For as long as he could remember it had been explained to Royal Montgomery that he would partake in an arranged marriage. His parents and his grandparents had arranged marriages, and their unions were as normal to Royal's as anyone else. He's handsome, rich, and possesses enough self confidence not to feel any kind of way when the woman that he's chosen to marry wants nothing to do with him because she's already in love with another man. The marriage occurs, but it's nothing like his parents or his grandparents. Royal is in a loveless marriage, but he doesn't really mind. One thing his parents want for him is a male heir but when Royal's wife becomes pregnant with twin girls, his meddling mother takes things into her own hands.
Empress Reynolds is a self-made socialite and doing very well for herself in the career department but as far as love goes not so much. At thirty-one, she's prepared for the fact that she may never have children. That is until Sarah Montgomery comes to her with a million dollar proposition that Empress isn't sure she can turn down. At a time in his life when Royal is tired of his life being mapped out for him he soon learns that maybe arrangements aren't the worst thing in the world.
I loved this story from beginning to end. I didn't really see the plot twist coming until just before the reveal. I'm glad that Royal's mama is a busy body and that she genuinely had good intentions all around. This was a great arranged marriage book, done is a refreshing way. Color me impressed.
The book was interesting, I loved the information about IUI and IVF, as someone who have gone through it, it was accurate. But the plot/premise of the book was confusing. Why didn't Royal and Amber do surrogacy from the beginning especially since there was no chemistry and a male heir was "needed"? Royal lived in the land of hypocrisy, everything Amber did, he did, times ten; but she was ridiculed the whole time (while pregnant with twins regardless of the outcome)! 🙄 She couldn't get ice cream.. lol! Amber was literally sold and/or used by EVERY man in the book, yes including Royal. When he addressed the marriage arrangement he was "forced", but Amber made a "decision". Also, financial abuse is a thing, Royal!
I wanted to like Empress and Royal but him and his family's movement with Amber made it difficult. Empress gave Porsha ( RHOP) vibes.
I buddy read this and it was definitely a discussion worthy book. I say read it and get your own opinion! Happy Reading 📚
I stumbled upon a recommendation on TikTok and immediately dove into reading this book. I finished it in just a few hours because I couldn't put it down! I absolutely adore the writing style and the main male character is just perfect in my mind, especially with the help of the book cover - he's definitely dreamy 😍. The first female character may not have been the brightest, but the Empress character was everything - smart, beautiful, and driven. I have so many questions about the plot, like what happened to the twin girls the first female character was pregnant with? And don't even get me started on the audacity of the first female character at the end - waiting two years to show feelings, it's like dealing with a spoiled child. Anyway, the book was simply amazing and I can't wait to discuss it with others!
So Royal’s stuck in this dry, arranged marriage, and his family is obsessed with getting a male heir. His mom, being who she is, goes ahead and sets up a surrogate—enter Empress. At first, Empress is like, these rich folks are wild, but after meeting Royal and hearing the offer (hello, shared custody and a million dollars?), she’s in.
What no one expected was for her and Royal to actually catch feelings. Once that line got crossed, all the secrets came out—and Amber? She completely lost it.
Still, through all the mess, Royal and Empress held it down. Definitely a Natisha Raynor story—strong leads, just enough drama, and a love story you’ll root for.
One thing I love is an arranged marriage. Even though she was wrong for that ending, I did feel bad for Amber. She done deserve being forced into something, all did the guy she really loved to test her like that. I would’ve loved an interaction between Nate and Royal though. This was such a cute read.
✅ Arranged Marriage ✅ Meddling Mother ✅ Instant attraction ✅ Drama with a splash of betrayal
Royal came from a family that maintained their wealth by having arranged marriages. No problem for him, because he's been groomed for this life since he was a kid. But the problem was, his wife paid him DUST and his mama decided she needed to take matters into her own hands to get the heir their family wanted.
This was a VERY good read. I gasped a few times, and laughed a few times. Natisha has a good pen game... I'll definitely be checking out more of her work
Royal and Empress were both mesmerized when they were introduced. I feel as though Sarah knew from the start that they would be attracted to each other so that’s why she made Empress an offer that she knew she wouldn’t refuse. Royal knew his marriage was over when he had to close his eyes and imagine Amber as being Empress while she was giving him fellatio and then she didn’t even try to give him any of her mediocre sex. Sarah got on my nerves being overbearing but she redeemed herself in my eyes when she pulled all of Amber’s skeletons out of the closet. Amber was so green that she didn’t realize that Keifer didn’t really love her and he was using her because a real man who really loves his woman would work two jobs to take care of her if he had to. Keifer probably felt like her dad with Amber using her college degree to work or start a business. I’m glad that Nate didn’t try to get back with Empress nor bother her anymore but I do feel like Royal would’ve beat his axx especially after seeing them photos. I’m glad that Royal and Empress got their HEA with two boys and a girl.
I wanted to know how much time did Amber get and who ended up with her twin daughters.
Royal found himself in a love less arranged marriage that was doing absolutely nothing for him or Amber. However, The Montgomery family was adamant about a male heir. In his mother's true fashion she arranged a surrogate to ensure a male heir through IVF. when approached with the proposition, Empress thought these some crazy rich folks. After considering her options and meeting Royal she decided it was worth it. She'd get a baby that she would be able to raise and love because it would be shared custody... Plus the million for her services was just extra. Never did she think she'd fall for Royal, or he for her, but they did. Once they crossed the line secrets and omissions become exposed and Amber crashes over the edge. Through it all, Royal and Empress get locked in. How is this tge 3rd book I've read this week with cheating? 🤔 This was a true Natisha Raynor book. Strong male and female lead, intrigue, and drama. Not too much though - it wasn't TREACHEROUS! Happy Reading Y'all!💋
I knew the arrangement wasn't between Royal and Amber going to work, they barely talked, barely had sex. Amber was jealous of the everybody was fawning over Empress. She said that she didn't care if she did after that she gave him some head. I felt sorry for Amber at first. Royal was scandalous when he took her credit and debit cards. He could have let her keep the phone and the car. Royal shouldn't have to pay for his father's mistakes. The difference between Amber and Empress that Empress worked and Amber didn't and she has a college degree. You can tell Royal and Empress loves each other. I feel that Mrs.Montgomery is trying to right her wrong for pushing Royal to marry Amber that's why she hired the private investigator, so he wouldn't be in love less marriage like her's. Amber got what she deserved. Empress said she's good with the two boys and their girl. Royal said he's good.
Was it just me🤨, somebody dropped the ball! Because where were all the professionals (Attorney, Financial Advisor, Forensic Accountant, PI, Security etc.) to insulate the Montgomery’s from slander, potential criminals/predators orchestrated to defame the family’s name in their community? Nobody thought to requested a criminal & financial background searches on Amber, the Shepard’s & or Sandman’s family’s🥴? That was bizarre‼️Thereafter, (although this storyline, especially the founder of town was familiar to me🤔?) “Royal: At His Command” was a good read. Nonetheless, this Amber & Royal arrangement was destined for destruction from the beginning! Both violated the terms of the prenuptial agreement. However, attempted murder probably supersedes a transcontinental happy ending date, financial fraud & or a paternity scandal🤔⁉️Semantics 🤷🏾♀️🥴🤭‼️
This was a good read. Royal was doing what he was always told he needed to do being a Montgomery, which was continue the tradition of arranged marriages. He was in a loveless marriage and was trying to figure out if this was it for him. Empress was regaining her life and learning who she truly was. She was presented an opportunity that she couldn’t turn down and it changed things for the better. The instant connection Empress and Royal had was magnetic and special. Amber was annoying and bland smh, her attitude and actions were triflin and in the end she got what she deserved. Royal and Empress love was great and I’m glad everything worked out for them.
If somebody came up to me offering me a million dollars to have a kid that contract would have been signed QUICk! Fine as Royal was and his wife didn’t want to even hold a conversation with him or have sex with him. I knew Amber wasn’t up to any good. I felt like she was intimidated by Empress. I think she was okay with Royal having a baby by another woman but when she saw Empress she instantly became jealous. Amber was crazy as heck and I’m glad Royal momma was nosey because she was able to help with the ending of the marriage. Great read and it flowed smoothly but that’s literally all her books.
Definitely a page turner with unexpected happenings and enough spice to make it hot. Royal had all the BDE and Empress was a boss without being unnecessary. She had strength and suave while recognizing wanting a man wasn't bad because she only needed herself. She overcame a dark period and person to rise above. Amber surprised me and I wanted better for her but she wasn't built up for independence. Momma was too extra and had time for everybody. Pops needing money didn't make sense but a story can have flaws and still be good. This was a great read 📚 👏🏾 ✨️ ❣️
Dang! Amber fumbled the ball and had the nerve to get mad! Sis was really out there doing Royal dirty for the next man to turn around and leave her dumb tail barefoot and pregnant smh! I'm all for keeping parents out your personal business, but thank God Royal's mama was a thorn in the butt lol! If not, no one would have known about Amber's scandalous ways and surely Royal would not have met his soulmate! Nate is a dirty dog! Dude been beating on Essence and had the heart to talk about what he lost! Boy bye! One thing you can't stop is who you love and I'm happy Essence and Royal both got their well deserved happily ever afters! Great read
Royal who was married to Amber through an arrangement met Empress when his Mom offered her a million dollars to have a male child for her son Royal because female children ran in their family. Empress eventually agreed and got pregnant through IVF.
Royal and Amber’s marriage was a mess. As Royal said, “We didn’t have the love or the bond that a union was supposed to have.”
He and Empress got involved, fell in love along the way with a lot of twists and turns, family secrets revealed and a life threatening injury to Royal. They eventually got their happy ending.
Royal was stuck in a loveless arranged marriage, pressured by his powerful family to produce a male heir. His mother took matters into her own hands and arranged a surrogate through IVF. Empress, the chosen surrogate, thought the whole thing was wild—but the offer was too good to pass up. Shared custody and a million dollars? She was in.
What she didn’t expect was to fall for Royal—and for him to feel the same. Once love entered the picture, secrets came out and Amber (Royal’s wife) spiraled. Still, Royal and Empress held strong.
This is classic Natisha Raynor—strong leads, just enough drama, and a satisfying love story. Not too crazy, but definitely a good time. Happy reading!
Enjoyed the standalone. Royal was the true definition of a man that just wanted to be loved and have someone that would appreciate his love. Unfortunately, Amber just didn't have those feelings, thankfully, Empress was able to t pick up the pieces courtesy of Royal meddlesome mama. Family have traditions that sometimes need to be challenged. I loved the relationships that Royal and Empress had with their siblings. The epilogue was sooo good, happy that Royal and Empress were able to get married and expand their family.
Royal was in an arranged marriage to Amber. She was pregnant with twin girls. His family needed him to have a male heir. His found him a surrogate to carry the male heir. His was resistant at first, but when he met Empress he was ready to proceed with him getting his make heir. His wife was jealous of Empress. Empress and Royal started developing feelings for each other. Amber’s secrets were revealed and Royal was the target of her revenge plot. A good read!
I sort of felt sorry for Amber annnnd Royal, but they both did each other dirty. Royal was very selfish in my opinion, especially they way he eventually did Amber. Yeah, she was wrong for financing old dude, but she essentially had everything stripped away from her so she was doing what she thought was right. On the other hand, Royal had the right to be happy too. Just a big mess of confusion. I'm glad Empress got her happy ending.
Arranged marriage trope sign me up but wait there’s a twist… Royal’s family have this weird generational thing where the first born has to be male?.. The beginning when his baby by his wife wasn’t a boy that’s when things took a uturn. If it wasn’t for his meddling mother we wouldn’t have Empress I don’t want to give the whole synopsis. I’m going to say I enjoyed this a lot I wish there was a more but Natisha gave us readers enough to be satisfied
Really good book. Enjoyed reading about wealthy black families that where not surrounded around drugs.
Amber was in love with another man and Royal was not in love with her at all. Honestly I don’t believe he found her attractive. Amber is pregnant with twin girls and Royal need a boy to be the next heir in line.
How far will a meddling mom go to ensure the family get a male heir?
This book was filled with so much unnecessary drama and recklessness, but I kept gobbling it up 😆 Royal was that dude, and although I didn’t like some of his moves, he never shied away from any of his faults. I knew Amber wasn’t moving right, but still, when everything came out, I was shook. Empress played her part as well as expected, and I respected her for that. I would like to see if the sisters have their stories told in the future.
What do you do when you are in an arranged marriage, but you love someone else? Well Amber actually found out. She had everything that she could want with Royal, but she continued to cheat with a man that couldn’t do any for her. Although Royal cheated as well, he had nothing to lose. Royal’s mom was definitely a busy body, but I’m glad that she got Royal and Empress together. This book was well written, flowed well and definitely kept my attention.
This story was very unique for me because I've never read a story with this kind of plot. It was very refreshing to read something with a new twist. I loved the complete storyline! I highly recommend this book to readers looking for a steamy romance and characters that unapologetically speak their truth! Looking forward to reading more from this author. Bravo Ms. Raynor!
I loved Royal for Empress. They really complimented each other. Amber was a trip trying to play like she was hurt about marrying Royal but was still cheating on him their whole marriage with the man she was so-called in love with. Turned out the dude was a bum and was using her anyway cause he didn’t want her after Royal divorced her and she was left with nothing pretty much. Good read overall.
Absolutely amazing story, each page had you guessing and wanting more. I felt that something was wrong after Royal and his wife discovered what they were having and when he saw her face about having more kids; she was just off even if the marriage was arranged, but when she felt that her money train was in jeopardy,. Royal mother was no joke and the way she handle Amber and her family when her secrets came out she remained calm and classy
Royal is in arranged marriage and no one has to grown to love each more than these 2 ..Amber is still in love with her ex and Royal has not found love at all.
Empress is beautiful, single and after being a survivor of a bad relationship she finally is living her best life and goal and now she has been presented with an opportunity to. I love how some things can be weird but this combination is a perfect fit!!!
This was a quick good read I liked Royal and Empress together they were truly meant for each other i understood her stance on not sleeping with Royal until he was divorced but sex was to good…all their parents were wrong for pushing Royal an Amber to marry I felt bad for her it’s like no one was listening to her her dad was an ass anyway but he learned real quick you can’t play with peoples heart
They were far too mean to Amber! Did she end up being a lunatic? Yes. But she was used by every man in her life and he basically called her ugly.
Other annoyance was the emphasis on Royal being vegan only for him to eat Mac and cheese, eggs, and potato salad in the end lmao. I don’t know why that cracked me up so bad.
Love this author and not her best work but a good palette cleanse read due to the length and twists.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.