MUST read before reading this one, then you know it left off on a big cliffhanger! Wowsers! And boy, oh boy have I been waiting for the author to finish this one so I could figure out what happened next. Phew! It was great! I was very satisfied with what came next.

I was so happy to have more backstory and understanding to fill in the gaps from book one. Of course it couldn't be revealed in book one, we had to wait. I'm happy to report that I survived being patient in my waiting. ;-)

There are lots of emotional moments in this one. Tissues might be good to have handy. Or know you might need to pause in reading to go grab some.

This book is full of family, friends, enemies, treason, war, healing, creating trust, gaining trust, letting go, saying goodbye, discoveries, beauty, death, life, and love. Lots of love!

And Princess's name...beautiful! I love it so much and how it all connects together. And how the covers are connected with her name.

And I'm really hoping that there will be another book set in this world that features Marek and Sasha! (please, pretty, pretty please!!!!!!!)

Content: This book is not for my squeaky clean reader friends. It is similar to my content warning in my review for the first book. Go read that if you're wondering. This one does have marital relations between the main couple. There are innuendos and the relations between the main couple fades to black. The kisses are more intense and in depth. There are battles and fights, with swords and other weapons. There is death and blood and such. Not written too graphicly but it is there as this deals with war between kingdoms.

I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Carissa.
3,371 reviews90 followers
September 22, 2023
Sadly this one wasn't as interesting as the first one seemed to me. I think there were a few things that could've been trimmed and parts were just drawn out. Is this the last book?

I loved Shakira Shute; Will Watt's narration.

I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
627 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2023
In the same vein as my review of The Queen with No Name, don't read if you only enjoy clean rom coms or sweet romance. This is a gritty fantasy story that gets right into what's real and doesn't pull punches, including smells, urine, menses, and a bit more sex than completely closed door romances have, while never being explicit or disrespectful.
That being said, I really enjoyed this second half of the Queen's story. It got I to more fantasy which I loved, and more of the stories which I also loved. There are horrible times still as well as great sadness, but good will prevail. Kind of an epic fantasy but only in two volumes. Rowan and the Queen's story get a conclusion, hints of Marek getting more of a story, and many new friends.
Great reading, will reread again sometime. Definitely a lot to think about.
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 44 books590 followers
Read
June 21, 2023
I was so worried I wouldn't like the name that was chosen or how it ended, but it turned out just how it was supposed to. Battle scenes, good vs. evil, world-building with myths and culture, magical qualities and creatures, and a little romance--this book had it all. (I really hope Sasha gets her own story. Loved her!)
Profile Image for Beyond the Pages with Eva K.
3,035 reviews165 followers
September 21, 2023
Quick Summary: A sci-fi fantasy, action adventure romance

My Review: Naming of the Queen by JJ Mackenzie is book 2 in the Return of the Ancestors series.

About the Book: Secrets, intrigue, emotional tension, and an epic love for the ages are all a part of this incredible story. It was thrilling! The characters, the setting, and the climactic points were top notch. There was never a dull moment. The ending provided just right closure.

The audiobook experience was unreal. It made the story come alive. Everything about it was brilliant. The narration was excellent.

My Final Say: Although , I picked up in the middle of this story, I was not lost. I did, however, immediately reserve a copy of book one. I will happily go back and work my way though book one and book two.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Series: Yes
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +


Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this work for review purposes. The words I have shared are my own.
30 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2023
PURE PERFECTION! THE BEST STORY EVER!

NAMING OF THE QUEEN paired with THE QUEEN WITH NO NAME is hands down one of THE BEST stories I have ever read! (And I have read a lot, so that is really saying something.)

It is full of mystery, intrigue, beauty, eloquence, pain, sorrow, and joy. Never have I been so drawn to a character than that of Princess. Her path to self-discovery is beautiful and penetrated my soul.

JJ Mackenzie has created a story that will stick with generations. It is brilliantly written with absolutely mind-blowing intricacy. It is beautiful, butterfly-worthy, heart-capturing, passion-filled, emotion-inducing, and full of mystery, power, and love. Every page turn left me captive. I couldn't put it down until every word left its mark on my soul. It is PURE PERFECTION!

It is TRULY AMAZING!
Profile Image for Amber.
141 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2023
The queen has a name...

We all awaited this book, and Naming of the Queen was filled with longing, long, hope, sadness and cheer. It took you on an adventure, and captivated our time till the end. It was sooo good and a wonderful closure to The Queen with no name.
511 reviews
June 5, 2023
Good book

This was a good read, it was very interesting and not my usual read. It was very well written and well thought out.
112 reviews
June 5, 2023
Freedom isn't the absence of conflict

Book 2 picks up right where book 1 ended. We follow princess as she learns her story and purpose. Rowan finds himself surrounded by secrets and it's driving him mad. You will probably cry but JJ Makenzie did a great job with this series.
53 reviews
June 5, 2023
Loved this story!

I loved this story and how it all came together in the end. Great book and I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,530 reviews175 followers
June 20, 2024
Wow! This audiobook packs a wallop! I started listening thinking I could pick it up without having read the first book but soon found I was hopelessly lost. I went back and listened to the first book and was so glad I did. This is definitely one of those series you need to read in order. The premise is a sweeping fantasy with fierce battles, an all consuming fiery romance, and a woman destined to be queen and unite her kingdom.

This book picks up right where the first book left off so if you haven’t read it, stop reading this review and pick it up. You’ve been warned.

At the end of The Queen With No Name, Princess was kidnapped/rescued by her long lost father. At the beginning of this book, she’s taken to a magical underground world where she learns her history and destiny. Not knowing whom to believe and trust, she yearns for the opportunity to confront her husband. When she learns he’s in pursuit of her and in danger, she sets off with new found friends and family to warn him. As she discovers who she and her husband are meant to be, she must battle old enemies & fight to bring peace and unite her kingdom.

This book was so hard to put down. It gave me Remnant Chronicles and The Books of Pellinor vibes. There were so many emotions I experienced while reading with some definite surprises, suspicions, misunderstandings, betrayals, and reconciliations. I enjoyed Princess’ strong spirit and spunk. She’s been through a lot and though she’s generally a kind, loving person, she doesn’t let others walk all over her. She finally chooses her name and I have to say it was perfect.

I liked Rowan much better in this book. He’s had time to really examine his feelings and grow as a person. Though he’s suspicious of Princess at first, mainly because of a snake in his kingdom who likes to feed him lies, he soon figures out whom he can trust. He has a fierce almost obsessive love for Princess and that strong bond between them continues in this story.

The audiobook version is fantastic! I loved the narrators who really brought this story to life. I could hardly put the AirPods down because I had to know what happened next.

The story definitely drew me in & I loved the premise. While this book provides a satisfying ending, I’d love to see the story continue. Recommend to fantasy and fairytale fans, but please read the content warnings below. It’s not appropriate for teens, especially young teens or those who only enjoy clean reads.

Content warning: This book came highly recommended, but it’s definitely a PG-13 read. There’s some mild swearing, mostly biblical swears. There’s also moderate violence, and death. There’s a lot of sexual innuendo, descriptions of intimate touching, and fade to black scenes all between a married couple. I’d describe it as semi open door though not graphic.
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
May 31, 2023
Oh. My. Heart. It's feeling all the emotions like a roller coaster. Up and down. Over and under. Around and around. Frustration, anticipation. Sadness, happiness. Hope, relief. The thing about these emotions? They are BIG. This book (and this series) is like riding the wave of emotions. I love books that make me feel.

First, I should say that you absolutely need to read the first book, The Queen with No Name, before you dive into this one. And if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for?!?! It's time. Seriously.

This second book really brought out my love for the princess. She will capture your heart in the first book but she really steps into who she is in this book. As her power as a woman and a leader settles within her, I could feel her strength growing. It made me so proud of her. Even with the growing power she keeps the softness and kindness present as well. Princess/Queen is such a fantastic balance of all things a strong woman should be. I love her. Adore her. AND!! She finally shares her name!! Sigh. It's perfect.

The story really ramps up in this book. The first book left me in a state of worry and concern and luckily the second book picks up right where the first left off. I was worried for a minute that I was going to have to hate Rowan (again) 😂. (Their angry reunion is awesome.) As I said before, it was a roller coaster of emotions but I'm happy to say that it all ended in such a satisfying place. I am still basking in the afterglow of happiness and contentment. This book is still in my mind and my heart days, weeks after reading it. And, I've read it twice already. It's full of intrigue, action, emotion and magic. I love it so, so much!!

I have hopes for a book three. I REALLY want to get a story about Marek and Sasha!! Or anyone really. I just want more of this type of book. 🙏🙏🙏

Both of the books in this series are on KU if you have that.

Content: violence, peril. Kissing. Intimate relations between a married couple with fade to black. Some innuendo between them.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book but have since purchased my own copy.
Profile Image for tinynightingales.
295 reviews
October 22, 2023
I didn’t find “Naming of the Queen” to be particularly compelling. This second and final installment in the Return of the Ancestors series begins where book one left us with Princess and Rowan separated and each suffering from betrayal. Princess believes that Rowan has the layer for a fool and used her for her womb, and Rowan believes that Princess is a seductive spy from an enemy kingdom. With the help of their rapidly shrinking number of friends, it’s up to each of them to find out who is a friend and who is a foe while trying to avoid senseless war.

This book includes:
- completed duology
- enemies to lovers
- damsel in distress
- the miscommunication trope
- betrayal
- some very complex family trees
- animal sidekicks
- enemies to friends
- fade to black love scenes
- the power of family
- dual POV

While this story includes tons of elements that I typically love, I feel that “Naming of the Queen” pieced all these tropes together rather clumsily. The romance feels inauthentic and clunky, the pacing is so slow that the storyline is difficult to follow in its clunkiness, and I didn’t feel invested into any of the characters - they all felt one dimensional. I also felt like the switches between first person and third person POV was odd.

Moreover, I felt that the world building was lacking, especially concerning the magic system and ancestors’ role in day to day life. While the message of universal peace and love was compelling, the related elements of religious zealotry were off putting to me.

I could see fans of “the Fourth Wing” who love a damsel in distress and high school level readers enjoying this novel, but it wasn’t my personal cup of tea.

I revived this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers.

Profile Image for Mara.
1,464 reviews110 followers
November 7, 2023
You HAVE to read The Queen With No Name before reading this one. That being said, this one picks up right after the previous book ends. For awhile I was afraid Rowan would buy into lies that were being fed to him and I'd be back to hating him, but when the shock of what happened wore off, he used his brain and realized Princess couldn't have done what she was being accused of doing. Princess has a lot to process as she is learning her true heritage. Her reunion with Rowan goes about as well as you'd expect but once these two work things out and are on the same side...just wait!

I loved getting the backstory about Princess and her mother. Princess/now Queen finally gets to tell Rowan and everyone her name! If you tend to be cry when reading you might want to have some tissues nearby for a few scenes. There are also a couple of surprises I didn't see coming but the ending is wonderful and all we could hope for.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrators (one for Rowan, one for Princess) are fantastic; they're the same ones from book one. I love the continuity of having the same narrators.

I received a copy of the audiobook from the producer, Dreamscape Media, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for AnnaScott.
453 reviews73 followers
June 22, 2023
(Review is for both books in the duology)

This was a fascinating book. It instantly grabbed my attention and kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the character growth and development throughout the two books, and there were several lines that had me laughing. I will say I spent most of the books trying to determine JJ Makenzie's worldview, because there were several sections that closely imitated Christianity, but their theology was based on ancestor worship, which is clearly different. On top of that, there were semi-frequent uses of mild language (p**s, a**, d**n, etc.), and the romance was quite intimate. I don't know if I would call it spicy per se, because it does quickly fade to black, but there are so many comments referencing various parts of their intimacy that could be considered tastefully spicy. So overall, it's not a book that I would call clean, but it's also not not-clean (if that's helpful). The only big complaint I had was that the pacing of the second book felt off. A lot happened in the beginning and the end, but the middle felt much longer than it should have. Overall it was a fun read though!
Profile Image for Alisa.
793 reviews44 followers
June 9, 2023
I LOVED this so much! The Queen gets her name in this book, but she gets so much more! I can't say some of the things I loved most about this book because they would be spoilers! I will just say that there were some people who were redeemed that I didn't expect, and some who were more treacherous than I had imagined.

I love that this is a 2-book series, because in trilogies I always feel like the second book is just setting up the final book. It was nice that there were just 2 and so all the action and wrapping up happened without waiting for Book 3.

Some of my favorite quotes:
“Your mistrust is justified, but now, more than ever, your faith is required.”

“Daughter, listen to me. When the cloud covers the sun, it does not cease to exist, nay it still gives light and even warmth. You must not let this shadow prevent you from fulfilling your destiny.”

“Daughter, every soul is worth rescuing. You must remember that.”
15 reviews
October 22, 2025
A strong follow-up to The Queen with No Name, this sequel finds its footing with sharper pacing, higher stakes, and a deeper emotional core. The story expands beautifully beyond the palace walls, exploring exile, identity, and the cost of reclaiming one’s power. The heroine’s journey—from hunted pawn to self-defined leader—is compelling, and the world itself feels more alive with political tension and whispers of the Ancestors.

What I especially appreciated here is how the romance matures. Rowan and the heroine still share intensity, but this time the focus feels earned and emotional rather than uncomfortable or overly physical. The writing balances longing, duty, and redemption with a more confident hand.

While a few plot beats repeat familiar rhythms of mistrust and reconciliation, the storytelling feels tighter overall. It’s an engaging, satisfying continuation that delivers on the promise of book one—heart, peril, and a heroine finally claiming her name.
Profile Image for Maria Recinos.
115 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2023
OMG it's been forever since I have wrote a book review. I admit I was having a little reading slump. I was just seeing books with the same stories and I was a little disappointed. But this book took my love for magical stories to another level. I read the first book and I was just counting the days, did it feel like forever, yes, it left me intrigued and honestly with a lot of questions. A story about self discovery and growing. I love that the heroine was learning to raise her voice and found her true calling. I haven't seen a strong but sweet and kind heroine in forever. Normally I adore the hero, I do like him but the queen is just my favorite. I loved the stories she told everyone , always with something so relatable to a life lesson. I would love to read the story of Sasha that's for sure, hopefully in a future book.
5- all hail the queen- stars
Profile Image for Jesmin Nawaz.
1,112 reviews15 followers
June 6, 2023
I mostly read this book to find out what she named herself. The name, while surprising, just kind of bland. I also wanted to see what would happen when Rowan and Princess (I wont spoil the name) came together after they "betrayed" each other. I appreciate that Rowan thought logically and didn't believe Princess to be a traitor like everyone thought. I also like that Princess said she'd at least tell him her side and listen to what he said, even if she thought he cheated on her. Story was ok but I skimmed through a lot of it just to see how it ended. I wish we got to see Rowan freaking out while Princess was in labor with the babies! That would have been hilarious.

My biggest pet peeve with this book, the change in narration. When it's Rowan's POV, it's always third person. When it's Princess, it's first person. It should have just been one style not multiple.
Profile Image for Addison Solt-Mangrum.
289 reviews
January 28, 2024
I was so excited to read this book after finishing the first one and just did not find this book as amazing as the first one. It was still good but did not hook me the same way the first one did. I thought the end of this book was really interesting. The twist/betrayal made me really sad. The part where the author wrote, “you know who I was…” “no I knew who you could be.” Essentially made me sooo sad. I thought at the beginning that they both kind of forgave each other and were like looking for each other too fast. I thought the beginning and the end were good. I liked the wrap up but in the middle is got kind of slow. I did not expect this to be the last book so the author did a good job of giving you all the information and story you needed. Last quarter was a 5/5 for sure! Also, the queens name just didn’t hit for me after all that build up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
29 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2023
4.5 stars

I enjoyed this 2 book series. The rating is for a couple of scenes that could have been edited better, and because some of the names were just weird. Normally that wouldn’t bother me, but one main character’s name, who was male, had a female name and it could have been slightly changed for ease of reading and understanding.

You do need to read both books, as the first one ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. However, this second book was better than the first and I think the editing was better.

The plot was well developed and their were enough twists to keep the trope from feeling overdone. Over all, I would recommend both books and am grateful that I didn’t have to flip through page upon page of smut, even though this story had a strong romantic storyline.
Profile Image for Sherry Deatrick.
640 reviews24 followers
July 6, 2023
Amazing story!!! And I don't even read Fantasy! What an imagination this JJ Makenzie has! This story is one of my favorites I've read. Primarily because it it sooo different. The characters are so appealing and the story is multi layered and full of magic.
It is fantasy but is realistic in the descriptions of violence, death, killing, smells and other things so if that will put you off, be advised. The intimacy is not described but the innuendo and anticipation of it is often and maybe overly so.
The book is full of emotions primarily sadness, hope and love. Rowan and his queen stole my heart. Now I am anxious for a book for Sasha and Marek (loved him).
I am grateful that this book is on KU and that I reread The Queen with No Name before this one.
Definitely recommend!
Profile Image for Gillian.
1,044 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2024
2.5/5 stars

This was so cyclical and repetitive it bordered on interminable. I'm not sure what happened between The Nameless Queen and this one, but my interest dwindled so quickly with this one. A lot of the issues that Rowan and the princess (who, yes, does have a name, but it's revealed so far into the story that it's bordering on spoilers) could be resolved with common sense or basic communication.

I did find that the first quarter and the last quarter were the most enjoyable, but I found the middle half was such a drag to get through. The villains were caricatures, especially Svetlana and a surprise final boss.

Disappointing because I really enjoyed the first book in this duology.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,300 reviews43 followers
May 17, 2025
An interesting story of right vs wrong, Medieval times, Enemy-to-Lovers, action, suspense, and romance.
This story was full of battles to right the wrongs done by kings and leaders in control.
The author vividly depicted the struggle and pain "Princess" had to go through.
There was fun banter between Rowan and "Princess" as they learned what was happening and how to become who they were meant to be. They also learned how to trust each other.
Personally, I can't highly recommend this book because it was not a total "clean read." There was more suggestiveness than I was comfortable with. Yet, it was still a "closed-door read."
If you like knights, kings, queens, castles, Medieval times, good vs evil, and learning to trust stories, you might like this one.
Profile Image for Jaime.
116 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2023
I had really high hopes for this book after I finished reading the first book.
I read about 50% of it and… I just got bored with it.
I think what was really bothering me is that all in the first book it was “he only wants my womb” and then they end up having sex and now all they talk about when they’re together is never being apart and how they want to have sex and kiss 24/7, even in inappropriate times. I get that she was a virgin and it’s like “new love” but it just seemed really juvenile. It felt more like a YA fantasy than anything else. Which I guess I should’ve known since the author had zero details about their sexual encounters. Oh well.
199 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2023
This book has everything you could hope to read. Not only by itself, but standing up as a book 2. Taking this journey with these characters let us see deeper into what really drives them and shapes their personalities. Princess and Rowan have such a bond that cannot be ignored. The plot gets thicker and twistier with surprises that threw my emotions in a roller coaster ride. Princess has a history that not even she can understand and I loved learning all about the different places and rolls each had. Her name is absolutely PERFECT, so happy from beginning to end. Amazing, must read, 5 stars!!
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