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The Santina Crown #8
Playing the Royal Game
STOP THE PRESS: THE SANTINA-JACKSON ROYAL FAIRY TALE—FACT OR FICTION?
It seemed like every girl’s dream: fall in love with a prince and be whisked off for your very own glamorous happy-ever-after—a royal fairy tale for Allegra Jackson and Prince Alessandro Santina.
Allegra’s headline-grabbing family hardly prepared her for a life of public duty, and sinfully delicious Prince Alessandro has always seemed virtually allergic to the idea of settling down in Santa Maria.
Out of all the flamboyant, beautiful women his name’s been linked with, the heir to the throne picked ordinary Allegra with the family from hell…
Is everything really as it seems regarding the tabloid’s
engagement of the year?
It seemed like every girl’s dream: fall in love with a prince and be whisked off for your very own glamorous happy-ever-after—a royal fairy tale for Allegra Jackson and Prince Alessandro Santina.
Allegra’s headline-grabbing family hardly prepared her for a life of public duty, and sinfully delicious Prince Alessandro has always seemed virtually allergic to the idea of settling down in Santa Maria.
Out of all the flamboyant, beautiful women his name’s been linked with, the heir to the throne picked ordinary Allegra with the family from hell…
Is everything really as it seems regarding the tabloid’s
engagement of the year?
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2012
88 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Carol Marinelli
1,409 books450 followersCarol Marinelli was born in England to Scottish parents, then emigrated to Australia, where there are loads of Scottish and English people who did exactly the same, so she’s very at home there.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Melbourne—pretty much in her car, driving her three children to their various commitments.
Carol writes for the Harlequin Presents and Medical lines and she also writes contemporary women's fiction (with a dark twist).
When she's not writing she's reading, when she's not reading she's writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 29, 2019
Last story in a series about the Jackson family (father was a football star in England with many wives and girlfriends) and the Santina royal family.
The hero is the heir to the throne. The heroine is the breadwinner/steady influence in her crazy family. H/h meet when heroine stops at a bar after being fired from her job. She doesn’t realize she’s in a private club until the waitress asks her to sign in. Hero rescues her and the drink a bottle of sparkling wine together.
The hero is feeling trapped by his betrothal, so he asks the heroine to pretend to be his love interest for a million pounds. Heroine agrees. They buy an emerald ring together. When morning comes their kiss and ring buying have already hit the papers. H/h are stuck together.
The story then evolves around some scenes that have already been covered in the series. Their engagement party and her sister’s charity concert and their wedding.
This is a different sort of story. Hero is a cold fish but is self-aware enough to know he’s made mistakes. Heroine is equal parts passive and “modern.”
It was hard to get a handle on their true personalities because they kept hiding from each other and themselves. They even slept in the same bed every night but never had sex. Not because they weren’t attracted, but because it would be too revealing?
So imagine my surprise at the very touching ending when the H/h finally do realize their feelings and consummate their marriage. They each decided to be brave at the same time. It was sweet.
The hero is the heir to the throne. The heroine is the breadwinner/steady influence in her crazy family. H/h meet when heroine stops at a bar after being fired from her job. She doesn’t realize she’s in a private club until the waitress asks her to sign in. Hero rescues her and the drink a bottle of sparkling wine together.
The hero is feeling trapped by his betrothal, so he asks the heroine to pretend to be his love interest for a million pounds. Heroine agrees. They buy an emerald ring together. When morning comes their kiss and ring buying have already hit the papers. H/h are stuck together.
The story then evolves around some scenes that have already been covered in the series. Their engagement party and her sister’s charity concert and their wedding.
This is a different sort of story. Hero is a cold fish but is self-aware enough to know he’s made mistakes. Heroine is equal parts passive and “modern.”
It was hard to get a handle on their true personalities because they kept hiding from each other and themselves. They even slept in the same bed every night but never had sex. Not because they weren’t attracted, but because it would be too revealing?
So imagine my surprise at the very touching ending when the H/h finally do realize their feelings and consummate their marriage. They each decided to be brave at the same time. It was sweet.
August 11, 2015
Adorable lovable heroine meets and falls in love with Prince Charming only he is not so charming. Story is about how sweet Allegra wins the beast's heart ❤️
August 17, 2015
I absolutely loved the heroine! She was amazing! I just wished that she's stood up for herself a little but sooner.
The hero was such an ass. Oh God, I almost cried when he says those things about the heroine to his father, the king, and she overhears him. She didn't deserve any of it, but despite all his bad treatment, she still loved him anyway. And I absolutely love a besotted heroine.
What I didn't appreciate, and what lowered my rating for this book, was the h's father. OH MY GOD, HE WAS SO OVERBEARING AND ARROGANT AND HORRID AND HATEFUL UGHHHH. Having heard my mom's problems and awful experiences in an Indian joint family with a father-in-law similar to this guy, I couldn't take it. Well, at least the hero stood up, even a little, for her. Otherwise, I don't think I could have stayed wrapped up in my cosy ol' Harley bubble. It was much too close to the real thing, and let me tell you, that sort of domination and treatment is anything but romantic.
The hero was such an ass. Oh God, I almost cried when he says those things about the heroine to his father, the king, and she overhears him. She didn't deserve any of it, but despite all his bad treatment, she still loved him anyway. And I absolutely love a besotted heroine.
What I didn't appreciate, and what lowered my rating for this book, was the h's father. OH MY GOD, HE WAS SO OVERBEARING AND ARROGANT AND HORRID AND HATEFUL UGHHHH. Having heard my mom's problems and awful experiences in an Indian joint family with a father-in-law similar to this guy, I couldn't take it. Well, at least the hero stood up, even a little, for her. Otherwise, I don't think I could have stayed wrapped up in my cosy ol' Harley bubble. It was much too close to the real thing, and let me tell you, that sort of domination and treatment is anything but romantic.
May 21, 2018
The H is a horrible horrible person. He actually raised his hand to give the h a slap ohhhh myyyyy God. I wanted to give him a slap repeatedly he was so unprincely. This series had so many loose threads it was in danger if completely unraveling.
The series just had too many loose ends for my liking, we never got to find out if the king or queen ever became happy, whether the Queen did have an affair resulting in Sofia all those years ago and don't even get me started on the disjointed epilogue.
The series just had too many loose ends for my liking, we never got to find out if the king or queen ever became happy, whether the Queen did have an affair resulting in Sofia all those years ago and don't even get me started on the disjointed epilogue.
October 28, 2012
The last entry to the Santina continuity
This is the story of Allegra & Alessandro. The truth behind the hasty engagement party is now revealed.
Allessandro lives & works in London. He isn't ready yet to return to Santina to embrace his duties as a crown prince & marry his long term convenient fiancée. When he meets Allegra, Alex comes up with a plan : pretend to be in love with an unsuitable woman to have a reason to break up his engagement. Then, when his people reject Allegra, his parents will demand that he leaves her & no one will expect him to marry in the foreseeable future.
But his plan backfires. The people just love Allegra because she is warm & ordinary. His father forces him to set a wedding date with his most unsuitable fiancée.
My heart went to Allegra in her dealings with the stuffy royal family. They are stifling & snob.They want to change Allegra, groom her. They always criticize her. They distance her from her family& father. Even Alex acts cold & uptight with her. She suffocates in her gilded prison. But at the end, she asserts herself & refuses to be changed to suit the royal image. Alex is not a very likeable hero. He is cold & aloof as a future king is raised to be. His surname " cold fish" given by his father-in-law, is very accurate. LOL.
I like CM' writing style, but in this book the alternation between the characters' POV is too fast & too frequent - sometimes even in the same paragraph - which leaves the reader a little confused & dazed.
This is the story of Allegra & Alessandro. The truth behind the hasty engagement party is now revealed.
Allessandro lives & works in London. He isn't ready yet to return to Santina to embrace his duties as a crown prince & marry his long term convenient fiancée. When he meets Allegra, Alex comes up with a plan : pretend to be in love with an unsuitable woman to have a reason to break up his engagement. Then, when his people reject Allegra, his parents will demand that he leaves her & no one will expect him to marry in the foreseeable future.
But his plan backfires. The people just love Allegra because she is warm & ordinary. His father forces him to set a wedding date with his most unsuitable fiancée.
My heart went to Allegra in her dealings with the stuffy royal family. They are stifling & snob.They want to change Allegra, groom her. They always criticize her. They distance her from her family& father. Even Alex acts cold & uptight with her. She suffocates in her gilded prison. But at the end, she asserts herself & refuses to be changed to suit the royal image. Alex is not a very likeable hero. He is cold & aloof as a future king is raised to be. His surname " cold fish" given by his father-in-law, is very accurate. LOL.
I like CM' writing style, but in this book the alternation between the characters' POV is too fast & too frequent - sometimes even in the same paragraph - which leaves the reader a little confused & dazed.
January 19, 2017
A great read and gripping ending to this series.
I really like this surprising twist to this entertaining The Sartina Crown series. We find out not everything is what it seemed on the surface and in the papers......there is so much going on behind the scences....like his totally hateful and snobby family but they still force them to marry as appearances are everything and love is a myth.
Playboy Prince Alessandro is sexy and so downright arrogant that you love to hate him. He comes off as a pretty "cold fish" (which just happens to be his nickname. Lol!) and is really bad using sweet Allegra for his own means..... Allowing his family to futher hurt her makes him an ass. He does finally redeam himself through his love of Allegra and he becomes a better man.
Allegra is just an ordinary gal who gets charmed by this "Prince Charming" and the whole fairytale idea that she falls in love with her prince. She believes that her happy ending is just around the corner and is shocked to find out he is not what he seems......but she still is so besotted with him that it doesn't matter. She keeps right on loving him and finally stands her ground against all the verbal abuse and put downs by everyone....he finally sees the light. I liked how she held him off sexually and got him soooooo frustrated. Lol! Lots of sexual tension.
A well written lovely read.
I really like this surprising twist to this entertaining The Sartina Crown series. We find out not everything is what it seemed on the surface and in the papers......there is so much going on behind the scences....like his totally hateful and snobby family but they still force them to marry as appearances are everything and love is a myth.
Playboy Prince Alessandro is sexy and so downright arrogant that you love to hate him. He comes off as a pretty "cold fish" (which just happens to be his nickname. Lol!) and is really bad using sweet Allegra for his own means..... Allowing his family to futher hurt her makes him an ass. He does finally redeam himself through his love of Allegra and he becomes a better man.
Allegra is just an ordinary gal who gets charmed by this "Prince Charming" and the whole fairytale idea that she falls in love with her prince. She believes that her happy ending is just around the corner and is shocked to find out he is not what he seems......but she still is so besotted with him that it doesn't matter. She keeps right on loving him and finally stands her ground against all the verbal abuse and put downs by everyone....he finally sees the light. I liked how she held him off sexually and got him soooooo frustrated. Lol! Lots of sexual tension.
A well written lovely read.
January 11, 2013
Fairly decent book. A different take on the whole royal thing. A couple of things writing wise held it back for me. The sense of time was vague. I think a lot of time passed in the book but the author did not account for it well. There was a dirth of words like "three weeks later" etc. Also at the end suddenly she was using poetic phrasing like "Gone were the days in which..." "Soft was the hand that..." You either need to write the whole book like that, in which case it really doesn't fit the HP line stylistically or just don't. I vote for just don't.
The story was pretty fun. I liked that the heroine was having trouble adjusting to royal life. It seemed pretty realistic. I didn't like that it took the hero quite so long to realise he loved her. He was an ass in places and stood up for her in other places. I just wish I had gotten the feeling that he was standing up for her because he loved her. It was fun to see her shut him down sexually though. He was pretty frustrated by her.
My second book by this author. Not as strong as A Shameful Consequence, but I am totally up for more by this author.
The story was pretty fun. I liked that the heroine was having trouble adjusting to royal life. It seemed pretty realistic. I didn't like that it took the hero quite so long to realise he loved her. He was an ass in places and stood up for her in other places. I just wish I had gotten the feeling that he was standing up for her because he loved her. It was fun to see her shut him down sexually though. He was pretty frustrated by her.
My second book by this author. Not as strong as A Shameful Consequence, but I am totally up for more by this author.
December 7, 2017
How unexpectedly wonderful! This is one of the most original HPs I've read. Charming, romantic, fun...with plenty of entertaining 2ndary characters.
Absolutely on my favorites shelf. I know I'll be re-reading this one a ton.
Adored this book. One of my favorite HPs in 2017.
Grade: A+
Absolutely on my favorites shelf. I know I'll be re-reading this one a ton.
Adored this book. One of my favorite HPs in 2017.
Grade: A+
July 1, 2018
2.5
Allegra Jackson loses her job and stumbles into a club where she meets Prince Alessandro Santina, who is about to relinquish his lifestyle to take on the duties of being a prince of Santina and go through with arranged marriage. Only problem is, he's not ready yet. He's intrigued by Allegra and sees a unique solution to his problem in her - he'll pay her to act as his fiancee, which will end his current betrothal and knowing how unsuitable she is for the position, he's sure she'll be sent off in disgrace, making him a single man with more time to live his life. But things don't go as planned. For one, the people love Allegra (sort of the Princess Diana effect...she's of the people and so real that she humanizes the royal family), despite the royal family's belief in her unsuitability. Alex begins to realize that he's trapped Allegra into a marriage she doesn't want. What's more, he also can't resist the attraction between them, the only light in the miserable situation.
So...this did not feel like a very happy romance. It's dramatic and angsty as hell, which earns all of the stars here. I also liked Allegra's turn around there at the end - she made demands, took back her identity and said take me or leave me. After an entire story of watching her self-esteem being shattered, it was a refreshing ending. But absolutely nothing, not even his pity story about growing up in his royal family redeemed Alex for me. He saw an opportunity to manipulate a situation and took it, not bad in and of itself, but when push came to shove and the situation wasn't working out as he'd planned, Alex threw Allegra under the bus and she's the one who suffered for it. Allegra suffered emotional abuse from Alex's parents and from Alex, she was isolated from her family and friends, kept locked up in the castle (while Alex gets to travel) and forced into a marriage which was NEVER part of the agreement. And what choice did she have to leave? She's emotionally blackmailed every time she decides to go. What's worse is that Alex lets it all happen and even participates in it (and also freely considers being unfaithful to her since she won't have sex with him - which doesn't help my perception of him) She's absolutely frickin' miserable throughout the entire story and Alex feels bad about it, but oh well, what can he do? Certainly not call his father's bluff, think up a different solution or just do what's actually right and set her free. No, better to ruin an innocent woman's life instead. And given this, I'd expected some hardcore grovel, but this book didn't deliver it. I did like Alex's realization of his love for Allegra and his final declaration, but there needed to be WAY MORE apology and groveling for the misery he heaped upon this woman. Gah.
Also, I kinda doubted the love here, since the two hardly spend any time together when they're not in their "worse possible me" mode, and neither of them really like that version of the other -"Prince" version of Alex is cold-hearted and emotionless, while "abused" version of Allegra is justifiably in tears all the time, whiny and desperately seeking escape. Not really the best people to be falling in love with. They claim to be in love with the "best possible me" versions of each other though, and as I said, they were hardly in these particular personalities during this book.
Allegra Jackson loses her job and stumbles into a club where she meets Prince Alessandro Santina, who is about to relinquish his lifestyle to take on the duties of being a prince of Santina and go through with arranged marriage. Only problem is, he's not ready yet. He's intrigued by Allegra and sees a unique solution to his problem in her - he'll pay her to act as his fiancee, which will end his current betrothal and knowing how unsuitable she is for the position, he's sure she'll be sent off in disgrace, making him a single man with more time to live his life. But things don't go as planned. For one, the people love Allegra (sort of the Princess Diana effect...she's of the people and so real that she humanizes the royal family), despite the royal family's belief in her unsuitability. Alex begins to realize that he's trapped Allegra into a marriage she doesn't want. What's more, he also can't resist the attraction between them, the only light in the miserable situation.
So...this did not feel like a very happy romance. It's dramatic and angsty as hell, which earns all of the stars here. I also liked Allegra's turn around there at the end - she made demands, took back her identity and said take me or leave me. After an entire story of watching her self-esteem being shattered, it was a refreshing ending. But absolutely nothing, not even his pity story about growing up in his royal family redeemed Alex for me. He saw an opportunity to manipulate a situation and took it, not bad in and of itself, but when push came to shove and the situation wasn't working out as he'd planned, Alex threw Allegra under the bus and she's the one who suffered for it. Allegra suffered emotional abuse from Alex's parents and from Alex, she was isolated from her family and friends, kept locked up in the castle (while Alex gets to travel) and forced into a marriage which was NEVER part of the agreement. And what choice did she have to leave? She's emotionally blackmailed every time she decides to go. What's worse is that Alex lets it all happen and even participates in it (and also freely considers being unfaithful to her since she won't have sex with him - which doesn't help my perception of him) She's absolutely frickin' miserable throughout the entire story and Alex feels bad about it, but oh well, what can he do? Certainly not call his father's bluff, think up a different solution or just do what's actually right and set her free. No, better to ruin an innocent woman's life instead. And given this, I'd expected some hardcore grovel, but this book didn't deliver it. I did like Alex's realization of his love for Allegra and his final declaration, but there needed to be WAY MORE apology and groveling for the misery he heaped upon this woman. Gah.
Also, I kinda doubted the love here, since the two hardly spend any time together when they're not in their "worse possible me" mode, and neither of them really like that version of the other -"Prince" version of Alex is cold-hearted and emotionless, while "abused" version of Allegra is justifiably in tears all the time, whiny and desperately seeking escape. Not really the best people to be falling in love with. They claim to be in love with the "best possible me" versions of each other though, and as I said, they were hardly in these particular personalities during this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2012
4.5 stars
A couple of the previous books in this continuity series hinted at something that is not as it seems about the engagement between the Allegra and Alex (the event that started it all!) and that really whetted my appetite, I was very much looking forward to reading their story.
But, I also have a nagging feeling that this might be an accidental pregnancy story, there is nothing wrong with that of course but I knew that the series deserved something 'more'. I'm so glad I was wrong, in fact the plot of this book completely surprised me.
Carol Marinelli has written such a deep and provoking story that had me hooked all the way through. The emotion and almost desperation that saturates the pages when the hero and heroine first meet really set the tone of the whole story. The hero and heroine got themselves into something rather misguided only realising what a mistake it had been once they had become deeper and deeper involved. The story had a snowballing effect that is rather compelling to read.
The relationship that grows out of this comedy of errors is fraught with pain and restraint and is very moving. These characters belong together, you can see this right from the start, but everything is so difficult for them. The execution is flawless. My only complaint is that I wasn't too keen on the inclusion of POV from other characters, it felt almost jarring when it switched away from what was a deeply absorbing love-story and the inclusion of this didn't further the story at all, if anything it actually ruined the pace in my opinion.
When focused on the hero and heroine the writing is evocative and emotional with prose that feels as though it is floating.
Wonderful, and an enjoyable end to this continuity that if I'm honest had a rather shaky start!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
A couple of the previous books in this continuity series hinted at something that is not as it seems about the engagement between the Allegra and Alex (the event that started it all!) and that really whetted my appetite, I was very much looking forward to reading their story.
But, I also have a nagging feeling that this might be an accidental pregnancy story, there is nothing wrong with that of course but I knew that the series deserved something 'more'. I'm so glad I was wrong, in fact the plot of this book completely surprised me.
Carol Marinelli has written such a deep and provoking story that had me hooked all the way through. The emotion and almost desperation that saturates the pages when the hero and heroine first meet really set the tone of the whole story. The hero and heroine got themselves into something rather misguided only realising what a mistake it had been once they had become deeper and deeper involved. The story had a snowballing effect that is rather compelling to read.
The relationship that grows out of this comedy of errors is fraught with pain and restraint and is very moving. These characters belong together, you can see this right from the start, but everything is so difficult for them. The execution is flawless. My only complaint is that I wasn't too keen on the inclusion of POV from other characters, it felt almost jarring when it switched away from what was a deeply absorbing love-story and the inclusion of this didn't further the story at all, if anything it actually ruined the pace in my opinion.
When focused on the hero and heroine the writing is evocative and emotional with prose that feels as though it is floating.
Wonderful, and an enjoyable end to this continuity that if I'm honest had a rather shaky start!
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
October 8, 2012
Reviewd by: HarlequinJunkie Romance Reviews
Playing the Royal Game by Carol Marinelli was a well-written conclusion to the Santina Crown Series.
In this book we finally get an insight into Allegra Jackson and Alessandro Santina’s hasty engagement and their relationship.
I really liked the way this book started out and way it ended…. The middle parts I felt was lacking a bit of romance and intimacy between the H/h as the story progressed.…At times Alessandro came off a bit cold and disconnected.
What I LOVED about this book were the extended Epilogues, which provide an update on all the couples from the Santina Crown series after they each got their HEA.
Playing the Royal Game by Carol Marinelli was a well-written conclusion to the Santina Crown Series.
In this book we finally get an insight into Allegra Jackson and Alessandro Santina’s hasty engagement and their relationship.
I really liked the way this book started out and way it ended…. The middle parts I felt was lacking a bit of romance and intimacy between the H/h as the story progressed.…At times Alessandro came off a bit cold and disconnected.
What I LOVED about this book were the extended Epilogues, which provide an update on all the couples from the Santina Crown series after they each got their HEA.
September 18, 2014
Allegra tuvo que haberse enamorado en las primeras 5 páginas porque después de eso Alex de verdad que era frío. Sin querer leí el último libro de la serie y ahora no leeré los demás porque ya me "auto-spoilié".
February 3, 2017
Jó kis lezáró része volt a sorozatnak. Az utolsó részben megkaptuk végre Allegra és Alex történetét, a párosét, akiknek már az első részben is olvashattunk az eljegyzésükről, sőt, ez volt az egész sorozat mozgatórugója, hiszen a többi páros élete onnan indult el.
Azt hiszem, ennyire meseszerű Harlequin-történeteket még soha nem olvastam, mint ennél a sorozatnál, ahol ennyi szerencsés véletlen történt, de ez egyáltalán nem baj. Az egyetlen bajom, hogy nagyon gyorsan össze lett csapva ennek is a vége. Zoe viszont kellemes meglepetést okozott, sőt Bobby Jackson is.
Összességében egy aranyos, könnyed kikapcsolódást ígérő sorozat, örülök, hogy elolvastam. :)
Azt hiszem, ennyire meseszerű Harlequin-történeteket még soha nem olvastam, mint ennél a sorozatnál, ahol ennyi szerencsés véletlen történt, de ez egyáltalán nem baj. Az egyetlen bajom, hogy nagyon gyorsan össze lett csapva ennek is a vége. Zoe viszont kellemes meglepetést okozott, sőt Bobby Jackson is.
Összességében egy aranyos, könnyed kikapcsolódást ígérő sorozat, örülök, hogy elolvastam. :)
April 30, 2013
Full review can also been see at My Two Cents
"Time line? Where is it? This while reading it I kept getting lost to the days, and the activities. Some points started on a certain day, with a few activities, mild conversation but by the end of the conversation time had passed it was supposed to be another day? It was confusing trying to figure it out. I don't see how it can be a Tuesday morning after brunch with the royals when a conversation in the hall starts, and suddenly when the conversation is done it is 2 days later in the evening. The time lines were way to vague in this book, when time was mentioned it was stated as a "3 weeks later" kind of thing. Used way to often, but still did little to help determine a fluid time line.
Love? What love? It was a horny Prince, determined to marry a women who clearly just wanted to go home, because he had paid her to pretend to be his fiancé. Everytime she tried to go home or call it off, he threatened to ruin her in the media, essentially black mailing her to stay. I do not see how at all this could be any kind of love, or how anything could come of it. Kidnapped is what I would call her! And though the time line is hard to determine, he apparently spent most of his time going back and forth from his island to London, where she would have loved to go, but alas she was denied and kept in the cadtle. If he was constantly running away, but she couldn't do anything but wonder around a castle where she was un wanted, how could any kind of relationship grow. If anything it would drive a wedge in there, and tear them apart. I'm surprised she didn't go insane, or postal and just walk out. There really wasn't much time they DID spend together, and their conversations were little to none, he ordered her around like an arrogant jerk, and she ran off locked herself in a room and cried. I don't see how love could blossom out of these circumstances, or how at any point it had even started. It was unrealistic to believe that any kind emotion, caring, or love was there between the two of them.
I normally like the normal person to princess idea, even if it is it really is over done. This book is disappointing to me it could have been better. The drama could have been more involved, more of a -- someone trying to tear them apart just when they started falling for each other kind of thing. Allegra definitely needed to be a little less isolated. Why didn't the Queen get more involved, maybe give her lessons on how to be royal, or walks and talks about the life of a royal, something that was a little bit more deep then her crying in her room a lot. Maybe her and the Queen could have formed a better bond, which in the end could have helped the king see better too. Crying and temper tantrums was all this women did, and it got old fast.
Loved the Jackson family the most. Great family. Good fun. Most readable, and relatable part of this book. It's sad that they weren't more involved. I didn't like the mud slinging that was done to this family. When they were involved, as in the engagement party, it wasn't engaging. They were spoken of as an after thought or memory.
The writing style was awkward. Terms likes, "Gone were the days" and "For she too, felt the strain" were misplaced within a modern day story. Placed in odd spots within the book that was otherwise written in normal modern English. Though it was used mostly in the end, I suppose in an attempt to sound a little poetic, it stood out like a sore thumb.
This book rotated between the prince and Allegra while they were together, but the POV changes were awkward. I couldn't tell whose POV it was in sometimes, had to go back and re-read. POV changes would happen mid paragraph, or mid conversation, it was distracting to read one line from HER point of view and two lines later it was the Prince's point of view with no clear difference.
Not something that I would highly recommend reading, but if you are already reading the Santina family books, this is #8, and you may be interested in it. "
"Time line? Where is it? This while reading it I kept getting lost to the days, and the activities. Some points started on a certain day, with a few activities, mild conversation but by the end of the conversation time had passed it was supposed to be another day? It was confusing trying to figure it out. I don't see how it can be a Tuesday morning after brunch with the royals when a conversation in the hall starts, and suddenly when the conversation is done it is 2 days later in the evening. The time lines were way to vague in this book, when time was mentioned it was stated as a "3 weeks later" kind of thing. Used way to often, but still did little to help determine a fluid time line.
Love? What love? It was a horny Prince, determined to marry a women who clearly just wanted to go home, because he had paid her to pretend to be his fiancé. Everytime she tried to go home or call it off, he threatened to ruin her in the media, essentially black mailing her to stay. I do not see how at all this could be any kind of love, or how anything could come of it. Kidnapped is what I would call her! And though the time line is hard to determine, he apparently spent most of his time going back and forth from his island to London, where she would have loved to go, but alas she was denied and kept in the cadtle. If he was constantly running away, but she couldn't do anything but wonder around a castle where she was un wanted, how could any kind of relationship grow. If anything it would drive a wedge in there, and tear them apart. I'm surprised she didn't go insane, or postal and just walk out. There really wasn't much time they DID spend together, and their conversations were little to none, he ordered her around like an arrogant jerk, and she ran off locked herself in a room and cried. I don't see how love could blossom out of these circumstances, or how at any point it had even started. It was unrealistic to believe that any kind emotion, caring, or love was there between the two of them.
I normally like the normal person to princess idea, even if it is it really is over done. This book is disappointing to me it could have been better. The drama could have been more involved, more of a -- someone trying to tear them apart just when they started falling for each other kind of thing. Allegra definitely needed to be a little less isolated. Why didn't the Queen get more involved, maybe give her lessons on how to be royal, or walks and talks about the life of a royal, something that was a little bit more deep then her crying in her room a lot. Maybe her and the Queen could have formed a better bond, which in the end could have helped the king see better too. Crying and temper tantrums was all this women did, and it got old fast.
Loved the Jackson family the most. Great family. Good fun. Most readable, and relatable part of this book. It's sad that they weren't more involved. I didn't like the mud slinging that was done to this family. When they were involved, as in the engagement party, it wasn't engaging. They were spoken of as an after thought or memory.
The writing style was awkward. Terms likes, "Gone were the days" and "For she too, felt the strain" were misplaced within a modern day story. Placed in odd spots within the book that was otherwise written in normal modern English. Though it was used mostly in the end, I suppose in an attempt to sound a little poetic, it stood out like a sore thumb.
This book rotated between the prince and Allegra while they were together, but the POV changes were awkward. I couldn't tell whose POV it was in sometimes, had to go back and re-read. POV changes would happen mid paragraph, or mid conversation, it was distracting to read one line from HER point of view and two lines later it was the Prince's point of view with no clear difference.
Not something that I would highly recommend reading, but if you are already reading the Santina family books, this is #8, and you may be interested in it. "
September 11, 2013
This is a great finale for this spectacular series!! After seeing Alex and Allegra through all the books-and hating them sometimes, so I started reading the book with a serious aversion of these two-, I'm glad that it was really a good story for them. Sometimes I wanted to hit Alex so hard because he was some kind of jerk with Allegra. And Allegra, whom I hated after the way she talked to Izzy in "Defying the prince", was fighting for her freedom all the time. It was a really good ending for the series that I made a design of Allegra's wedding dress!! And other dresses as Elsa's silver dress(book 2), Izzy's night gown(book 5), Carlotta's lace black dress(book 6) and Anna's red dress(book 7). Outstanding finale and outsanding series.
August 18, 2024
Allegra Jackson is daughter of a famous footballer and spends a lot of her time dealing with her family's various dramas. When she quits her job after her boss harasses her, Allegra runs into Prince Alessandro Santina and in desperation, he pays her to pretend to be his inappropriate fiancee so that he can get out of an arranged betrothal and show his father that he's not ready to step up to his royal duties just yet. But the people love her and the fake marriage quickly becomes a real one.
I have many feelings about this book. So much of it was promising - the premise, the side characters - but I just couldn't get over the fact that Alessandro was horrible. He whisked Allegra over to the royal palace, isolated her there, told her family they couldn't speak to her, told her to change her hair and clothes and attitude and gaslit the hell out of her. To the point where all the characters admit that she is getting physically ill as a result and is feeling terrible, and yet they all just keep threatening her to keep going ahead with the wedding because she accepted the money from him in the first place. It was just unpleasant to read and made the ending where Allegra suddenly decided to do things her way and declare her love for Alessandro more jarring.
In addition to this, Playing the Royal Game is the eighth in the series about the Santina royal family and while the engagement party between Allegra and Alessandro seems to kick off the whole series, there were so many linked characters whose stories were briefly referred to that ended up completely confusing me as I hadn't read any of the other books, so not one you can really pick up independently.
An awful male lead with no real 'romance'. 1 star.
I have many feelings about this book. So much of it was promising - the premise, the side characters - but I just couldn't get over the fact that Alessandro was horrible. He whisked Allegra over to the royal palace, isolated her there, told her family they couldn't speak to her, told her to change her hair and clothes and attitude and gaslit the hell out of her. To the point where all the characters admit that she is getting physically ill as a result and is feeling terrible, and yet they all just keep threatening her to keep going ahead with the wedding because she accepted the money from him in the first place. It was just unpleasant to read and made the ending where Allegra suddenly decided to do things her way and declare her love for Alessandro more jarring.
In addition to this, Playing the Royal Game is the eighth in the series about the Santina royal family and while the engagement party between Allegra and Alessandro seems to kick off the whole series, there were so many linked characters whose stories were briefly referred to that ended up completely confusing me as I hadn't read any of the other books, so not one you can really pick up independently.
An awful male lead with no real 'romance'. 1 star.
April 22, 2020
3 stars for emotional angst and allegra. i thought her physical and mental deterioration from the stress and isolation of marrying into royalty was so well done and i cared about her character enough to not want her to marry alex since he honestly makes her miserable. they needed more chapters post-marriage, i really wish this book was longer or could have had a sequel because the ending felt too sweet and rushed after all the depressing things allegra went through.
March 2, 2018
Allegra hidupnya menderita banget, kalau aku jadi dia mungki I memilih pergi wkwkwkwkw. .
.
Alessandro kalau dia lagi ngomong rasanya pengen dorong dia ke jurang... Mulutnya suka jahat. .
.
Typo ada tp sedikit, alurnya juga enak, meskipun masih ada beberapa yang bikin penasaran. .
.
Alessandro kalau dia lagi ngomong rasanya pengen dorong dia ke jurang... Mulutnya suka jahat. .
.
Typo ada tp sedikit, alurnya juga enak, meskipun masih ada beberapa yang bikin penasaran. .
October 23, 2023
Me gusto, siento que es el mejor libro dentro de la saga, aunque si le faltaron bastantes cosas y un epilogo un poco más descriptivo.. no sé una fiesta de cumpleaños una celebración grande no sé... lo que si se es que Carol Marinelli no descepciona
November 15, 2017
The translation is so bad. I hardly understand anything.
May 1, 2019
dnf, confusing mess
May 1, 2019
talk about getting the father in law from hell.....of course, it got better by the end, but not sure I would have survived some of the days the heroine had to go thru. It was a fun read.
August 11, 2022
1.5/5⭐
Alurnya ngacak banget, gasuka😣 padahal ini penutupan series santina
Alurnya ngacak banget, gasuka😣 padahal ini penutupan series santina
February 5, 2017
Alessandro Santina (Alex) bertemu dengan Allegra Jackson di sebuah bar. Kala itu Allegra baru saja dipecat dari pekerjaannya sebagai editor, sementara Alex kebingungan mencari jalan keluar dari masalahnya. Alex diminta kembali ke Santina untuk mengemban tugasnya sebagai putra mahkota. Dia harus menikahi tunangannya, Anna. Sementara pernikahan tidak ada dalam rencana Alex.
Alex dan Allegra membuat kesepakatan. Mereka akan mengatakan bahwa mereka telah bertunangan, sehingga pernikahan yang direncanakan untuk Alex bisa dibatalkan. Tentunya rakyat Santina tidak akan menerima putri yang bukan dari kalangan bangsawan. Setelah beberapa waktu lamanya, pertunangan palsu itu dihentikan, dan Alex akan terbebas dari desakan untuk segera menikah. Untuk skenario itu, Allegra mendapatkan bayaran satu juta pound. Allegra setuju dengan rencana itu, membayangkan banyak hal yang bisa diperbuatnya dengan uang itu, termasuk menerbitkan biografi tentang ayahnya. Tetapi rencana mereka tidak berjalan lancar. Rakyat Santina mencintai Allegra. Allegra dianggap sebagai sosok yang mewakili rakyat. Pertunangan itu tidak bisa dibatalkan. Malah mereka didesak untuk segera menikah.
Novel ini menjadi penutup series The Santina Crown. Di tujuh novel sebelumnya, cerita diawali dengan pertunangan penuh cinta antara Alex dan Allegra. Skenario mereka bisa menipu banyak orang. Kenyataannya, mereka tidak saling mencintai. Dan Allegra terjebak dalam pertunangan pura-pura ini. Dia dituntut untuk menjadi calon ratu yang sesungguhnya, keluarganya dicemooh oleh Raja, dan lebih parah lagi Alex tidak ada untuknya.
Sikap Alex ini benar-benar menyebalkan. Dia tidak menginginkan pernikahan, tetapi juga tidak bisa melepas Allegra. Bukannya menghibur dan menguatkan Allegra, dia malah lebih sering ikut memojokkan Allegra. Alex sadar jika dia tidak menikahi Allegra, mahkota kerajaan akan jatuh pada Matteo. Dia tidak ingin itu terjadi. Satu-satunya saat dia menyukai keberadaan Allegra karena mereka harus berbagi tempat tidur. Dia ingin sekali bisa merasakan kehangatan Allegra, yang tentu saja ditolak oleh Allegra. Alex bahkan berniat melampiaskan hasratnya di London dan meninggalkan Allegra.
Allegra sendiri adalah wanita yang tangguh. Meski dia berkali-kali mengis karena semua yang dijalaninya, dia tahu semua konsekuensi atas pilihannya. Yang mengagumkan adalah Allegra tetap membela keluarganya, meski dia tahu sendiri keluarga Jackson memang penuh skandal. Buku biografi yang ditulis oleh Allegra berisi kehidupan lain ayahnya, kasih sayang ayahnya, si pembuat skandal itu. Dan yang membuat terharu, di saat-saat terakhir semua saudaranya datang untuk menghibur Allegra. Tentu saja novel ini akan berakhir bahagia sebagaimana biasanya. Hanya saja, penulis sepertinya sengaja ingin menunda titik balik sikap Alex yang menyebalkan itu di detik-detik terakhir.
Meski tokoh utama dari series ini adalah Alex dan Allegra, favorit saya tetap ada pada Matteo dan Izzy. Di akhir kisah The Santina Crown ini ada sedikit bonus yang memberikan gambaran kondisi masing-masing pasangan di dalam series ini. Bonusnya ini yang membuat saya menambah satu bintang untuk buku #8 di series ini.
Alex dan Allegra membuat kesepakatan. Mereka akan mengatakan bahwa mereka telah bertunangan, sehingga pernikahan yang direncanakan untuk Alex bisa dibatalkan. Tentunya rakyat Santina tidak akan menerima putri yang bukan dari kalangan bangsawan. Setelah beberapa waktu lamanya, pertunangan palsu itu dihentikan, dan Alex akan terbebas dari desakan untuk segera menikah. Untuk skenario itu, Allegra mendapatkan bayaran satu juta pound. Allegra setuju dengan rencana itu, membayangkan banyak hal yang bisa diperbuatnya dengan uang itu, termasuk menerbitkan biografi tentang ayahnya. Tetapi rencana mereka tidak berjalan lancar. Rakyat Santina mencintai Allegra. Allegra dianggap sebagai sosok yang mewakili rakyat. Pertunangan itu tidak bisa dibatalkan. Malah mereka didesak untuk segera menikah.
Novel ini menjadi penutup series The Santina Crown. Di tujuh novel sebelumnya, cerita diawali dengan pertunangan penuh cinta antara Alex dan Allegra. Skenario mereka bisa menipu banyak orang. Kenyataannya, mereka tidak saling mencintai. Dan Allegra terjebak dalam pertunangan pura-pura ini. Dia dituntut untuk menjadi calon ratu yang sesungguhnya, keluarganya dicemooh oleh Raja, dan lebih parah lagi Alex tidak ada untuknya.
Sikap Alex ini benar-benar menyebalkan. Dia tidak menginginkan pernikahan, tetapi juga tidak bisa melepas Allegra. Bukannya menghibur dan menguatkan Allegra, dia malah lebih sering ikut memojokkan Allegra. Alex sadar jika dia tidak menikahi Allegra, mahkota kerajaan akan jatuh pada Matteo. Dia tidak ingin itu terjadi. Satu-satunya saat dia menyukai keberadaan Allegra karena mereka harus berbagi tempat tidur. Dia ingin sekali bisa merasakan kehangatan Allegra, yang tentu saja ditolak oleh Allegra. Alex bahkan berniat melampiaskan hasratnya di London dan meninggalkan Allegra.
Allegra sendiri adalah wanita yang tangguh. Meski dia berkali-kali mengis karena semua yang dijalaninya, dia tahu semua konsekuensi atas pilihannya. Yang mengagumkan adalah Allegra tetap membela keluarganya, meski dia tahu sendiri keluarga Jackson memang penuh skandal. Buku biografi yang ditulis oleh Allegra berisi kehidupan lain ayahnya, kasih sayang ayahnya, si pembuat skandal itu. Dan yang membuat terharu, di saat-saat terakhir semua saudaranya datang untuk menghibur Allegra. Tentu saja novel ini akan berakhir bahagia sebagaimana biasanya. Hanya saja, penulis sepertinya sengaja ingin menunda titik balik sikap Alex yang menyebalkan itu di detik-detik terakhir.
Meski tokoh utama dari series ini adalah Alex dan Allegra, favorit saya tetap ada pada Matteo dan Izzy. Di akhir kisah The Santina Crown ini ada sedikit bonus yang memberikan gambaran kondisi masing-masing pasangan di dalam series ini. Bonusnya ini yang membuat saya menambah satu bintang untuk buku #8 di series ini.
November 17, 2012
This was such a cute book, and such an easy read. From the moment an unsuspecting young girl agrees to become the pretend fiancé of a real-life-prince, the roller coaster of life takes over and the twists and turns do not stop until the last page.
“She looked at the card and then back to him, to liquid brown eyes and the smile that was, frankly, dangerous. There was a confidence to him, an air of certainty – and she knew in that moment why he was so completely successful.”
Looking back, the book reminds me a little of the American T.V. show, The Beverly Hillbillies; country come to town, with characters that rival Ellie Mae and Jethro Clampet.
“I have been told I am to return and fulfill my duties.” She could not have known just how many times she would replay that moment – could never have guessed how often she would look back…”
On one hand, you have the stiff upper crust of the ruling monarchy, and on the other hand, you have the playboy father and a handful of fun-loving siblings that do nothing but set the world on fire. Add to the mix, loads of misunderstandings, and you have a page-turner that you won’t want to put down.
“I told him they were my favourite Jimmy Choios and he just looked at me blankly, which just goes to show that men are from Mars and women are from Bloomingdale’s. Please tell me you picked them up – they’re the ones with the tiny bow that you borrowed…”
What I liked about the book? I really enjoyed the storyline. It was a romance with loads of normalcy thrown in to a fantasy. It is about the differences of the families that people have to find a way to negotiate when they fall in love. I like a book that offers a laugh or too and this book did exactly that.
“Did you enjoy last night?” Zoe (the queen) enquired. “I can’t remember it yet,” Bobby (the bride’s father) answered, and he started to laugh. After a brief moment Zoe found herself laughing too, though it faded when he continued. “I don’t think my speech went down too well. I didn’t even get to finish…” “We’re not really used to impromptu speeches.”
What I didn’t like about the book? Off hand, I really can’t think of anything I didn’t care for. Again, I enjoyed the humor mixed in with the romance.
“As the royal newlyweds entered and the doors closed behind them, there was a feeling of relief. The day had gone brilliantly, the night…well, who knew but tonight old money and new would mingle.”
The technical side? I felt the book was well written with thought out characters and plots, and it flowed well. The book offered a variety of characters from one end of the spectrum to another, and somehow it joined to give the reader an enjoyable read.
“She looked at the card and then back to him, to liquid brown eyes and the smile that was, frankly, dangerous. There was a confidence to him, an air of certainty – and she knew in that moment why he was so completely successful.”
Looking back, the book reminds me a little of the American T.V. show, The Beverly Hillbillies; country come to town, with characters that rival Ellie Mae and Jethro Clampet.
“I have been told I am to return and fulfill my duties.” She could not have known just how many times she would replay that moment – could never have guessed how often she would look back…”
On one hand, you have the stiff upper crust of the ruling monarchy, and on the other hand, you have the playboy father and a handful of fun-loving siblings that do nothing but set the world on fire. Add to the mix, loads of misunderstandings, and you have a page-turner that you won’t want to put down.
“I told him they were my favourite Jimmy Choios and he just looked at me blankly, which just goes to show that men are from Mars and women are from Bloomingdale’s. Please tell me you picked them up – they’re the ones with the tiny bow that you borrowed…”
What I liked about the book? I really enjoyed the storyline. It was a romance with loads of normalcy thrown in to a fantasy. It is about the differences of the families that people have to find a way to negotiate when they fall in love. I like a book that offers a laugh or too and this book did exactly that.
“Did you enjoy last night?” Zoe (the queen) enquired. “I can’t remember it yet,” Bobby (the bride’s father) answered, and he started to laugh. After a brief moment Zoe found herself laughing too, though it faded when he continued. “I don’t think my speech went down too well. I didn’t even get to finish…” “We’re not really used to impromptu speeches.”
What I didn’t like about the book? Off hand, I really can’t think of anything I didn’t care for. Again, I enjoyed the humor mixed in with the romance.
“As the royal newlyweds entered and the doors closed behind them, there was a feeling of relief. The day had gone brilliantly, the night…well, who knew but tonight old money and new would mingle.”
The technical side? I felt the book was well written with thought out characters and plots, and it flowed well. The book offered a variety of characters from one end of the spectrum to another, and somehow it joined to give the reader an enjoyable read.
October 30, 2013
Allegra Jackson refuses advances from her boss and she is terminated. She desperately searches for another job, and this leads to a chance meeting with Prince Alessandro Santina. She absentmindedly wanders into a private club to sit and gather her thoughts and is later confronted by a waitress for not signing in. Prince Alessandro, or Alex, as he calls himself, steps in to save her from embarrassment. He is very somber himself because he is being forced to return to Santina to get married and fulfill his royal duties. After some honest conversation about each of their predicaments, Alex wants Allegra to agree to pretend to be his fiance in order to have an excuse to break off his arranged marriage, allowing him a little more time to accomplish his personal goals in London. Then after a short period of time, they could break the engagement. He would pay her handsomely to do so, which would alleviate the burdens she faced being unemployed. It seems like a good idea....at first. By the next morning Allegra is experiencing regrets but the Prince makes it perfectly clear that it is already too late to change her mind when they are all over the media. Her regrets only get stronger as one thing after another goes totally opposite from what the Prince had planned, and Allegra's tabloid headline grabbing family get mixed in the deal. The struggle to merge their worlds, overcome standards and expectations to be their own person, and of course falling in love along the way, makes a great story.
Playing The Royal Game is a delightful distraction from every day reality. This modern day fairy tale is just whimsical enough to draw you in, but not too far over the top. I enjoyed the read. I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Playing The Royal Game is a delightful distraction from every day reality. This modern day fairy tale is just whimsical enough to draw you in, but not too far over the top. I enjoyed the read. I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2012
Playing the Royal Game by Carol Marinelli
4 STARS
Playing the Royal Game is the last book in the The Santina Crown series I believe. It is the first one I have read and now I wish I had read the others. They sound interesting and fun.
Allegra Jackson was having a rotten day. She has been looking for work and after having no luck entered a bar and decided to have a bottle of champagne. She was fired because the boss wanted personal favors from her.
Prince Alessandro Santina runs his own company. He is engaged at home in a arranged marriage that he does not want. When the waitress had just come to realize that Allegra was not signed in at the private club was going to kick her out when Alex stepped in.
Alex got the idea if she played his fiance and it would break off the one his father set in place. Then after a few days or weeks when the public cry out because Allegra is not suitable they will end thier relationship and Alex can stay in England longer running his buisness. He will pay her a lot of money for the job.
Allegra could than right the truthful story about her father exfootball player.
She agrees then everything goes wrong with thier plans. Alex's people love Allegra.
His father the King of Santina wants an engagement party thrown right away and thier wedding date annouced.
It is a fun charming story. With a lot of characters that I think have had thier own stories told in the former books of the series.
I was glad that Allegra stood up for her family and for what she wants to do.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest reviews from Netgalley.
Publisher: Harlequin Presents (December 1, 2012) ISBN: 0373131089 186 pages
4 STARS
Playing the Royal Game is the last book in the The Santina Crown series I believe. It is the first one I have read and now I wish I had read the others. They sound interesting and fun.
Allegra Jackson was having a rotten day. She has been looking for work and after having no luck entered a bar and decided to have a bottle of champagne. She was fired because the boss wanted personal favors from her.
Prince Alessandro Santina runs his own company. He is engaged at home in a arranged marriage that he does not want. When the waitress had just come to realize that Allegra was not signed in at the private club was going to kick her out when Alex stepped in.
Alex got the idea if she played his fiance and it would break off the one his father set in place. Then after a few days or weeks when the public cry out because Allegra is not suitable they will end thier relationship and Alex can stay in England longer running his buisness. He will pay her a lot of money for the job.
Allegra could than right the truthful story about her father exfootball player.
She agrees then everything goes wrong with thier plans. Alex's people love Allegra.
His father the King of Santina wants an engagement party thrown right away and thier wedding date annouced.
It is a fun charming story. With a lot of characters that I think have had thier own stories told in the former books of the series.
I was glad that Allegra stood up for her family and for what she wants to do.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest reviews from Netgalley.
Publisher: Harlequin Presents (December 1, 2012) ISBN: 0373131089 186 pages
December 7, 2012
This book tell a fairy tale story of Allegra who has lost her job, found herself a prince; Alessandro, only to find herself playing as his supposedly girl friend in order for him to get out of an nuptial with Anna, whom was betrothed to him by their royal parent. With the story of whirlwind romance, Allegra found herself in a foreign country and a new "cold" family where affection between people is something rare among them. Allegra, who found herself restricted in everything she do; her style of fashion, her relationship with her family, her movement, etc. She no longer be able to be herself anymore and it is suffocating for her. From an initial plan of merely an engagment where it is a short term arrangement between her and Alex, it has turned into something permanent where Alex has to announce their wedding date or risk the possibility of having to step aside from becoming the King. He has no choice to decide on the date and Allegra has to resign being tied to this family for ever.
Reading this book has given me an insight that not everything in the palace is rosy and i do understand Allegra's struggle in adapting to an environment where there is always tension between the family members. Overall, i like the story plot very much and the ending is up to my expectation. ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2023
This is an ongoing series and I haven’t read the other books, but it was quite easy to fall in this Cinderella story and at the end I was cheering for their happy ending. After everything Allegra suffered from her family she deserved some good in her life.
Don’t get me wrong, she wasn’t abused or anything like this, but they treated her like a slave, only working to give them money and for once she was doing something for herself, but apparently it was not enough because she was still unhappy.
Alessandro needed a dose of reality for him to realize that it wasn’t necessary for him to completely distance himself from the people just to rule them. So Allegra being her friendly was actually what he needed.
I wasn't familiar with the rest of the family, but it was really nice seeing them changing with some truths bared. The relationship changed a lot in the book and it was great to see Alessandro bare his soul for once.
This review can be also found on my blog: Book Travels
Don’t get me wrong, she wasn’t abused or anything like this, but they treated her like a slave, only working to give them money and for once she was doing something for herself, but apparently it was not enough because she was still unhappy.
Alessandro needed a dose of reality for him to realize that it wasn’t necessary for him to completely distance himself from the people just to rule them. So Allegra being her friendly was actually what he needed.
I wasn't familiar with the rest of the family, but it was really nice seeing them changing with some truths bared. The relationship changed a lot in the book and it was great to see Alessandro bare his soul for once.
This review can be also found on my blog: Book Travels
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews