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The Montevor Royals Saga #8

Lord at First Sight

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I, Viscount Antoine de Bellay, CEO of Bellay Enterprises, have a problem.
A prophecy has chosen me as the one to chase after a precious key to save my small country.
No complaints here—I do love a challenge!

The tricky part is that the key to finding that key is a sultry contestant on the vulgar TV show, Wed at First Sight.
In other words, I’m swapping status and dignity for televised romance and cheap champagne.
Laura Yang, my insta-bride, is the antithesis of class. Our values are incompatible. Without exaggeration, she’s the opposite of everything I look for in a future wife.
But I have a plan.
Step 1. Woo the hussy.
Step 2. Grab the key.
Step 3. Get the humiliating marriage annulled on grounds of nonconsummation.

It’s a solid plan if I can get my hands on the key...
…and keep them off Laura.

This novel, like all the books in the Montevor Royals Saga, can be read as a standalone. While there is a cliffhanger tied to the overarching series arc, Laura and Antoine's story reaches a satisfying conclusion.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

34 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Alix Nichols

81 books2,151 followers
Alix Nichols is a caffeine addict, a fan of Mr. Darcy and an award-winning author on Book Riot's list of 100 must-read international romances.
She pens sexy romantic comedies and romantic fantasy. Her books have been described as "pure pleasure" (Kirkus Reviews) that “keep fans of romance hanging off the edge of your seat” (RT Book Reviews).
At the age of six, she released her first book. It featured highly creative spelling on a dozen pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. Decades later, she still writes. Her spelling has improved (somewhat), and her books have topped bestseller charts around the world.
She lives in France with her family and their almost-human dog.

**To read a rom-com FREE, visit: alixnichols.com/freebies (just copy and paste into your browser).**

Series and Books:

ROMANTIC COMEDIES

It’s Raining Royals (newest series)

1. The Boss Prince
2. The Bastard Prince
3. The Beast Prince

La Bohème (complete series)

1. 
Winter’s Gift

2. What If It’s Love?

3. Falling for Emma

4. Under My Skin
You’re the One (companion novella, free to newsletter subscribers)

The Darcy Brothers (complete series)

1. Find You in Paris
2. Raphael’s Fling
3. The Perfect Catch
Clarissa and the Cowboy (companion novella)

Playing to Win (complete series)

1. Playing with Fire
2. Playing for Keeps
3. Playing Dirty

Coffee Shop Romances (standalones)


The Devil’s Own Chloe
Amanda’s Guide to Love
An Autumn in Paris

ROMANTIC FANTASY

Keepers of Xereill (complete series within a broader saga)

The Enforcer’s Lady (prequel novella)
1. The Traitor’s Bride
2. The Commander’s Captive
3. The Dragon’s Woman
4. The Samurai’s Lover

5. The Vestal’s Steward

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5 stars
79 (59%)
4 stars
42 (31%)
3 stars
10 (7%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,206 reviews18 followers
January 29, 2025
I love this series. If you have read the previous books, you will remember that prophecy determine who will find the next key to save their small country. Antoine is chosen to find the next key, and his is so different from the others. I know he hated that he had to change his whole persona, go on a “wed at first sight” show, and got married. I enjoyed watching Antoine come up with different ways to look for the key without telling Laura what was going on as she was not allowed to know about the keys and the country. I was glad to see Laura and Antoine get to know each other. Antoine was always trying to build Laura up. I enjoyed all the places the two traveled to. Ms. Nichols did a fabulous job melding the two personalities. I am so looking forward to the next book. I strongly encourage you to read it.
404 reviews
January 30, 2025
In an act of rebellion Laura Yang applies to be on Wed At First Sight, a reality TV show. In an act of fealty to the crown, Antoine de Bellay transforms himself into a bohemian artist to be Laura's perfect match. They marry. But all is not as it seems. For as they navigate the requirements and activities Wed At First Sight presents them, they have another mission. You see Antoine is the next key seeker and Laura his key to the key. Mix in misunderstandings, parental disapproval, and human folly and you have an amusing adventure.

It was a rollicking ride of emotion, a backwards courtship, and an international treasure hunt all twisted into one thoroughly enjoyable read!
Profile Image for M.
143 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2025
Loved it! Fast-paced, funny, witty, and romantic! All great attributes of a book and this one has all of them! Antoine and Laura's story is interesting from beginning to end. Can't wait to see what happens next with finding the keys!
4,477 reviews21 followers
January 31, 2025
Antoine is the lucky one chosen to go find a key for his country. But of course these searches are never easy or straight forward and get a realityish story. It was a hoot to read and Antoine and Laura were entertaining. Plus get drama and intrigue and surprises along the way. Enjoyed the story and returning to this series.
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,280 reviews31 followers
February 2, 2025
I just couldn't put it down.

I was rapt to have read LORD AT FIRST SIGHT from Author Alix Nichols. It was at the lighter end of the scale from my usual reads and I got through it fairly quickly but I just couldn't put 👑👑put it down! It's also eighth in the MONTEVOR ROYALS SAGA.

There's a bigger plot thread at play throughout this series and even though this is the first book I've read of it, I didn't feel left out or like I was on the outside of some common joke. Ms Nichols didn't overly explain what underpinned it all, but the characters inferred enough through their verbal communications for me to keep up. Secondary characters, Antoine's brother and wife featured often throughout LORD AT FIRST SIGHT and were the main characters in the seventh and previous book, KISS ME PRINCESS.

I love dual POV romances and it was soon apparent that Laura was buckling under the weight of familial expectations. Her parents were absolutely traditional and almost comedic in their stoic adhesion to those values in the face of their daughter's choice of partner. It was huge that she rebelled and entered the ‘Wed At First Sight’ Reality Television show, and of course any chemistry was at first non-existent between them and I truly enjoyed reading Antoine's part where he tried to deny the burgeoning desire that was building, while Laura seemed to play her part closer to her chest. She was feisty, which was a characteristic that absolutely flew in the face of tradition, yet also vulnerable of heart because even in the name of parental love, they were hard on her.

Do not, however, mistake this for a book that lacks heat and passion because Antoine and Laura have a lot of desirable stuff happening between them and what really hit the spot for me was Antoine developing as a character. I love where our hero with entrenched habits and outlook can grow, change and learn a lot about themselves; much to their own surprise. It was, however, his innate sense of honour that he always had Laura's back, recognised her natural beauty and artistic talent, and built on her confidence that had me truly admiring him.

The main plot thread carries enough subterfuge to make LORD AT FIRST SIGHT even more interesting and is a perfect hook to encourage a catch up read of the series, and look forward to the next one. Yep, really good reading 📚 4-Stars 🖤👑✦

#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #marnsreads #marnsj
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,553 reviews88 followers
January 30, 2025
Having read the previous books in this series, I was interested in discovering how Antoine de Bellay would go about retrieving the next key that would secure the future of his homeland. The plot is entertaining, in that Antoine and Laura are very different from each other in so many ways, that it would almost seem impossible for them to connect at an emotional level. Laura is a surprise to Antoine, and instead of a shallow young woman with dreadful taste in men, he discovers that she is intuitive and finds enjoyment in every aspect of life. Paired up on a wedding-at-first-sight reality TV program, the pair discover that the chemistry between them takes very little to ignite. At first, it would seem that Antoine's motive for participating in the program is a dud, but he receives a jolt when an inconsequential moment jumps out at him and the two go racing off across the world to retrieve the key, at great expense and the cost of their budding relationship. Heartbroken Laura returns to her old life and is less than thrilled when invited to dine with Antoine and the woman he plans to marry. Fortunately, Antoine comes to his senses in time and makes amends with Laura. The plot closes on a cliffhanger and it certainly helps to read the series in order to appreciate the outcome. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
2,034 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2025
This is the 7th story in the The Montevor Royals Saga where Viscount Antoine de Bellay is tasked with finding the 7th key and his key seeker is Laura a young woman from Paris whose out to prove to her parents and ex-boyfriend that their expectations of her are overbearing. Laura signs up to participate in a reality show - Wed at First Sight making her perfect man someone her parents will not like. Antoine is mysteriously matched and he’s so far removed from Laura’s ideal man that he has a complete makeover. These two are attracted to each other and try to keep their marriage a business deal knowing they’ll never fall in love only to find themselves having genuine feelings. After the wedding they go on a honeymoon where their entire time experience is filmed. When there is no sight of Kurt the enemy security confirms his health crisis is working for them. Antoine is faced with emotional turmoil of what he needs to do to accomplish his goal. The journey to finding the key will have this growing relationship turned upside down leaving Laura facing emotional turmoil. Destiny will give Antoine a choice to follow his heart or mind in his choice of a wife and how he discovers that choice!
1,635 reviews15 followers
March 16, 2025
I love this series!
The quaint hidden principality of Mount Evor will be ruined if the royals do not find the nine keys in time. The keys were hidden away by their holders centuries ago with no record of where they put them. Now it is up to the current royal family to find them or lose the life and country they love.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure that I was going to enjoy this one because it is based on a royal finding his “key to the key” during a reality show for TV. I avoid those shows and books but this one I had to read. So glad that I did. Ms. Nichols writes some really humorous situations such as a royal who needs to be covered in tattoos and piercings to play the part to capture the interest of his “prey.” When royal Antoine Bellay meets Laura, he is sure this is not going to work, but as they work together to win the contest, they win the heart of the other. Can they find the key in time? Can they outsmart Kurt Ozzi who is determined to bring down Mount Evor? Not to worry, all will be answered in due time. If you enjoy a mystery wrapped in a mystery, read this book. It is sweet, funny, thrilling and romantic. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
769 reviews
March 8, 2025
Love this series.

Lord Antoine De Bellay is the chosen one to find the next key to save the Kingdom of Montevor.

Laura Yang is the lady to help him get to the key.

Laura applies for the tv show Wed at first sight to spite her family and find a groom who her family will hate.

Antoine De Bellay is matched up with Laura and pretends to be someone he is not.

They are both not impressed with each other when they meet.

After they say I do they are sent on their honeymoon by the show and followed around by the cameras.

They start to fall for each other,but they are both keeping secrets from each other.

There are twists and turns,secrets,danger,laughter,family,

friendships,steam,romance along the way to their happily ever after.

Antoine and Laura get to their happily ever afer,but the book does finish on a cliffhanger.

Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

I recieved an advanced review copy of this book for free via booksirens and am voluntarily leaving my review
Profile Image for Gwynne Wallace.
117 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2025
Lord at First Sight

*Lord at First Sight* is a modern-day romantic comedy with a dash of mystery and a whole lot of heart. The story introduces Viscount Antoine de Bellay, a dashing yet somewhat haughty CEO thrust into the outrageous world of reality TV for a noble cause. His reluctant partnership with Laura—spirited, bold, and completely unfiltered—sets the stage for a romance that is as unlikely as it is captivating.

Nichols weaves a narrative filled with wit and charm, bringing readers into the fascinating dynamics of an aristocrat and his insta-bride as they navigate a marriage of convenience. The characters are multidimensional, with Antoine’s calculated pragmatism balancing Laura’s unapologetic zest for life. Their chemistry is electric, and their journey feels both heartfelt and entertaining.

For those who enjoy fast-paced, quirky romances with larger-than-life characters, *Lord at First Sight* is a refreshing escape into a world where love always finds a way—even when it’s least expected.
1,652 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2025
I love Antoine and Laura’s story!

Antoine, the Viscount de Bellay and CEO of Bellamy Enterprises and Laura Yang are to be married by the show Wed at First Sight; Antoine to find the seventh key and Laura to spite her family and her ex. Antoine had to change his look to meet Laura’s preferences which are the opposite of her real preferences and Laura’s application is the total opposite of herself. Two weeks later they are married. Rules are, no sleeping together for Antoine because of an annulment after his mission is done for the Mount Evor Secret Service. His personality is high class of the elite. Every time they slightly touch there are tingles going on. They are so NOT each other’s type. Will they develop feelings for one another? Will their feelings grow? All I know is that this story is steamy, mysterious, frustrating, funny and it’s great! It also ends in a cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
1,921 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2025
Interesting book. There are a few storyline going on at one time.
Antoine has been chosen to find the 7th key for his country. His key person is Laura. A vivacious woman who is somewhat stifled by her parents.
When Laura joins a reality show Antoine is "paired" with her. They are married in the show.
As Antoine uses Laura to find the key their relationship turns to much mire than convenience for him.
You have their relationship, the finding of the key; which takes them to several countries, and you have the man who is trying to stop the key finding. And the secret Antoine is keeping from Laura.
This is an enjoyable read. Laura's character draws you in and you hope she can find that whatever will make her happy.
Antoine is the dedicated son and while he may have feelings for Laura, she is not the "right" type of person for him to marry.
Look forward to the next book. Didn't feel I needed to have read any of the other books in the series first.

Profile Image for Sue Carter.
741 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2025
OK romantic ‘mystery’. Whilst this is a book in a series and, technically, stand-alone, you are better to have read some if not all of the previous books in the series to understand the premise of the plot. The fictitious European kingdom of Mount Evor is in crisis and several of its leading lights amongst the aristocracy are tasked with finding a set of keys to open a secret vault and secure the kingdom’s future. Laura is an Asian girl who is fighting against her parents’ attempts to control her and whom she chooses as a partner. In a n attempt to deliberately annoy them she applies as a contestant on a reality TV show. Viscount Antoine is searching for the key and is ‘matched’ as Laura’s partner on the show (she has been identified as a link to the next key). The plot is fairly simplistic and involves the tracking down of an artifact and locate the required key. A reasonable story, with a cute HEA.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,171 reviews7 followers
February 23, 2025
I’ve loved every book in the Montevor Royals Saga, and Lord at First Sight was the perfect way to wrap it all up. Antoine and Laura’s story had everything I hoped for—great banter, undeniable chemistry, and just the right amount of drama. Watching Antoine struggle between duty and desire while Laura completely upended his plans was so much fun. Their romance felt organic, with plenty of twists that kept me hooked until the end.
The pacing and structure made this an enjoyable read, balancing humor, tension, and heartfelt moments beautifully. As the final book in the series, it delivered a truly satisfying conclusion while standing strong on its own. I’m sad to say goodbye to these characters, but this was such a great way to end an unforgettable journey.
This is a great book and series to add to your book collection.
Happy Reading...enjoy!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
March 16, 2025
Laura wants to have some control over her future and that includes choosing her own groom and not the one her parents have chosen for her. Instead, she decides to take part in a dating reality show and one of the contestants is Antoine. He is wrong for her in so many ways, so she is conflicted by her attraction to him.

Antoine has a mission that involves finding a key and he has many people depending on him to ensure it happens. Finding out that Laura has it was difficult enough but finding out the only way he can get access to it is through a dating show may be the last thing he wants but his only option even if it requires a little subterfuge.

The situations that Laura and Antoine find themselves in are humorous and their story has a few surprises, some intrigue and a love that took them both by surprise.
293 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2025
I enjoyed Lord at First Sight tremendously! It was refreshing to read a romcom taking place in France, China and Montevor, an imaginary small kingdom hidden in the Alps. I loved the chemistry between Antoine and Laura. At first, they have preconceptions about one another, but when they become deeply acquainted with each other, sparks fly and the attraction between them is hot. The build-up of the suspense towards the end was keeping me at the edge of my seat, both the race to obtain the key and the truth about Antoine's identity, which he has been keeping from Laura. Lord at First Sight is a fun and romantic read. The cliffhanger at the end (not Laura-Antoine-related) makes me curious about who the next couple is.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alix Nichols.
Author 81 books2,151 followers
Currently reading
January 25, 2025
“Lord at First Sight” Coming January 30th

Ready to dive back into the world of the Montevor Royals?

I’m beyond excited to share the next novel in the saga with you! In this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, Viscount Antoine de Bellay meets Laura Yang from Belleville (Paris’s vibrant Chinatown) on the set of the reality show Wed at First Sight. Both have compelling reasons to be on the show—and to marry each other. Unfortunately, falling in love isn’t one of them...

If you haven’t preordered yet, now’s the perfect time to snag the book for just $2.99! ⏰✨

👉 Preorder now or, if you’re a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, mark your calendar for January 30th!
👉 Add "Lord at First Sight" to your Goodreads Shelf
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
January 28, 2025
Behind the scenes in the entertainment industry, a fake (-ish) relationship, and a return to the Montevor Royal Key Seekers and their Keys to the Key. My reality television loving heart was in its glory with this book. Antoine and Laura were kind of adorable together. At first glance, they seem to be polar opposites, yet they had more in common than either were expecting. I low-key loved that this was a fairly straightforward search and recovery mission. However, the ending has left me absolutely desperate to learn what will happen next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,895 reviews116 followers
February 5, 2025
This was such a fun read with a much bigger and twistier plot throughout. Viscount Antoine de Bellay, CEO of Bellay Enterprises, Is looking for a key to save his country but to do that he has to take part in a tv reality show. Win the competition, wed the bride, get the key, easy peasy lemon squeezy or is it! Bring in Laura who has joined the show to spite her ex and her parents and her and the Viscount have quite the spark between them! It’s a great read full of twists and turns and a few surprises and misunderstandings and a fab ending!
Profile Image for Sheila Lee.
1,008 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2025
Lord at First Sight is another entertaining novel by Alix Nichols and continues the Montevor series. This author hooked me with the first book, The Boss Prince, and continues to dazzle me with her writing. This novel continues the search for the seventh key to the kingdom and introduces us to Antoine and Laura, who get married on reality TV. In spite of the cliché, Ms. Nichols actually makes this storyline believable. With some very hot open-door bedroom scenes, witty dialog and satisfying HEA ending, she delivers a 5-star romantic novel.
1,007 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2025
Lord at First Sight contains the whole story for Antione and Laura, however there's a bigger story arc throughout the whole Montever Royals Saga series that it would be best to have read at least the first book in the series. This book doesn't have the same level of suspense as the earlier books in the series, which I should have realized from the subtitle. I missed the suspense, but I also appreciate that it was something different to make the 7th book of the series different from the earlier books.

I recieved a copy of this book at my request and the opinions here are my own.
1,739 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2025
Viscount Antoine de Bellay has to get Wed at First Sight contestant Laura to marry him so he can find the seventh key that is essential to save his country. He has to remake himself to match who Laura is attracted to. He just has to make sure that the marriage isn't consummated so he can get it annulled once he has the key. The problem is the spark they feel each time they touch.

I love this series. The book can be read as a standalone but there are links to previous books. A nice light read.

I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,527 reviews16 followers
January 31, 2025
What is the old saying, "the best laid plans of mice and men?" Antoine may have started his quest for the next key with the idea of an easy separation but marriage to Laura changed everything. Her hidden art, her shy acts of independence, and her quiet rebellion draw him in and he becomes her greatest champion. But all balloons eventually burst and he needs to scramble to put pieces back together.
972 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2025
Disappointing double cliffhanger.
The author's Montevor Royal series is always entertaining, even if a bit far-fetched. The characters were likeable and had a good rapport. On this occasion though, the reader is left with not one but two aspects of the book's storyline open-ended. I wonder if it was due to a formatting/uploading problem.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,634 reviews
February 27, 2025
This book will immediately keep you engaged with the amazing characters. I loved all Antoine did for his country, not many would do so much. Laura is wonderfully complex you won’t want to miss anything she does. The drama, hot tension, captivating storyline, gripping scenes, and richly detailed scenes won’t let you stop turning pages till the end.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
839 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2025
Lord at First Sight is the 8th in the Montevor Royals Saga. Each for their own reasons, Laura and Antoine enter into a reality show marriage, intended to be a marriage of convenience. Over time, they become ever more drawn to each other and find that perhaps the marriage isn't as fake as originally intended. In the meantime, they are also searching for the key and encounter intrigue and danger along the way. I'm looking forward to the next in this series!
790 reviews27 followers
January 30, 2025
Lord At First Sight brings another quest for another key in Alix Nichols wonderful series about the Mount Evor royals’ attempts to save their kingdom. There’s danger in this installment, but of the emotional kind rather than the physical. Antoine, Viscount of Bellay finds himself on the reality show Wed At First Sight, to be joined with his prophesied Key to the Key. His bride to be, Laura, only signed up to get back at the guy who dumped her. Will these two come to have a true relationship and can Antoine find the key? Ms. Nichols has created a story that certainly will keep readers engaged and guessing. I voluntarily reviewed this book. Most highly recommend.
2,313 reviews11 followers
January 28, 2025
Happy to Recommend!
A very engaging love story involving Antoine and Laura, his "insta-bride", as they hunt for an elusive key, one which would save his country.
Loved this idea and these two characters had me reading into the early hours.
A wonderfully well told story!
I read an early copy of this book and am happy to recommend it.
Profile Image for Nati.
2,945 reviews16 followers
January 28, 2025
Antoine’s goal is to find the Key to the Key and help his little country. He has always been the reliable, the rule follower in his family. But after marrying Laura to find the key, can he forget about their connection or will they have a future together? Full of feelings and less dangerous than the previous books in the series, but nonetheless intriguing.
6,138 reviews29 followers
February 3, 2025
He’s full of it…

Antoine is full of himself. He’s a royal who has a dastardly plan to infiltrate a married at first sight reality show. All so he can marry Laura, a contestant with the key to unlock his kingdom (more or less). He plans to annul the marriage and take her key. He assumes she’s not smart. What do they say about arrogantly laid plans?
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