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Royal Pain
MAIA
Even without her actual crown, Maia knows she’s a princess. The media dubs her as the it-girl of the decade when they’re not calling her a train wreck. They don’t notice her record-breaking impact on environmental protection or her humanitarian work. As she continues working at her botanical garden in hopes that she might be properly recognized, her biggest threat walks through the door. Sure, he’s devilishly handsome and underneath their bickering is phenomenal sex, but he could ruin her beyond repair. His tech billionaire status doesn’t impress her; it’s the reason she tries to resist him.
TRISTAN
Tristan has everything he could ever want—luxury, women, status—except for one thing: access to his inheritance. Much to his dismay, his grandfather’s terms include three hundred hours of community service. Quick work at a botanical garden turns into a chase for the world’s most infuriating woman, one who challenges everything he thought he knew. When their enemies-with-benefits affair turns serious, he struggles to tell her the truth: that it’s all for money.
Even without her actual crown, Maia knows she’s a princess. The media dubs her as the it-girl of the decade when they’re not calling her a train wreck. They don’t notice her record-breaking impact on environmental protection or her humanitarian work. As she continues working at her botanical garden in hopes that she might be properly recognized, her biggest threat walks through the door. Sure, he’s devilishly handsome and underneath their bickering is phenomenal sex, but he could ruin her beyond repair. His tech billionaire status doesn’t impress her; it’s the reason she tries to resist him.
TRISTAN
Tristan has everything he could ever want—luxury, women, status—except for one thing: access to his inheritance. Much to his dismay, his grandfather’s terms include three hundred hours of community service. Quick work at a botanical garden turns into a chase for the world’s most infuriating woman, one who challenges everything he thought he knew. When their enemies-with-benefits affair turns serious, he struggles to tell her the truth: that it’s all for money.
- GenresRomance
Unknown Binding
Published October 17, 2025
12 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Marina Hill
6 books146 followersHi! I'm Marina. Thanks so much for stopping by!
I grew up minutes from Philadelphia watching Eagles games and roughhousing with my plethora of older brothers. Writing stories has been a constant in my life with publications starting at sixteen under various pen names.
I write a variety of novels from historical fiction to contemporary romance with an eventual path into fantasy. However, all of my books have comfort, emotion, and fun.
When I'm not working on my next story, I'm planning to dash into the forest to build a cabin and never look back.
I grew up minutes from Philadelphia watching Eagles games and roughhousing with my plethora of older brothers. Writing stories has been a constant in my life with publications starting at sixteen under various pen names.
I write a variety of novels from historical fiction to contemporary romance with an eventual path into fantasy. However, all of my books have comfort, emotion, and fun.
When I'm not working on my next story, I'm planning to dash into the forest to build a cabin and never look back.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 18, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Royal Pain, and I cannot put into words how truly incredible this book was. Marina Hill is a writer whose words, detail, and world building creates a story so immersive and unique that I couldn’t put the book down, even when I was falling asleep!
Royal Pain, with Tristan and Maia, was a book I didn’t know I needed. After reading Roaming Holiday, I didn’t expect to love Tristan as much as I did. A billionaire seemed so wholeheartedly irredeemable to me, and Tristan from the start was NOT someone that I would normally like. But of course, with the help of Maia and Marina’s exceptional writing, I fell in love too. Tristan and Maia’s story was beautiful, bold, and one that I wish was true. Marina created this immersive and beautiful world with characters I rooted for, and relationships I truly love including those from the first book in this series, Roaming Holiday. If I could recommend a fun romance with spice, chronic pain representation, and genuinely incredible storylines, it would be Royal Pain.
Marina has outdone herself again with a book I never imagined I’d love so much, and now can’t imagine it being any more perfect than it is. I truly hope that if you’re looking for a romance novel, this will be your next stop.
Royal Pain, with Tristan and Maia, was a book I didn’t know I needed. After reading Roaming Holiday, I didn’t expect to love Tristan as much as I did. A billionaire seemed so wholeheartedly irredeemable to me, and Tristan from the start was NOT someone that I would normally like. But of course, with the help of Maia and Marina’s exceptional writing, I fell in love too. Tristan and Maia’s story was beautiful, bold, and one that I wish was true. Marina created this immersive and beautiful world with characters I rooted for, and relationships I truly love including those from the first book in this series, Roaming Holiday. If I could recommend a fun romance with spice, chronic pain representation, and genuinely incredible storylines, it would be Royal Pain.
Marina has outdone herself again with a book I never imagined I’d love so much, and now can’t imagine it being any more perfect than it is. I truly hope that if you’re looking for a romance novel, this will be your next stop.
November 22, 2025
I really liked this but I feel like it was a bit too relatable/realistic at point. I’m going to start with the good. I love Maia and Tristan, I loved seeing Nina and Wesley again, the animals were great, and I really liked some of the drama and politics stuff that was going on. There were far more positives than negatives for me and I would recommend this. But I still want to talk about the negatives for me.
On a personal level, the undiagnosed pain with no answers was very relatable to me and that made it kind of a hard read at points.
And on another level (which is still personal preference), the realistic-ness of her hating billionaires (as opposed to billionaire romances because there’s no such thing as an ethical billionaire in real life but in fiction it’s a different story), and the discoveries about his family made it difficult to accept some of the other things that happened with looking at them from a real world perspective.
If I treat this whole thing like the fictional romance it is and ignore the disjointedness I feel. Then it really was fantastic. I love Maia and Tristan. I like the side characters but they kind of got lost. There was also a whole bunch of plots I would have preferred to focus on
On a personal level, the undiagnosed pain with no answers was very relatable to me and that made it kind of a hard read at points.
And on another level (which is still personal preference), the realistic-ness of her hating billionaires (as opposed to billionaire romances because there’s no such thing as an ethical billionaire in real life but in fiction it’s a different story), and the discoveries about his family made it difficult to accept some of the other things that happened with looking at them from a real world perspective.
If I treat this whole thing like the fictional romance it is and ignore the disjointedness I feel. Then it really was fantastic. I love Maia and Tristan. I like the side characters but they kind of got lost. There was also a whole bunch of plots I would have preferred to focus on
October 23, 2025
I received this book as ARC. I fully enjoyed this story. I had fun reading this. It’s giving Princess Diaries vibes but the princess takes intense action in saving the world. Although Maia is super self righteous at times, she backs up her beliefs with actions. & Tristan is a man of growth. Great read!
October 21, 2025
Reading Royal Pain was a bittersweet experience—like sipping something that’s equal parts honey and storm.
Maia, the newly crowned princess, has been labeled everything the media loves to hate—reckless, spoiled, a royal train wreck. But beneath the flashbulbs and headlines, there’s a woman who bleeds green for the planet. She’s fierce, fiery, and painfully human. While the world calls her a scandal, her inner circle knows she’s a savior—working tirelessly to protect and nurture the Felicity Garden, her sanctuary of nature amidst a kingdom of steel.
But what most don’t see is the quiet war she fights within her own body. Maia lives with chronic pain—a constant shadow she’s learned to mask with rebellion, wit, and a smile that dares anyone to look closer. It doesn’t make her fragile; it makes her formidable. Every act of defiance, every spark of laughter, feels like her way of reclaiming power from the ache that refuses to leave.
Then enters Tristan—the tech billionaire whose company, in Maia’s eyes, represents everything she despises. He’s sleek, smug, and entirely too charming for his own good. When fate (and his grandfather’s inheritance clause) pushes him to complete community service at Maia’s garden, their worlds collide like thunder and fire. What begins as heated banter and biting contempt slowly unravels into something that’s equal parts chaos and chemistry.
Their enemies-with-benefits dynamic was electric—every argument crackled, every stolen glance felt charged. But as the story deepens, Tristan begins to shed layers—of privilege, of ignorance, of arrogance. He learns, he changes. And most importantly, he sees Maia. Not the princess, not the scandal—but the woman who refuses to let pain define her. He’s gentle in the moments that matter, always making sure she’s comfortable, never pushing, never assuming. Their intimacy feels built on trust, not just attraction, and that makes all the difference. His journey from a man driven by money to one motivated by meaning? Chef’s kiss.
That said, there were moments where I wished Maia’s perspective broadened a bit. Her passion for conservation is beautiful, but she rarely acknowledges the complexity of the tech world—the fact that innovation often leans on the very resources she fights to protect. From her security systems to her motor vehicles, there’s a subtle irony there I hoped the story would explore more deeply.
Still, their relationship—intense, stubborn, and beautifully flawed—felt real. The heartbreak that follows Tristan’s hidden truth hits hard. It reminded me why honesty in love isn’t optional—it’s oxygen.
And beyond romance, the relationships in this book truly shine. Maia’s bond with her sister is tender and grounding—a quiet reminder that sisterhood can be both a mirror and a shield. And Wesley? The way he stands beside Nina—with patience, respect, and unwavering support—deserves its own round of applause (can’t wait to read their book next!). He’s the kind of man who doesn’t steal the spotlight but makes sure the woman he loves stands in it fully, and proudly.
And while I closed the last page satisfied, a tiny part of me can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to come. Something about Lyla and Tristan feels... connected. A twist waiting to bloom in the next installment. Maybe they’re long-lost siblings? 👀
All in all, Royal Pain was a passionate, slow-burn royal drama with sizzling chemistry, layered characters, and a quiet reminder that even crowns can feel heavy when the heart—and the body—is at war. I’m definitely looking forward to Romeo’s story next.
My rating: 4.5/5
Maia, the newly crowned princess, has been labeled everything the media loves to hate—reckless, spoiled, a royal train wreck. But beneath the flashbulbs and headlines, there’s a woman who bleeds green for the planet. She’s fierce, fiery, and painfully human. While the world calls her a scandal, her inner circle knows she’s a savior—working tirelessly to protect and nurture the Felicity Garden, her sanctuary of nature amidst a kingdom of steel.
But what most don’t see is the quiet war she fights within her own body. Maia lives with chronic pain—a constant shadow she’s learned to mask with rebellion, wit, and a smile that dares anyone to look closer. It doesn’t make her fragile; it makes her formidable. Every act of defiance, every spark of laughter, feels like her way of reclaiming power from the ache that refuses to leave.
Then enters Tristan—the tech billionaire whose company, in Maia’s eyes, represents everything she despises. He’s sleek, smug, and entirely too charming for his own good. When fate (and his grandfather’s inheritance clause) pushes him to complete community service at Maia’s garden, their worlds collide like thunder and fire. What begins as heated banter and biting contempt slowly unravels into something that’s equal parts chaos and chemistry.
Their enemies-with-benefits dynamic was electric—every argument crackled, every stolen glance felt charged. But as the story deepens, Tristan begins to shed layers—of privilege, of ignorance, of arrogance. He learns, he changes. And most importantly, he sees Maia. Not the princess, not the scandal—but the woman who refuses to let pain define her. He’s gentle in the moments that matter, always making sure she’s comfortable, never pushing, never assuming. Their intimacy feels built on trust, not just attraction, and that makes all the difference. His journey from a man driven by money to one motivated by meaning? Chef’s kiss.
That said, there were moments where I wished Maia’s perspective broadened a bit. Her passion for conservation is beautiful, but she rarely acknowledges the complexity of the tech world—the fact that innovation often leans on the very resources she fights to protect. From her security systems to her motor vehicles, there’s a subtle irony there I hoped the story would explore more deeply.
Still, their relationship—intense, stubborn, and beautifully flawed—felt real. The heartbreak that follows Tristan’s hidden truth hits hard. It reminded me why honesty in love isn’t optional—it’s oxygen.
And beyond romance, the relationships in this book truly shine. Maia’s bond with her sister is tender and grounding—a quiet reminder that sisterhood can be both a mirror and a shield. And Wesley? The way he stands beside Nina—with patience, respect, and unwavering support—deserves its own round of applause (can’t wait to read their book next!). He’s the kind of man who doesn’t steal the spotlight but makes sure the woman he loves stands in it fully, and proudly.
And while I closed the last page satisfied, a tiny part of me can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to come. Something about Lyla and Tristan feels... connected. A twist waiting to bloom in the next installment. Maybe they’re long-lost siblings? 👀
All in all, Royal Pain was a passionate, slow-burn royal drama with sizzling chemistry, layered characters, and a quiet reminder that even crowns can feel heavy when the heart—and the body—is at war. I’m definitely looking forward to Romeo’s story next.
My rating: 4.5/5
November 29, 2025
Royal Pain is a fun, flirty, and emotional follow-up to Roaming Holiday, and I loved getting Maia’s story. Her chemistry with Tristan is instant and intense — the banter crackles, the tension is delicious, and the spice absolutely delivered.
I adored Maia in Roaming Holiday, so I was excited to see more of her here. While the media painted her as a spoiled mess, the real Maia loves fiercely, cares deeply, and is determined to help people and protect the planet. Yes, she can be a bit overzealous about solving the world’s problems (and it was ironic for her to criticize tech while using it), but her heart was always in the right place. That made her easy to root for.
Tristan won me over quickly, especially with how gently he cared for Maia once he learned about her chronic pain. My only hiccup was that he sometimes did things just to please Maia rather than because he truly believed in them — but you could see real growth as her causes became their causes. (Though breaking a guy’s arm because Maia might hook up with him? A bit much! 🥴)
One of my favorite parts of this book was the strong, sweet sister bond between Maia and Nina as it reminded me of my own relationship with my sister. And getting more of Nina and Wesley was a bonus; their dynamic is still chef’s kiss.
The one thing I’m still wondering about is Lyla — how she went from best friend to hater with no real closure. I’m hoping we get more insight later in the series.
And that ending?! I’m so ready for Romèo’s story next!
Thank you, Marina Hill for this ARC!
I adored Maia in Roaming Holiday, so I was excited to see more of her here. While the media painted her as a spoiled mess, the real Maia loves fiercely, cares deeply, and is determined to help people and protect the planet. Yes, she can be a bit overzealous about solving the world’s problems (and it was ironic for her to criticize tech while using it), but her heart was always in the right place. That made her easy to root for.
Tristan won me over quickly, especially with how gently he cared for Maia once he learned about her chronic pain. My only hiccup was that he sometimes did things just to please Maia rather than because he truly believed in them — but you could see real growth as her causes became their causes. (Though breaking a guy’s arm because Maia might hook up with him? A bit much! 🥴)
One of my favorite parts of this book was the strong, sweet sister bond between Maia and Nina as it reminded me of my own relationship with my sister. And getting more of Nina and Wesley was a bonus; their dynamic is still chef’s kiss.
The one thing I’m still wondering about is Lyla — how she went from best friend to hater with no real closure. I’m hoping we get more insight later in the series.
And that ending?! I’m so ready for Romèo’s story next!
Thank you, Marina Hill for this ARC!
October 29, 2025
The chemistry between Maia and Tristan is undeniable, and honestly, a lot of fun to read. Their banter and growing connection kept me smiling throughout the story. I also loved the setting in the fictional country of Maldana; it felt vivid and added a nice dose of escapism to the plot.
It took me a little while to warm up to Maia, but by the end, I was rooting for her and happy to see her find someone who truly valued her. Tristan, on the other hand, won me over immediately—men who fall first (and fall hard) will always be my weakness.
There’s always something happening in this story, so it never felt slow or dull. It’s engaging, easy to read, and has that feel-good energy I look for in a romance.
If I could change one thing, it would be to give Maia’s character arc a bit more nuance. Her heart is clearly in the right place, and I admired her passion, but a slightly less idealistic approach to solving the world's problems might have allowed her growth to shine even more.
Royal Pain is an entertaining read with great chemistry, interesting characters, and a touch of royal escapism that made me smile.
Thank you Marina Hill for this ARC
It took me a little while to warm up to Maia, but by the end, I was rooting for her and happy to see her find someone who truly valued her. Tristan, on the other hand, won me over immediately—men who fall first (and fall hard) will always be my weakness.
There’s always something happening in this story, so it never felt slow or dull. It’s engaging, easy to read, and has that feel-good energy I look for in a romance.
If I could change one thing, it would be to give Maia’s character arc a bit more nuance. Her heart is clearly in the right place, and I admired her passion, but a slightly less idealistic approach to solving the world's problems might have allowed her growth to shine even more.
Royal Pain is an entertaining read with great chemistry, interesting characters, and a touch of royal escapism that made me smile.
Thank you Marina Hill for this ARC
October 18, 2025
This story was absolutely everything! 😭🙌🏾 We meet Maia in Book 2 of this series, a princess who cares more about the environment than the pockets of billionaires. She fights everyday for the injustice of the world she lives in, and has a fiery spirit to match. No nonsense, tough, and enough sass to knock you on your a**, she's full steam ahead in everything she does. What she didn't expect was Tristan to become the one road block she didn't anticipate.
A billionaire that's known nothing except increasing business, he's prepared to take things to the next level. A series of events outside outside of his control lands him in Princess Maia's garden - and her clutches.
This was a true enemies to lovers and I didn't know I needed it 😍 They started out not liking each other whatsoever to being unable to deny how they feel about each other. Secrets are revealed, truths come clean, and facts are uncovered that changes the reality for both of them. Marina does a beautiful job of giving us the Angst we absolutely needed, and the love that's worth it's weight in gold at the end.
A billionaire that's known nothing except increasing business, he's prepared to take things to the next level. A series of events outside outside of his control lands him in Princess Maia's garden - and her clutches.
This was a true enemies to lovers and I didn't know I needed it 😍 They started out not liking each other whatsoever to being unable to deny how they feel about each other. Secrets are revealed, truths come clean, and facts are uncovered that changes the reality for both of them. Marina does a beautiful job of giving us the Angst we absolutely needed, and the love that's worth it's weight in gold at the end.
October 18, 2025
I loved Roaming Holiday (Wesley and Nina 4ever) and Tristan and Maia were true enemies to lovers. They hate each other about as much as they want each other (same here). Their chemistry was front and center from the moment they met.
I related to Maia so much, it surprised me. Her relationship with her dad reminds me of my own so seeing myself a little in her made me like her much more. She was independent and I’m glad she knew her worth always.
This book was really good! I love the family dynamics of this and the animals 🥹 usually you find yourself comparing the first book to the second but Nina and Maia both had two different personalities that you can’t compare them but they fit together so well!
I related to Maia so much, it surprised me. Her relationship with her dad reminds me of my own so seeing myself a little in her made me like her much more. She was independent and I’m glad she knew her worth always.
This book was really good! I love the family dynamics of this and the animals 🥹 usually you find yourself comparing the first book to the second but Nina and Maia both had two different personalities that you can’t compare them but they fit together so well!
October 18, 2025
Royal Pain is a beauty of a story and I fell in love with the characters 🩵 I got the opportunity to beta read the book and also got an arc, and I enjoyed it from my first read. 🪴The plot is unlike any I’ve read in the romance genre, mainly because of the important topics it touches on instead of ignoring or glamorizing them. Taking the billionaire trope and archetype and digging into its flaws and dangers was a very refreshing thing to read 🪻and my dear Maia, I adored her so much, and I know she might be described as “unlikable” (by romance readers standards ) but personally I found no flaws in her personality and character
light spoilers maybe??
I love the set up for the next characters’ stories, I’m already invested
light spoilers maybe??
I love the set up for the next characters’ stories, I’m already invested
October 24, 2025
This book had really bittersweet moments and a fantastic account of what is to live with a debilitating condition.
The romance is a slow burn where our MCs have to learn to trust each other. Maia is passionate about the environment and he is obligated to do community service at her organization. We learn the why and it's not pretty. These two have great banter and the spice is superb. If you are into romances where he falls first and falls hard, with dramatic third act breakups, this is your read.
The romance is a slow burn where our MCs have to learn to trust each other. Maia is passionate about the environment and he is obligated to do community service at her organization. We learn the why and it's not pretty. These two have great banter and the spice is superb. If you are into romances where he falls first and falls hard, with dramatic third act breakups, this is your read.
October 28, 2025
Here’s something I’ve been looking for; a thoughtful and necessary addition to the billionaire romance trope: the anti-billionaire romance.
While Nina and Wesley still have my heart, this was a solid follow-up to Roaming Holiday.
The spark between Maia and Tristan was hot as hell and certainly believable, but I did find the book to be surprisingly dark (even with the content warnings), and Tristan has more than a few red flags. However, Maia continues to be the loveable, outspoken badass from the first book, and I will root for her always.
My favorite parts were actually the scenes between Maia and Wesley. Getting to see their siblings-in-law relationship develop was a gift.
Excited to see what the kingdom of Maldana has for us next.
*Thanks to the author for gifting me this eARC*
While Nina and Wesley still have my heart, this was a solid follow-up to Roaming Holiday.
The spark between Maia and Tristan was hot as hell and certainly believable, but I did find the book to be surprisingly dark (even with the content warnings), and Tristan has more than a few red flags. However, Maia continues to be the loveable, outspoken badass from the first book, and I will root for her always.
My favorite parts were actually the scenes between Maia and Wesley. Getting to see their siblings-in-law relationship develop was a gift.
Excited to see what the kingdom of Maldana has for us next.
*Thanks to the author for gifting me this eARC*
December 22, 2025
I love a billionaire romance story, but this one got on my nerves. It started off cute but quickly became that mosquito bite that won’t stop itching. I found both characters insufferable and irritating. And what’s worse is that I couldn’t shake my irritation with them even after I finished the book. The FMC didn’t grow one bit and stayed just as annoying from beginning to end. The only thing that gave this a third star was the character growth from the MMC and the chronic illness representation.
Read this if you are bored and need something to pass the time with.
Read this if you are bored and need something to pass the time with.
October 23, 2025
Arc Review 📚
Wow just wow... I absolutely loved Nina and wesley but Tristan and Maia ????? Chefs kiss . It gave the enemies to lovers . True enemies to lovers. The things he did for her . The way he cared and loved her . Not only that but showing it with actions ?? Ugh. I swooned . I swooned hard . I absolutely loved this book , if I could give it six stars I would . I don't even know I'm just so happy I for the chance to read it . I'm excited for what's next .
Wow just wow... I absolutely loved Nina and wesley but Tristan and Maia ????? Chefs kiss . It gave the enemies to lovers . True enemies to lovers. The things he did for her . The way he cared and loved her . Not only that but showing it with actions ?? Ugh. I swooned . I swooned hard . I absolutely loved this book , if I could give it six stars I would . I don't even know I'm just so happy I for the chance to read it . I'm excited for what's next .
December 9, 2025
Man is a billionaire but couldn’t afford a PI?!!!! He never found his dad or sister?!?? And his friends just so happens to be in the mafia but he has no idea…. Also, sis never resolves her daddy issues so why bother including it in the story.
Outside of that I love to see a blank woman bag a billionaire so I’m not too pressed about those details.
Outside of that I love to see a blank woman bag a billionaire so I’m not too pressed about those details.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
10/10 no notes
October 16, 2025
Rating 4.75⭐️
I enjoyed this book so much.The characters definitely showed growth and I loved it so much goshh.One of my favourite reads of the year.
I enjoyed this book so much.The characters definitely showed growth and I loved it so much goshh.One of my favourite reads of the year.
November 2, 2025
Finished in one sitting and OMG! The banter, enemies to lovers, and the cliffhanger! I can’t wait to read the next book. I mean I hope there is a next book 💕 Thank you Marina for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews