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Lords of Kassis #4
Risteard’s Unwilling Empress
Ristéard Roald is the powerful and deadly ruler of Elpidios, a planet that is slowly dying without the blood stones needed to absorb the radiation gradually destroying its stratosphere. He has sworn to do whatever it takes to protect his world and his people, but time is running out.
Hope comes from an unexpected source, the Kassis. They have found a way to replicate the blood stones needed to save his world, but his first dealings with a traitorous Kassisan has left a deep distrust for the species.
Ricki Bailey is used to dealing with diplomats and handling complex situations. After all, as the daughter of the owners of Cirque de Magik, the most spectacular Circus to the Stars, she is used to organizing their trips to foreign countries. Her life changes when her mother and father decide to take the circus to the real stars… and to another star system!
If she thought learning new laws and customs was going to be a challenge, it was nothing to the sudden interest she was getting from a huge blue male known as the Grand Ruler! Ricki discovers words that she didn’t even realize were in her vocabulary, most of them not in the least polite.
She decides the best way to deal with the arrogant male is to treat him like she did when encountering difficult Consuls during the circus’ travels on Earth; stay cool, calm, and professional and only deal with the facts necessary to complete whatever business transaction was required.
Ristéard is stunned when a strange, alien female, foretold in the ancient tablets as being the great Empress who will save his world, appears. He is even more astonished when she refuses his attentions! With the life of his planet at stake, not to mention his own peace of mind and body, he will do whatever is necessary to ensure the female stays by his side.
Yet, there are forces working against him and Ricki, powerful forces that do not want him to be successful. Dangers and traitors among his own council threaten not only him, but her. It will take all of Ristéard’s resources, and a few unexpected allies, to complete the dangerous journey ahead of them.
Can he keep his unwilling Empress safe from those that would destroy her? Better yet, can he save his world when there are those that would destroy it for the treasure of precious blood stones hidden somewhere beneath its surface?
Hope comes from an unexpected source, the Kassis. They have found a way to replicate the blood stones needed to save his world, but his first dealings with a traitorous Kassisan has left a deep distrust for the species.
Ricki Bailey is used to dealing with diplomats and handling complex situations. After all, as the daughter of the owners of Cirque de Magik, the most spectacular Circus to the Stars, she is used to organizing their trips to foreign countries. Her life changes when her mother and father decide to take the circus to the real stars… and to another star system!
If she thought learning new laws and customs was going to be a challenge, it was nothing to the sudden interest she was getting from a huge blue male known as the Grand Ruler! Ricki discovers words that she didn’t even realize were in her vocabulary, most of them not in the least polite.
She decides the best way to deal with the arrogant male is to treat him like she did when encountering difficult Consuls during the circus’ travels on Earth; stay cool, calm, and professional and only deal with the facts necessary to complete whatever business transaction was required.
Ristéard is stunned when a strange, alien female, foretold in the ancient tablets as being the great Empress who will save his world, appears. He is even more astonished when she refuses his attentions! With the life of his planet at stake, not to mention his own peace of mind and body, he will do whatever is necessary to ensure the female stays by his side.
Yet, there are forces working against him and Ricki, powerful forces that do not want him to be successful. Dangers and traitors among his own council threaten not only him, but her. It will take all of Ristéard’s resources, and a few unexpected allies, to complete the dangerous journey ahead of them.
Can he keep his unwilling Empress safe from those that would destroy her? Better yet, can he save his world when there are those that would destroy it for the treasure of precious blood stones hidden somewhere beneath its surface?
284 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2015
184 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Smith
259 books2,580 followersS.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
July 22, 2025
I finished this book last night, but I’m glad I waited to review it today. Alas, I was annoyed by [booK: Risteard’s Unwilling Empress] last night, I still am this morning. But now I hope I can put things in perspective. Perhaps the problem with my low ratings recently is that I’m reading the wrong books. For me and at this moment in time.
Anyway, I was annoyed with the plot. The romance between Ricki and Risteard was anticlimactic. The writing was all right, but an OK writing isn’t enough. I was annoyed with S.E. Smith for spending too much time getting to a potential better plot that came rushed towards the end. The fact is that I liked the first three books of the series, but what went wrong here? I don't precisely know. I am annoyed with Smith, I’m sorry. Lately her books have simply disappointed.
Nevertheless, to sum it up, though I would say it was not bad for what it pretends (i.e. to be good entertainment), there is nothing else that I can do but give it 2 stars.
Anyway, I was annoyed with the plot. The romance between Ricki and Risteard was anticlimactic. The writing was all right, but an OK writing isn’t enough. I was annoyed with S.E. Smith for spending too much time getting to a potential better plot that came rushed towards the end. The fact is that I liked the first three books of the series, but what went wrong here? I don't precisely know. I am annoyed with Smith, I’m sorry. Lately her books have simply disappointed.
Nevertheless, to sum it up, though I would say it was not bad for what it pretends (i.e. to be good entertainment), there is nothing else that I can do but give it 2 stars.
February 19, 2015
honest opinion!
This was a three. I am on the fence . I have to be honest and say I only read certain parts. It was very slow to start. Most of the first 30 percent of the book was backstory. Very boring. Then the resistance which instead of snappy comebacks it was a little childish. Then in a span of one night of kidnapping they were in love. Finding the cure for the planet was the best part and it only lasted 4 chapters .
This was a three. I am on the fence . I have to be honest and say I only read certain parts. It was very slow to start. Most of the first 30 percent of the book was backstory. Very boring. Then the resistance which instead of snappy comebacks it was a little childish. Then in a span of one night of kidnapping they were in love. Finding the cure for the planet was the best part and it only lasted 4 chapters .
February 19, 2015
Highly enjoyed this book, cannot wait until the next one in this series..
October 7, 2018
Great S.E. Smith book.
August 25, 2022
Another Outstanding Book by S.E. Smith
Fun, exciting story, that's well-paced and easy to read or listen to. Quirky characters that easily gain your love or hate depending on who they are. I live this book and series and can't wait to read more.
Fun, exciting story, that's well-paced and easy to read or listen to. Quirky characters that easily gain your love or hate depending on who they are. I live this book and series and can't wait to read more.
July 8, 2016
This novel was intensely emotional and wildly exciting all at once. I love how intricate the plot was and how exciting all of the characters’ lives were. And Smith’s world building definitely topped it all. I loved how well each aspect was put together, creating a whole that I could easily walk through yet that also allowed my imagination to run wild.
Ricki’s past and secrets were a fantastic addition to the story. They really make her stand out. Risteard, on the other hand, was simply a blast. The weight of his office definitely weighed down on him but at the same time, his actions and reactions never failed to draw a giggle. And one can’t forget Ricki’s family and extended family. They were priceless in every way.
This novel was definitely a great addition to Smith’s series and to her universe as a whole. It was a lot of fun with a great deal of sizzling chemistry.
Ricki’s past and secrets were a fantastic addition to the story. They really make her stand out. Risteard, on the other hand, was simply a blast. The weight of his office definitely weighed down on him but at the same time, his actions and reactions never failed to draw a giggle. And one can’t forget Ricki’s family and extended family. They were priceless in every way.
This novel was definitely a great addition to Smith’s series and to her universe as a whole. It was a lot of fun with a great deal of sizzling chemistry.
August 21, 2016
Good book. I like how they tie it into the S.E. Smith's The Alliance series.
*****Re-read for the 2nd time*****
Last read on 2/17/2015
I liked this one, but towards the end when they were finding the origin of the crystals was getting a little confusing. I think I was confused the first time as well.
*****Re-read for the 2nd time*****
Last read on 2/17/2015
I liked this one, but towards the end when they were finding the origin of the crystals was getting a little confusing. I think I was confused the first time as well.
May 20, 2015
I really enjoyed the first trilogy in this series, but this one lacks the dynamics and humor found in those. Still, it's a solid scifi romance, with a very slow build up (no sex in the first half). The world building, the bad guys, and the adventure were all pretty good, but the primary characters followed a well-worn path. I will continue reading the series, hoping for improvement.
September 27, 2015
Meh. Not my favorite.
mature content including anal play
mature content including anal play
February 19, 2015
We'll all be looking for our own blue alien after reading this book. Has the overall feel of alien/Earth women that this author consistently features.
March 10, 2015
I was actually looking forward to this one :( It was okay/good. Not my favorite among the others. But I can always count on S.E. Smith for some good sci-fi romance at least.
March 7, 2020
4 Stars
April 13, 2018
Ristéard’s Unwilling Empress is book 4 in the Lord of Kassis series by S.E. Smith. This novel has adult concepts so be warned.
This story begins 24 years before River's Run with the abandonment of baby Ricky-Rose Bailey by her biological father. It is shown that he abandons her for her own safety. Fast forward 24 years, she and her parents decide to leave Earth for the planet Kassis. Soon Ricky comes to the attention of Risteard Roald, a powerful and deadly ruler of the Elpidios, a planet that is slowly dying without the bloodstones needed to absorb the radiation gradually destroying its stratosphere.
I enjoyed the thought that went into this book, it is very hard to find a story in the Alien/Human Woman genre that is more than just sex, sex, and more sex. This series actually has a story! One I actually understood and enjoyed. Ms. Smith is excellent at bringing us a world filled with suspense, some mystery, action, romance, and sometimes even comedy.
Cudos to you S.E. Smith!
You can also read this review on my blog: https://crazyobsessionbookclub.blogsp...
This story begins 24 years before River's Run with the abandonment of baby Ricky-Rose Bailey by her biological father. It is shown that he abandons her for her own safety. Fast forward 24 years, she and her parents decide to leave Earth for the planet Kassis. Soon Ricky comes to the attention of Risteard Roald, a powerful and deadly ruler of the Elpidios, a planet that is slowly dying without the bloodstones needed to absorb the radiation gradually destroying its stratosphere.
I enjoyed the thought that went into this book, it is very hard to find a story in the Alien/Human Woman genre that is more than just sex, sex, and more sex. This series actually has a story! One I actually understood and enjoyed. Ms. Smith is excellent at bringing us a world filled with suspense, some mystery, action, romance, and sometimes even comedy.
Cudos to you S.E. Smith!
You can also read this review on my blog: https://crazyobsessionbookclub.blogsp...
February 22, 2020
Treasure maps and prophecies
Book 4 in the Lords of Kassis series is different from the first three, although the stories have the same characters. In Book 4, Our hero starts out by kidnapping the heroine. He is Grand Ruler of his dying world and is following his gut on a prophecy about an Empress who will save his world. She just happens to be part of the circus recently arrived from Earth. This book does have the action of the others, however the bulk of it is while on a different planet. Because the heroine is not a circus performer, she is not built as a ‘warrior,’ but more of a wise and intuitive, intelligent woman. This book seems more serious than the others, with less purely fun moments than the other books. It has a completely different feel to it, but it is enjoyable.
Book 4 in the Lords of Kassis series is different from the first three, although the stories have the same characters. In Book 4, Our hero starts out by kidnapping the heroine. He is Grand Ruler of his dying world and is following his gut on a prophecy about an Empress who will save his world. She just happens to be part of the circus recently arrived from Earth. This book does have the action of the others, however the bulk of it is while on a different planet. Because the heroine is not a circus performer, she is not built as a ‘warrior,’ but more of a wise and intuitive, intelligent woman. This book seems more serious than the others, with less purely fun moments than the other books. It has a completely different feel to it, but it is enjoyable.
May 10, 2021
👍👍
Really enjoyed this story and it's temple of doom/goonies vibe in the second half. I wish we had more time getting to know Rikki's bio dad and how the planets healing. I also want to know what happened to the evil consort. The book progressed beautifully up until the end and then it became a rushed mess. I feel very unsatisfied where the series left off and it doesn't look like there will be anymore any time soon. Book 5 is set way before book 1 took place. There is suppose to be a book about Jarmen and Jane but this book is over six years old so I'm not holding my breath. Shame because this series definitely needs more closure.
Really enjoyed this story and it's temple of doom/goonies vibe in the second half. I wish we had more time getting to know Rikki's bio dad and how the planets healing. I also want to know what happened to the evil consort. The book progressed beautifully up until the end and then it became a rushed mess. I feel very unsatisfied where the series left off and it doesn't look like there will be anymore any time soon. Book 5 is set way before book 1 took place. There is suppose to be a book about Jarmen and Jane but this book is over six years old so I'm not holding my breath. Shame because this series definitely needs more closure.
November 4, 2018
Ristéard was attracted to Rikki but she wasn't interested. He went home and read more about a prophecy. In the prophecy there was a picture of a woman who looked like Rikki who was to be the one to save Ristéard's planet and his people. So he went to Kassis and captured Rikki.
This book is very exciting! They go on an adventure into the past and the planet. There is also a betrayal that takes place against the pair. This author is amazing!
This book is very exciting! They go on an adventure into the past and the planet. There is also a betrayal that takes place against the pair. This author is amazing!
February 27, 2018
That's are Unwilling Empress :Lords of Kassis book tour by S.E.Smith
Absolutely riveting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bigger than life characters that will have u turning the pages to see what's happening next. You're going to fall in love as the journey continues in this series. I Highly Recommend that you have all of them in this series!!!!
Absolutely riveting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bigger than life characters that will have u turning the pages to see what's happening next. You're going to fall in love as the journey continues in this series. I Highly Recommend that you have all of them in this series!!!!
May 22, 2018
Another fine sci-if romance
The planet Elpidios, it’s Grand Ruler Ristéard and Earthling Ricki are this book’s focus. Traitors, greed, kidnapping and fated mates converge making for an action-packed story continuing the Kassis saga of interplanetary conflict. Simply sci-fi romance fun. P.S. several sexy scenes.
The planet Elpidios, it’s Grand Ruler Ristéard and Earthling Ricki are this book’s focus. Traitors, greed, kidnapping and fated mates converge making for an action-packed story continuing the Kassis saga of interplanetary conflict. Simply sci-fi romance fun. P.S. several sexy scenes.
December 14, 2018
Really good
Book picks up seamlessly in the series. It is cohesive with what was already known about the characters from previous books and made sense without being repetitive. There were enough twists that pulled you through the story while there was enough character development to give the primary characters some depth. Overall a satisfying read.
Book picks up seamlessly in the series. It is cohesive with what was already known about the characters from previous books and made sense without being repetitive. There were enough twists that pulled you through the story while there was enough character development to give the primary characters some depth. Overall a satisfying read.
July 27, 2024
Risteard Unwilling Empress
I loved Riki's story! Anyone that loves science fiction romance will love this book. I have enjoyed all the books I've read by S. E. Smith. A circus on a different planet just seems so fun. Go Walter! All people.should be so open to accepting people that are different. Love it!!!
I loved Riki's story! Anyone that loves science fiction romance will love this book. I have enjoyed all the books I've read by S. E. Smith. A circus on a different planet just seems so fun. Go Walter! All people.should be so open to accepting people that are different. Love it!!!
June 29, 2018
loved this sire, and can't wait for more!!!! Also, I didn't know the alliance was the same alliance in S.E. Smith other sires The Alliance can't wait to hear more about that either.
Keep the great stories coming S.E. Smith
Keep the great stories coming S.E. Smith
July 4, 2018
Good book & surprising twist near the end. Hope there is a short story of how many of the circus members get on with their new lives in a new galaxy while Earth has turned into a war zone including River, Star, Jo & Ricki. How they make things work with Ricki living on Elpidios permanently.
October 20, 2020
Unwilling Empress
If the big arrogant blue guy was not such an overbearing ruler then I may have given this five stars. And if Ricki had more backbone. I still really liked so much of this story.
If the big arrogant blue guy was not such an overbearing ruler then I may have given this five stars. And if Ricki had more backbone. I still really liked so much of this story.
November 10, 2023
That's how even mild obsessive compulsive disorder can come in handy in space ha ha hah!
An interesting couple, a few things were still quite confusing, at least for me, but maybe I'll be able to understand better in a future re-read, and there will be one for sure!
An interesting couple, a few things were still quite confusing, at least for me, but maybe I'll be able to understand better in a future re-read, and there will be one for sure!
March 12, 2019
I believe this one was the best story in the series.
April 22, 2019
Very much enjoyed this story and would advise just to read the series.
I loved these characters and the story is amazing and so far is my top 5 in favourite series.
I loved these characters and the story is amazing and so far is my top 5 in favourite series.
May 27, 2019
In a bad reading slump. Abandoned at 70%. Will try again maybe.
April 9, 2020
Arkansas popped up in this one lol and the one before lol
October 18, 2020
Great story line,love the characters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews