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Kalliakis Crown #includes #1
Talos Claims His Virgin / Christmas at the Chatsworth
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B00ZPTWPYK here.
Prince's scandalous night with the innocent
Talos Kalliakis, the youngest Prince of Agon, has found the perfect gift for King Astraeus's jubilee gala—the talents of exquisite violinist Amalie Cartwright. The warrior prince crossed Europe to find his perfect candidate, and he won't take no for an answer!
But rumor has it that Amalie won't perform, and now Talos has her hidden away in his villa, where sources suggest he's claimed the most private of performances. With tensions running high, surely it can't be long before they start changing their tune…to the royal wedding march!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
15 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Smart
707 books257 followersMichelle Smart is a Publishers Weekly bestselling romance author with a slight-to-severe coffee addiction. With over four million copies of her books sold worldwide, Michelle is now embracing the indie book world to write the passionate romance books she knows her readers love whilst continuing to write for Harlequin Mills & Boon. She is also the author of Butterflies, a standalone romantic and humorous time travel novel set in the 1990s.
A bookworm since birth, Michelle can usually be found hiding behind a paperback, or if it’s an author she really loves, a hardback.
Michelle loves hearing from readers and can be contacted directly via her website.
A bookworm since birth, Michelle can usually be found hiding behind a paperback, or if it’s an author she really loves, a hardback.
Michelle loves hearing from readers and can be contacted directly via her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 31, 2016
Talos Claims His Virgin by Michelle Smart is the 1st book in the Kalliakis Crown Trilogy
Three brothers and princes of the small island country of Agon.
Having to bring forward the planned Jubilee Gala honoring their ailing and beloved grandfather, King Astraeus, Talos, the youngest prince is in charge of finding the best violinist to play a music piece, written by their deceased grandmother, for their grandfather at the celebration.
He finds Amalie Carthwright, a talented violinist and despite her refusal to playing, Talos is determined that she’s the one and only and when his offers continue being ignored, he whisks her to his home….with some blackmailing as well.
I found Talos very likeable and what a pleasure it was to see him helping Amalie overcoming her fears.
I totally loved the epilogue!!! It was so cute and sweet….
Three brothers and princes of the small island country of Agon.
Having to bring forward the planned Jubilee Gala honoring their ailing and beloved grandfather, King Astraeus, Talos, the youngest prince is in charge of finding the best violinist to play a music piece, written by their deceased grandmother, for their grandfather at the celebration.
He finds Amalie Carthwright, a talented violinist and despite her refusal to playing, Talos is determined that she’s the one and only and when his offers continue being ignored, he whisks her to his home….with some blackmailing as well.
I liked Amalie. How vulnerable she was, her stage fright and even more that she didn’t give in to easily to the autocratic and alpha male, Talos.
I found Talos very likeable and what a pleasure it was to see him helping Amalie overcoming her fears.
This is a unique and captivating love story, endearing characters, emotion, family, exotic locations and fabulous dialogue.
I totally loved the epilogue!!! It was so cute and sweet….
“It’s only a piece of paper, but I’ll sign my heart on it because it belongs to you now. I’m trusting you to take care of it for me.”I am looking forward to the next book.
“I’ll protect it with my life.”
And with those words his hungry mouth moulded to hers.
He felt cleansed. Whole. Loved.
He loved her. And she loved him.
He would say the words to her every day for the rest of his life.
November 13, 2024
Reread 2024- Just as good as the first time.
Talos, I so adored this hero. He was a alpha with a heart.
Prince Talos of Agon is looking for a talented violinist to preform for a Jubilee Gala for his dying Grandfather. He find's Amalie Carthwright a protegee violinist, but she's not preformed in a public venue since she was twelve. Talos proceeds to coerced, bribed and blackmail Amalie to come to Agon and play for his Grandfather. He let's her know that he will help her overcome her fear and would save the concert hall where she plays/works at, as he purchased the building.
What transpires on Agon between Talos and Amalie is an intense attraction with plenty of chemistry and slow burn. We get layers of character and depth slowly unfold during the story from both the hero and heroine. We learn of the hero's tragic past and what he endured with his parents death. The heroine's Mother who's contributed to Amalie's stage freight, fear of relationships and guilt over her parents divorce. Talos and Amalie's walls begin to come down and their relationship shifts into an affair. Emotions and feelings begin to overcome each as they fight for control and a desire that is consuming each.
I loved these two together. They're relationship developed at a good pace and had angst but not overly so. I felt immersed in their world as well as their relationship.
My only complaint was that the ending seemed rushed and somewhat forced. But the epilogue was beautiful and more then made up for it.
Talos, I so adored this hero. He was a alpha with a heart.
Prince Talos of Agon is looking for a talented violinist to preform for a Jubilee Gala for his dying Grandfather. He find's Amalie Carthwright a protegee violinist, but she's not preformed in a public venue since she was twelve. Talos proceeds to coerced, bribed and blackmail Amalie to come to Agon and play for his Grandfather. He let's her know that he will help her overcome her fear and would save the concert hall where she plays/works at, as he purchased the building.
What transpires on Agon between Talos and Amalie is an intense attraction with plenty of chemistry and slow burn. We get layers of character and depth slowly unfold during the story from both the hero and heroine. We learn of the hero's tragic past and what he endured with his parents death. The heroine's Mother who's contributed to Amalie's stage freight, fear of relationships and guilt over her parents divorce. Talos and Amalie's walls begin to come down and their relationship shifts into an affair. Emotions and feelings begin to overcome each as they fight for control and a desire that is consuming each.
I loved these two together. They're relationship developed at a good pace and had angst but not overly so. I felt immersed in their world as well as their relationship.
My only complaint was that the ending seemed rushed and somewhat forced. But the epilogue was beautiful and more then made up for it.
September 12, 2017
Oh, this was lovely, and I admit I teared up at points. There are lots of plot summaries, so I won't go into the plot which was original and intriguing. The hero was strong and forceful, but in no way a bully. Heroine was very much his match. What was refreshing was how good they were for each other. Hero helped her with her stage fright and she helped him open up to his past pain. But it was the healing power of music and the love handed down from generations that really got to me. This one is a keeper.
August 4, 2016
This book was almost perfect however it was slow and I had a hard time for the first 100 pages however once they started their physical relationship it got steamy. It was very mild in conflict without any real drama.
Ah! I miss the old days when the man would run to the airport or there would be a storm or an accident or just something. Guess I am more of a drama queen then I thought. It was a good book and they are both awesome hero and heroine. They have great sex and eventually a great relationship just I wanted more drama.
Ah! I miss the old days when the man would run to the airport or there would be a storm or an accident or just something. Guess I am more of a drama queen then I thought. It was a good book and they are both awesome hero and heroine. They have great sex and eventually a great relationship just I wanted more drama.
November 4, 2015
Harlequin romance just the way I like it: quick, sexy, dramatic and with a cute (heroine is pregnant) epilogue!
November 15, 2024
Incredible feels. 4 ⭐️ only because it got a bit draggy with intense music related conversations. Sadly I’ve never enjoyed violin playing but MS here delivered in a way that anyone would learn to appreciate the immense talent and heart it takes to become a musical prodigy.
Loved how the H called the h “little songbird”! Adorbs. The MCs meet when the H, who’s a real life prince has been searching for the best soloist to play for a gala celebration for his grandfather, the king. His grandmother had been a music composer and she wrote some music that he needed to be played at this event. He searched far and wild and comes across the h who refused to agree to his job proposal.
What follows is some real hilarious and insolent sparring between the MCs. The h is unforgivingly not impressed by this prince who was ready to pay just about any sum of money for this performance. The H was dumb struck how anyone , esp a woman could be so indifferent to his regal presence.
The H offers all sorts of bribes until the ultimate one where Amalia has to agree to perform for his grandfather if she wants the 80 other soloists to maintain their jobs and have the theatre stay running.
Both the MCs have deep emotional trauma buried in their past and are hesitant to share it with anyone to let it heal. This was a very well written, deeply satisfying read. MS poured her heart into writing it and not one page went by in useless blabber. For anyone who enjoys music and plays violins and cellos this book is enjoyable and doesn’t get stagnant.
The h needs to overcome her stage fright and the H helps her in the most unconventional of ways to overcome it. Uhhh their chemistry burned my screen and it didn’t dampen anytime soon. The H is also a gentleman, a prince for real with impeccable manners and self control and he stretches it until they both can’t handle it.
Sweet relationship of the MCs where they both reveal their insecurities to each other and help each other overcome it. Fantastic memorable read with a sweet HEA.
Loved how the H called the h “little songbird”! Adorbs. The MCs meet when the H, who’s a real life prince has been searching for the best soloist to play for a gala celebration for his grandfather, the king. His grandmother had been a music composer and she wrote some music that he needed to be played at this event. He searched far and wild and comes across the h who refused to agree to his job proposal.
What follows is some real hilarious and insolent sparring between the MCs. The h is unforgivingly not impressed by this prince who was ready to pay just about any sum of money for this performance. The H was dumb struck how anyone , esp a woman could be so indifferent to his regal presence.
The H offers all sorts of bribes until the ultimate one where Amalia has to agree to perform for his grandfather if she wants the 80 other soloists to maintain their jobs and have the theatre stay running.
Both the MCs have deep emotional trauma buried in their past and are hesitant to share it with anyone to let it heal. This was a very well written, deeply satisfying read. MS poured her heart into writing it and not one page went by in useless blabber. For anyone who enjoys music and plays violins and cellos this book is enjoyable and doesn’t get stagnant.
The h needs to overcome her stage fright and the H helps her in the most unconventional of ways to overcome it. Uhhh their chemistry burned my screen and it didn’t dampen anytime soon. The H is also a gentleman, a prince for real with impeccable manners and self control and he stretches it until they both can’t handle it.
Sweet relationship of the MCs where they both reveal their insecurities to each other and help each other overcome it. Fantastic memorable read with a sweet HEA.
July 30, 2016
It was a bit slow at the beginning then they started fighting like little kids (but I loved that). And the ended felt a bit rushed for my taste.
Besides the blackmail at the beginning there wasn't much drama or angst between H and h.
I loved both H and h, they had their own wounds to heal and they clearly helped each other.
My mind's already thinking of possible plots for Helios and Theseus *-*
Besides the blackmail at the beginning there wasn't much drama or angst between H and h.
I loved both H and h, they had their own wounds to heal and they clearly helped each other.
My mind's already thinking of possible plots for Helios and Theseus *-*
January 16, 2016
This is a powerful story, beautifully written and perfectly executed. Smart did not rush to the finish line. She took the time to build up a believable and intense attraction between the hero and heroine. I completely loved the heroine's character arc...of a vulnerable child prodigy struggling with stage fright. And I loved how the hero kept calling her his "little songbird." SWOONING!
I cried at the end. This is a deeply emotional and powerful story.
Grade: A+
I cried at the end. This is a deeply emotional and powerful story.
Grade: A+
December 28, 2015
I can’t fault this story.
The King of Agon is due to celebrate his 50th Jubilee . Unfortunately he’s also dying so bringing the Jubilee forward the race is on for Prince Talos to find his gift to the King. Racing across Europe Talos is in dispair; he is desperate to find a violinist capable of playing the last score his grandmother wrote to be played at the Jubilee for his Grandfather. The absolute last place he thinks he will find her is in the most run down of concert halls, the building looks like it will fall down any day and there are no crowds gathering to listen to the orchestra playing within.
From the second Talos hears Amalie play, he is taken and his heart comes alive with childhood memories of hearing his beloved grandmother play the exact same score. It is settled! This small and frail looking young lady will be the one! Amalie didnt even sign up for the audition and was shocked to be singled out and politely declines. Talos does not take no for an answer - in anything - and will most certainly not take no for an answer when it is his dream to have his grandmother's last score played to his grandfather at the jubilee. Amalie IS the one! Amalie has severe stage fright and knows she won't be able to perform solo and tries to tell Talos as such but he blackmails her to going with him to Agon. What Amalie and Talos dont realise is they're at the start of their very own romantic conerto and an adventure of a life time.
I LOVE Amalie, she was hilarious and the banter between her and Talos was 100% some of the best conversations I'd ever read. Did she care Talos was some royal prince who thought he could throw his weight around? Hell no! She has fire and passion in her veins, just not when it comes to performing which litterally cripples her with fear! Talos butts heads with her big time, nothing is stopping the warrior in him delivering his gift to his grandfather and after blackmailing her, her orchasetra and the concert hall they all belong to he sends Amalie to stay at his cottage on his villa's grounds. She has a month to cure her fears and he's convinced he can do it.
And of course I loved Talos, i loved he was the carefree Prince and his back story was perfect to shape who he was. I cant write another huge paragraph about him because saying he's just perfect sums it up for me! I believed in him as much as I did Amalie.
As much as I laughed I cried! The emotion is on point and there are moments I wished I could litterally jump in the book and sit with the King or be the one to calm Talos when he loses control of his hidden feelings or I wish I was there listening to the violin play. I was sitting at Amalie's feet when she played the piece to Talos.
I loved the original storyline, searching for a violinist and the references to orchastra's and the music and the beautiful words used to describe fear of playing and the feelings Talos feel's when he first hears Amalie or when she first plays the last piece. I was almost in tears so I could totally imagine Talos holding back a tear (whether he cries or not is probably left to interpretation, mine was that he fights a mighty battle). The meeting of the grandad and what happens during. The little nuances like Amalie hugging the violin - it's what they do!!!!
I feel so guilty this story took me a day to power through (before during and after work - yes dinner is late) when I know it takes longer to write. All I can say to show how much I appreciate it is that I will be reading it again and again in the future and thank you so so much for such an awesome story which bought tears to my eyes with the feelings that I felt reading it.
6 stars for me! As i said at the start - I can't fault the story!
The King of Agon is due to celebrate his 50th Jubilee . Unfortunately he’s also dying so bringing the Jubilee forward the race is on for Prince Talos to find his gift to the King. Racing across Europe Talos is in dispair; he is desperate to find a violinist capable of playing the last score his grandmother wrote to be played at the Jubilee for his Grandfather. The absolute last place he thinks he will find her is in the most run down of concert halls, the building looks like it will fall down any day and there are no crowds gathering to listen to the orchestra playing within.
From the second Talos hears Amalie play, he is taken and his heart comes alive with childhood memories of hearing his beloved grandmother play the exact same score. It is settled! This small and frail looking young lady will be the one! Amalie didnt even sign up for the audition and was shocked to be singled out and politely declines. Talos does not take no for an answer - in anything - and will most certainly not take no for an answer when it is his dream to have his grandmother's last score played to his grandfather at the jubilee. Amalie IS the one! Amalie has severe stage fright and knows she won't be able to perform solo and tries to tell Talos as such but he blackmails her to going with him to Agon. What Amalie and Talos dont realise is they're at the start of their very own romantic conerto and an adventure of a life time.
I LOVE Amalie, she was hilarious and the banter between her and Talos was 100% some of the best conversations I'd ever read. Did she care Talos was some royal prince who thought he could throw his weight around? Hell no! She has fire and passion in her veins, just not when it comes to performing which litterally cripples her with fear! Talos butts heads with her big time, nothing is stopping the warrior in him delivering his gift to his grandfather and after blackmailing her, her orchasetra and the concert hall they all belong to he sends Amalie to stay at his cottage on his villa's grounds. She has a month to cure her fears and he's convinced he can do it.
And of course I loved Talos, i loved he was the carefree Prince and his back story was perfect to shape who he was. I cant write another huge paragraph about him because saying he's just perfect sums it up for me! I believed in him as much as I did Amalie.
As much as I laughed I cried! The emotion is on point and there are moments I wished I could litterally jump in the book and sit with the King or be the one to calm Talos when he loses control of his hidden feelings or I wish I was there listening to the violin play. I was sitting at Amalie's feet when she played the piece to Talos.
I loved the original storyline, searching for a violinist and the references to orchastra's and the music and the beautiful words used to describe fear of playing and the feelings Talos feel's when he first hears Amalie or when she first plays the last piece. I was almost in tears so I could totally imagine Talos holding back a tear (whether he cries or not is probably left to interpretation, mine was that he fights a mighty battle). The meeting of the grandad and what happens during. The little nuances like Amalie hugging the violin - it's what they do!!!!
I feel so guilty this story took me a day to power through (before during and after work - yes dinner is late) when I know it takes longer to write. All I can say to show how much I appreciate it is that I will be reading it again and again in the future and thank you so so much for such an awesome story which bought tears to my eyes with the feelings that I felt reading it.
6 stars for me! As i said at the start - I can't fault the story!
October 27, 2015
If I had to choose one of my favorite Michelle Smart book I’d pick up Talos Claims His Virgin. The first book in the Kalliakis trilogy has taken me on an entertaining journey. Ms. Smart paints a scenic picture from page one. The characters are likable and well-developed. So much that they jump right out at you. I personally love the way the author reveals the characters’ back-story…a little bit at a time. This fuels the urge to keep reading. The plot is intricately woven in such a way that you cannot put the book down. Talos, the hero is one heck of an alpha. He is arrogant, funny, broody and emotional all wrapped in one. But deep down Talos carries a heavy burden, the cause being a not so perfect childhood. Amalie Cartwright, the heroine, is feisty, strong and funny at times as much as she is a brilliant violinist. But she has fears like anyone else. Those fears are so big but Talos makes it his duty to help her overcome it. But being so close to each other ignites a flame that turns into a full-on blaze and it is not before long that they are in each other’s arms.
Overall, Talos Claims His Virgin by Michelle Smart is a good story that leaves you breathlessly satisfied. I’d recommend it to all romance readers.
September 22, 2015
Talos Claims His Virgin is a good story about Prince Talos who is the youngest of three brothers who were raised by their grandparents. I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for review. It is the 50th anniversary of his grandfather's rule of their country in the Mediterranean. As a gift to his grandfather Talos is searching for a classical violinist to play the last song composed by his grandmother before her death. A song that has never been played before. He chooses Amalie, a virtual recluse, who did not even audition for the position. She is not interested and declines but, Talos will not take no for an answer. After forcing her to come to his country to prepare for the gala he finds out why she declined and is determined to help her overcome the problem. Michelle Smart always writes a good story. The characters are usually well defined and there is usually a good amount of angst in the story. This story is no exception. Both Talos and Amalie have traumatic events that they need to work through and Talos Claims His Virgin keeps the reader invested in how this story is resolved through the very end.
December 7, 2015
I love Michelle's books and Talos' is one of my favourites. The tension between the feisty Amalie and no nonsense Talos kept me turning the pages. As always, lots of gut wrenching emotion - it even had me in tears close to the end. I felt connected with both characters as they fought their demons together and found strength they didn't know they had. Can't wait to get stuck into book #2 in the series.
December 11, 2025
Helloooo Mr. take charge Alpha…I have been waiting for you! Wait a minute…whats this? We actually have a challenger ready to take on our alpha and it happens to be our scared, yet feisty heroine!
Our h, Amalie, the violinist who suffers from stage fright, has no qualms about offending the hero, Talos, Prince of Agon. Her spine is in place; lock and loaded to go.
So, I was thinking I already knew what this story was going to be like. However, I was blown away by how much more there was to it. I often refer to stories of this caliber as one with lots of heart.
Esther gives a fine review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So does…..TashNz: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There are lots of reviews that share my affections for this book you can find others(wasn’t sure how to merge them) here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Many of the reviewers capture my affection for the story. So instead of going into details on plot etc..I will try to condense a few things into a list.
*Hero, Talos is definitely an Alpha(the h describes the prince as a mountain man, so KU insta love readers should appreciate that!) He has pretty solid, loving family connections, but carries some demons with him from his time with his parents before they died when he was only 7. By the end of the story, the h helps expunge the H’s demons.
*Heroine, Amalie has a spine and uses it as needed. Her divorced parents are successful and in the public eye, but there is no doubt that they love her. She too carries baggage from her youth and it is connected to her upbringing. She also harbors a lot of guilt over her parents divorce. She is a child prodigy with stage fright and can only perform if she is one of many and can hide in the back. By the end of the story the H has helped her with her demons as well.
*Passion- Our couple do not even share their first kiss until after the 1/2 way mark(and that was on the cheek) The author took her time building up the connection between the H and h. You could feel the sexual want building up. This isn’t one of those grabby, grabby, push/pull punishing kiss stories!
One of the best scenes in the book happens when they are at a royal reception for 200. Things get a little intense under the table(but not x-rated, MS’s writing didn’t take the easy way). This is happening while the h is trying to converse with a British Prince.
Here is just a tidbit of the table scene:
Talos still had hold of her thigh, his thumb making circular motions on the material so torturously barricading him from her skin.…….
She had no idea where her nerve came from— maybe her fingers had a life of their own, because they moved away from his hand to tentatively brush his thigh. He stiffened at her touch, his own hand tightening its hold on her.
Slowly her fingers crept over Talos’s thigh until her whole hand rested on it. The fabric of his trou- sers felt silken to her fingers, contrasting with the taut muscularity they covered. She could feel him.
They never actually touch each other’s naughty bits, but that is why this scene is so electrifying. Shortly after this, they do end up consummating their relationship in another well done scene!
*Angst junkies? Well I wouldn’t classify this has so much angsty, but more emotionally moving. Me being a self proclaimed angster really loved this story and felt satisfied in the end.
* My “oh yeah you go girl” moment when the H is mad and tells the h she needs to address him as Your Highness:
This time her lips tugged into a smile—one she had no control over. ‘But, monsieur, this is France. A republic. Even when we had a royal family, male heirs to the throne were addressed by the title of “Monsieur”, so I am addressing you correctly. And I feel I should remind you of what happened to those who boasted of having royal blood—they had their heads chopped off’
Good news is this is part 1 of a 3 part series. More good news, I inevitably start off on book 3 in a series and this time I started at 1.
Bad news I just skimmed the reviews for book 3 in the series. My favorite reviewers are giving it a 1. I am not pleased with the synopsis of that book, so this may be a 2 and done series for me. Or maybe book 3 can be handled with a little bit of Jack, Johnny, Jose, or Tito…If the hero can’t cut it then maybe 1 of those boys will pull me through!
Oh wait, more good news…We see this married couple briefly in Buying His Bride of Convenience That too, was a good story but not as good as this one!
Our h, Amalie, the violinist who suffers from stage fright, has no qualms about offending the hero, Talos, Prince of Agon. Her spine is in place; lock and loaded to go.
So, I was thinking I already knew what this story was going to be like. However, I was blown away by how much more there was to it. I often refer to stories of this caliber as one with lots of heart.
Esther gives a fine review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So does…..TashNz: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There are lots of reviews that share my affections for this book you can find others(wasn’t sure how to merge them) here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Many of the reviewers capture my affection for the story. So instead of going into details on plot etc..I will try to condense a few things into a list.
*Hero, Talos is definitely an Alpha(the h describes the prince as a mountain man, so KU insta love readers should appreciate that!) He has pretty solid, loving family connections, but carries some demons with him from his time with his parents before they died when he was only 7. By the end of the story, the h helps expunge the H’s demons.
*Heroine, Amalie has a spine and uses it as needed. Her divorced parents are successful and in the public eye, but there is no doubt that they love her. She too carries baggage from her youth and it is connected to her upbringing. She also harbors a lot of guilt over her parents divorce. She is a child prodigy with stage fright and can only perform if she is one of many and can hide in the back. By the end of the story the H has helped her with her demons as well.
*Passion- Our couple do not even share their first kiss until after the 1/2 way mark(and that was on the cheek) The author took her time building up the connection between the H and h. You could feel the sexual want building up. This isn’t one of those grabby, grabby, push/pull punishing kiss stories!
One of the best scenes in the book happens when they are at a royal reception for 200. Things get a little intense under the table(but not x-rated, MS’s writing didn’t take the easy way). This is happening while the h is trying to converse with a British Prince.
Here is just a tidbit of the table scene:
Talos still had hold of her thigh, his thumb making circular motions on the material so torturously barricading him from her skin.…….
She had no idea where her nerve came from— maybe her fingers had a life of their own, because they moved away from his hand to tentatively brush his thigh. He stiffened at her touch, his own hand tightening its hold on her.
Slowly her fingers crept over Talos’s thigh until her whole hand rested on it. The fabric of his trou- sers felt silken to her fingers, contrasting with the taut muscularity they covered. She could feel him.
They never actually touch each other’s naughty bits, but that is why this scene is so electrifying. Shortly after this, they do end up consummating their relationship in another well done scene!
*Angst junkies? Well I wouldn’t classify this has so much angsty, but more emotionally moving. Me being a self proclaimed angster really loved this story and felt satisfied in the end.
* My “oh yeah you go girl” moment when the H is mad and tells the h she needs to address him as Your Highness:
This time her lips tugged into a smile—one she had no control over. ‘But, monsieur, this is France. A republic. Even when we had a royal family, male heirs to the throne were addressed by the title of “Monsieur”, so I am addressing you correctly. And I feel I should remind you of what happened to those who boasted of having royal blood—they had their heads chopped off’
Good news is this is part 1 of a 3 part series. More good news, I inevitably start off on book 3 in a series and this time I started at 1.
Bad news I just skimmed the reviews for book 3 in the series. My favorite reviewers are giving it a 1. I am not pleased with the synopsis of that book, so this may be a 2 and done series for me. Or maybe book 3 can be handled with a little bit of Jack, Johnny, Jose, or Tito…If the hero can’t cut it then maybe 1 of those boys will pull me through!
Oh wait, more good news…We see this married couple briefly in Buying His Bride of Convenience That too, was a good story but not as good as this one!
October 23, 2015
I can’t fault this story.
The King of Agon is due to celebrate his 50th Jubilee . Unfortunately he’s also dying so bringing the Jubilee forward the race is on for Prince Talos to find his gift to the King. Racing across Europe Talos is in despair; he is desperate to find a violinist capable of playing the last score his grandmother wrote to be played at the Jubilee for his Grandfather. The absolute last place he thinks he will find her is in the most run down of concert halls, the building looks like it will fall down any day and there are no crowds gathering to listen to the orchestra playing within.
From the second Talos hears Amalie play, he is taken and his heart comes alive with childhood memories of hearing his beloved grandmother play the exact same score. It is settled! This small and frail looking young lady will be the one! Amalie didn't even sign up for the audition and was shocked to be singled out and politely declines. Talos does not take no for an answer - in anything - and will most certainly not take no for an answer when it is his dream to have his grandmother's last score played to his grandfather at the jubilee. Amalie IS the one! Amalie has severe stage fright and knows she won't be able to perform solo and tries to tell Talos as such but he blackmails her to going with him to Agon. What Amalie and Talos don't realise is they're at the start of their very own romantic concerto and an adventure of a life time.
I LOVE Amalie, she was hilarious and the banter between her and Talos was 100% some of the best conversations I'd ever read. Did she care Talos was some royal prince who thought he could throw his weight around? Hell no! She has fire and passion in her veins, just not when it comes to performing which literally cripples her with fear! Talos butts heads with her big time, nothing is stopping the warrior in him delivering his gift to his grandfather and after blackmailing her, her orchestra and the concert hall they all belong to he sends Amalie to stay at his cottage on his villa's grounds. She has a month to cure her fears and he's convinced he can do it.
And of course I loved Talos, i loved he was the carefree Prince and his back story was perfect to shape who he was. I cant write another huge paragraph about him because saying he's just perfect sums it up for me! I believed in him as much as I did Amalie.
As much as I laughed I cried! The emotion is on point and there are moments I wished I could literally jump in the book and sit with the King or be the one to calm Talos when he loses control of his hidden feelings or I wish I was there listening to the violin play. I was sitting at Amalie's feet when she played the piece to Talos.
I loved the original story line, searching for a violinist and the references to orchestra's and the music and the beautiful words used to describe fear of playing and the feelings Talos feel's when he first hears Amalie or when she first plays the last piece. I was almost in tears so I could totally imagine Talos holding back a tear (whether he cries or not is probably left to interpretation, mine was that he fights a mighty battle). The meeting of the granddad and what happens during. The little nuinaces like Amalie hugging the violin - it's what they do!!!!
I feel so guilty this story took me a day to power through (before during and after work - yes dinner is late) when I know it takes longer to write. All I can say to show how much I appreciate it is that I will be reading it again and again in the future and thank you so so much for such an awesome story which bought tears to my eyes with the feelings that I felt reading it.
6 stars for me! As i said at the start - I can't fault the story!
The King of Agon is due to celebrate his 50th Jubilee . Unfortunately he’s also dying so bringing the Jubilee forward the race is on for Prince Talos to find his gift to the King. Racing across Europe Talos is in despair; he is desperate to find a violinist capable of playing the last score his grandmother wrote to be played at the Jubilee for his Grandfather. The absolute last place he thinks he will find her is in the most run down of concert halls, the building looks like it will fall down any day and there are no crowds gathering to listen to the orchestra playing within.
From the second Talos hears Amalie play, he is taken and his heart comes alive with childhood memories of hearing his beloved grandmother play the exact same score. It is settled! This small and frail looking young lady will be the one! Amalie didn't even sign up for the audition and was shocked to be singled out and politely declines. Talos does not take no for an answer - in anything - and will most certainly not take no for an answer when it is his dream to have his grandmother's last score played to his grandfather at the jubilee. Amalie IS the one! Amalie has severe stage fright and knows she won't be able to perform solo and tries to tell Talos as such but he blackmails her to going with him to Agon. What Amalie and Talos don't realise is they're at the start of their very own romantic concerto and an adventure of a life time.
I LOVE Amalie, she was hilarious and the banter between her and Talos was 100% some of the best conversations I'd ever read. Did she care Talos was some royal prince who thought he could throw his weight around? Hell no! She has fire and passion in her veins, just not when it comes to performing which literally cripples her with fear! Talos butts heads with her big time, nothing is stopping the warrior in him delivering his gift to his grandfather and after blackmailing her, her orchestra and the concert hall they all belong to he sends Amalie to stay at his cottage on his villa's grounds. She has a month to cure her fears and he's convinced he can do it.
And of course I loved Talos, i loved he was the carefree Prince and his back story was perfect to shape who he was. I cant write another huge paragraph about him because saying he's just perfect sums it up for me! I believed in him as much as I did Amalie.
As much as I laughed I cried! The emotion is on point and there are moments I wished I could literally jump in the book and sit with the King or be the one to calm Talos when he loses control of his hidden feelings or I wish I was there listening to the violin play. I was sitting at Amalie's feet when she played the piece to Talos.
I loved the original story line, searching for a violinist and the references to orchestra's and the music and the beautiful words used to describe fear of playing and the feelings Talos feel's when he first hears Amalie or when she first plays the last piece. I was almost in tears so I could totally imagine Talos holding back a tear (whether he cries or not is probably left to interpretation, mine was that he fights a mighty battle). The meeting of the granddad and what happens during. The little nuinaces like Amalie hugging the violin - it's what they do!!!!
I feel so guilty this story took me a day to power through (before during and after work - yes dinner is late) when I know it takes longer to write. All I can say to show how much I appreciate it is that I will be reading it again and again in the future and thank you so so much for such an awesome story which bought tears to my eyes with the feelings that I felt reading it.
6 stars for me! As i said at the start - I can't fault the story!
February 5, 2016
Talos Claims His Virgin began with drama. It hooked me but sadly that feeling didn't last.
The problems- hero went from over the top alpha to beta type. Was sooo disappointed by that. It took the drama away. He was soon so nice, good boring; the heroine's mental health issue. It bored me. So much time was spent on curing her of her anxiety. The romance became secondary. It got boring reading about it chapter after chapter after chapter. So I skimmed. A lot; The hero wasn't a psychiatrist yet he managed to cure the heroine who had seen many already. Not quite believable.
And last, the chemistry wan't palpable. When the heroine decided she wanted the hero to sex her, the build up to it was underwhelming. I skimmed the moment they moved toward having nookie nookie.
The Good Things about this book- the last chapter, the epilogue
So the Wrap UP, great start underwhelming middle and good ending.
The problems- hero went from over the top alpha to beta type. Was sooo disappointed by that. It took the drama away. He was soon so nice, good boring; the heroine's mental health issue. It bored me. So much time was spent on curing her of her anxiety. The romance became secondary. It got boring reading about it chapter after chapter after chapter. So I skimmed. A lot; The hero wasn't a psychiatrist yet he managed to cure the heroine who had seen many already. Not quite believable.
And last, the chemistry wan't palpable. When the heroine decided she wanted the hero to sex her, the build up to it was underwhelming. I skimmed the moment they moved toward having nookie nookie.
The Good Things about this book- the last chapter, the epilogue
So the Wrap UP, great start underwhelming middle and good ending.
February 20, 2021
Prince's scandalous night with the innocent
Talos Kalliakis, the youngest Prince of Agon, has found the perfect gift for King Astraeus's jubilee gala—the talents of exquisite violinist Amalie Cartwright. The warrior prince crossed Europe to find his perfect candidate, and he won't take no for an answer!
But rumor has it that Amalie won't perform, and now Talos has her hidden away in his villa, where sources suggest he's claimed the most private of performances. With tensions running high, surely it can't be long before they start changing their tune…to the royal wedding march!
Talos Kalliakis, the youngest Prince of Agon, has found the perfect gift for King Astraeus's jubilee gala—the talents of exquisite violinist Amalie Cartwright. The warrior prince crossed Europe to find his perfect candidate, and he won't take no for an answer!
But rumor has it that Amalie won't perform, and now Talos has her hidden away in his villa, where sources suggest he's claimed the most private of performances. With tensions running high, surely it can't be long before they start changing their tune…to the royal wedding march!
January 3, 2016
muito bom
Read
February 10, 2016Fast paced , sexy, sexy, SEXY, and loaded with drama! This was the perfect book in every way you can think of!
Cutest heroine ever, and the most incredible hero, as in the kind that melts you , then enrages you then just brings you back down from your little anger in fulled rage. Did I mention he's a Prince!!
Michelle 's books are always perfect , she wraps everything I need to take away from a romance book up into a perfect bubble, adds the most delicious twits and then BOOM does something unexpected that makes me doubt my previous review of her books, that's right I always say her books are the best and I cannot fault them at all, and when the next one comes she does it even better than the last one hence the BOOM that blows me away!
It's hard to explain or rather put into words just exactly what she does because I have no idea what exactly it is but I do know that I highly recommend anyone and everyone to sit down and read any of this author's books . It a experience you will never forget, you will walk away with emotions you have never experienced from romance books( yes the normal love, happiness and heartache is there, but Michelle amps it up and I mean really amps it up!).
Trust me on this , read this , no read any book by this author and your life will be changed forever!!
5/5 star review
" He claims her but does she want to be claimed?"
Cutest heroine ever, and the most incredible hero, as in the kind that melts you , then enrages you then just brings you back down from your little anger in fulled rage. Did I mention he's a Prince!!
Michelle 's books are always perfect , she wraps everything I need to take away from a romance book up into a perfect bubble, adds the most delicious twits and then BOOM does something unexpected that makes me doubt my previous review of her books, that's right I always say her books are the best and I cannot fault them at all, and when the next one comes she does it even better than the last one hence the BOOM that blows me away!
It's hard to explain or rather put into words just exactly what she does because I have no idea what exactly it is but I do know that I highly recommend anyone and everyone to sit down and read any of this author's books . It a experience you will never forget, you will walk away with emotions you have never experienced from romance books( yes the normal love, happiness and heartache is there, but Michelle amps it up and I mean really amps it up!).
Trust me on this , read this , no read any book by this author and your life will be changed forever!!
5/5 star review
" He claims her but does she want to be claimed?"
November 12, 2015
The first of a trilogy "The Kalliakis Crown" by Michelle Smart is an amazing story. It can be read alone but after this book you will anxiously await the other. In this one you have Talos who is not heir to the throne but the youngest and strongest of the 3 brothers. They plan a gala for their grandfather King Astraeus, and he needs to find a talented violinist to perform the last piece their grandmother wrote and has never been heard . He finds Amalie Cartwright who is playing behind a closed door, but he knows instantly this is who must play the piece. Sounds easy but no matter that he forces her to do by blackmailing her ,and go to his island to perform the truth is she has stage fright. You are transported to his island Argon and from there given an incredible story of overcoming fear and how even fear of loving will lose in the end. Wonderful book and cant wait for the rest of them.
June 6, 2016
The Musician and her Provocative Muse
Talos is arrogant, rich, and powerful- a prototypical HP hero. Amalie is young, traumatized and ultratalented. They come together to produce a gift worthy of a king, and despite a rocky beginning and their own demons, they fall in love. Great read!
Talos is arrogant, rich, and powerful- a prototypical HP hero. Amalie is young, traumatized and ultratalented. They come together to produce a gift worthy of a king, and despite a rocky beginning and their own demons, they fall in love. Great read!
December 5, 2015
I really enjoy Michelle Smart's HPs and this was no exception. Violinist heroine. Forceful hero trying to something nice for his dying grandfather. All the feels. Some awesome male nudity. Aces across the board.
December 23, 2015
Quite good.
January 24, 2016
cracking start to a trilogy about 3 princes. Can't wait to get my hands on the next one!
October 4, 2016
A wonderful book with a lovely and fresh story. I couldn't stop reading till I finished it. This is my first book from Michelle and I love her writing style.
Simply, beautiful story!
Simply, beautiful story!
April 15, 2019
This story started out well and it wasn’t like other stories. There’s a kingdom, three handsome princes and a stage frightened violinist. So Talos handsome prince #3 needs Amelie to play solo piece written by his deceased grandmother for his grandfathers gala. Like I said, good story except for the pages and pages of stuff going on in their heads. It’s endless and very boring. I was turning kindle pages at the speed of light.
September 25, 2017
One of my favorite series! In the first of this trilogy, Michelle Smart provides a highly entertaining foundation for the Kalliakis Princes. She’s a great writing and excellent at setting the scene. Definitely a worthwhile read!
August 13, 2017
4.5 Stars.
October 24, 2017
Enjoyed this story, but I will admit that it took some time to warm to both main characters.
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