Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Royals of Solana #1

Prince of Solana

Rate this book
Prince Andre Peralta of Solana spent the last eight years in exile, drowning himself in liquor and gambling in casinos. When his father is assassinated by the Lozano cartel, duty to his tiny island country in the South Pacific trumps his fear and guilt. But he’s next on their hit list and he’s forced to hide on a remote Texas cattle ranch, where he meets strong-willed Gemma Westfall, a fascinating and trigger-happy ranch hand who pushes the limits of his self-control.

Gemma has no patience for liars and gamblers, and something about this visitor crawls up her spine. His penetrating coffee eyes heat up her core, reigniting a dark passion and history she’d buried long ago. But when assassins find Andre and destroy Gemma’s home, vengeance guides both of them into dangerous waters.

314 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2015

10 people are currently reading
67 people want to read

About the author

Susan Sheehey

21 books343 followers
Susan believes in embracing flaws, loving imperfections leads to steamy and emotional Happy Ever Afters.
She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and romantic comedy. Water plays a crucial element in each of her stories. Susan is a strong advocate for Autism Awareness and acceptance. She tried to give up Diet Coke, but it didn't take. She functions on massive amounts of French Vanilla coffee. She lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and two sons.

Join her monthly newsletter here: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
31 (42%)
4 stars
27 (36%)
3 stars
12 (16%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews137 followers
March 27, 2017
*ARC from Netgalley*

A story about Andre, a carefree playboy Prince who unexpectedly finds himself next in line to the throne.

To avoid being assassinated as his family had been, he found a hiding place at a ranch in Texas which is where he met Gemma, our FMC.

Gemma has little time and respect for the playboy Prince, disliking him at first sight. Unfortunately, I too had little love for Andre, wondering how someone so privileged could be this frivolous.


To be honest, I finished this book still not liking Andre. He simply wasn't forceful- or intelligent- enough, Gemma certainly was more alpha than he was.

Anyway, life takes a dark turn, the evil cartel comes after Andre while inadvertently attacking those dear to Gemma. What follows is a rollercoaster ride, with both Andre and Gemma out for vengeance.

While I enjoyed this as a whole, there were parts that were unexciting. Seeing as I love suspense and action books, I'll say this book was an average read.

Do I want to read the second book, Jewel of Solana? Yes. Simply because the author's writing is engaging; her characters, though, need more gravitas.
Profile Image for Christina.
632 reviews26 followers
March 18, 2015
2.5 Stars - 2.5 Flames

This story started with SO much potential I was completely excited and dying to keep reading to see what happened next. Unfortunately, I’m feeling disappointed and a bit underwhelmed.

Opening this book and reading about the Prince (Andre) and his Gigolo ways; gambling, drinking, sexing it up with whomever, I was hooked and wanted to read more. Especially after the way the first chapter ends with his fathers assassination. Having to keep a low profile and go into hiding so that the Cartel doesn’t find him, he finds himself on a horse ranch, turned cattle ranch with a feisty woman with a chip on her shoulder.

Gemma has basically thrown herself into running the horse section of the cattle ranch in Texas after being dealt a crap younger life. Now that her dad is dead and she has been taken in by the ranches owner (Reyna), you’d think that she’d be a bit friendlier. Nope. In fact, she comes off as a total bitch and I myself wanted to slap her a few times. In fact, this is most likely the reasoning behind my lower rating.

What should and could have turned into a cute romantic suspense novel did nothing but irritate me. One minute Gemma is thinking how she can’t trust this visitor (Andre), going as far as physically hitting him and throwing things at him to all of a sudden sleeping with him under the stars? Nope, not buying it.

Everything else in this story was fine. Prince exiled, family murdered, Prince in hiding, Cartel searching for him….but the love story just feel short for me. It’s almost like the love story was plugged in after the plot was decided and “worked in”. I don’t know…maybe I’m being too harsh. You decide…

*I was given a copy of this book as a gift from The JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Caitlyn Lynch.
Author 210 books1,825 followers
March 14, 2017
This is the first in a three-book series called The Royals of Solana; the second book, Jewel Of Solana, is released on March 17.

Solana is a fictional island kingdom in the South Pacific, which makes it an interesting departure from most fictional romance book royal kingdoms; they are usually European in scope. Solana's history is explained during the story, though not in an info-dump sort of way, just a few light remarks which nevertheless give the kingdom a reasonably logical 'origin story'.

Being from the South Pacific, Solana's natives are described as 'Polynesian-like' in appearance, which has me slightly bemused as to how Prince André thinks for five minutes he can pass himself off as being Colombian to an actual Colombian. That and the fact that a drug cartel from the Philippines apparently convinced themselves that they could take over a strategically important location in the South Pacific and keep it were some fairly major logical inconsistencies in the book. Still, those things can be reasonably hand-waved away for the sake of the romance in the story.

I enjoyed both Prince André and Gemma's characterization; the only issue I had was that I didn't quite buy them as a couple. We spent much of the romance in Gemma's point of view and there seemed to be an odd sort of disconnect in her despising André as a wasteful playboy and wanting to get in his pants. Physical attraction alone does not a solid relationship make; she never really seems to develop all that much respect for him.

The second book in the series follows Princess Alanna, André's younger sister. The third book, Crown of Solana, I'm assuming will be both of them since there are no other members of the royal family living. In that one, we might see more of a long-term believable relationship between André and Gemma.

While this story isn't without its flaws, I did actually thoroughly enjoy it. The action and pacing are excellent, the sex scenes are hot and the description of Solana and the Texas ranch which are the two major settings are beautifully done. I find myself very keen to read the remainder of the trilogy to find out what has happened to Alanna and who ends up taking the crown of Solana in the end.

Four stars.

Disclaimer: I received this book for review through NetGalley.
Profile Image for BP34.
6,296 reviews46 followers
October 1, 2018
Andre and Gemma are two people with attitudes and hard to like at times. He's a prince in hiding on a Texas ranch after his father's assassination. Gemma has been through some hard times and definitely has a chip on her shoulder. Plenty of drama, some danger, suspense, and a little romance. Well written with strong characters even if unlikable at times. Fast-paced and full of action. I read a reader copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review.
Profile Image for Pat .
4,153 reviews20 followers
October 26, 2018
I really liked this book, it is my first one with the author. The characters were great, I was captivated thinking come on man lol storyline superb too. I recieved a copy via Booksprout and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Boundless Book Reviews.
2,242 reviews77 followers
August 9, 2016
I was provided a copy of the Prince of Solana in exchange for an honest review. This was one of those stories I was really hoping to love, and it starts off really well, then just dwindles; unfortunately, the only real downfall I have with the story is the relationship between Andre and Gemma.

I love a bad ass chick, I have expressed this in many reviews. However, one thing I haven’t expressed along with that sentiment is it normally coincides with a pretty strong alpha male, to match said bad ass chick. I don’t really care for the whole damsel in distress thing; what I found while reading Prince of Solana, is a man in distress. Gemma being the one to protect Andre, and take the lead just didn’t appeal to me. I am not saying woman can’t do this; however, I prefer books when the males are more alpha.

The writing was good, and the imagery was spot on. The plot was action packed and full of some steamy scenes. I just couldn’t get over Andre being such a, submissive isn’t the word, because that isn’t what he is. He was writing more like a pansy spoiled royal, it was hard to like him and hard to want the relationship between these two to work.

I am giving Prince of Solana 2.5 boundless stars. It was ok but could have been better. ...Sara


http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com

https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
Profile Image for For the Love of Books.
755 reviews28 followers
February 23, 2015
I loved this book! I totally needed a break from the usual schmexy romance. This one fit the bill perfectly! This is the perfect story of a exiled prince who proves himself to the people he loves. All hope is not lost, just temporarily misplaced. It is a great combination of characters and joining of differences to accomplish a goal. I can't wait for the next in the series!! Definitely one I will keep reading! ~~Ginny
Profile Image for Kimberly.
Author 7 books221 followers
February 14, 2015
The Texas desert doesn't get much hotter than this book. Gemma is the perfect heroine - fiery, fun and totally kick-ass. She doesn't need a man complicating her life, but the attraction between her and the handsome stranger is so strong. Sheehey doesn't hold back in this awesome tale of heartbreak, hope and love.
Profile Image for TXBRITGAL.
1,434 reviews33 followers
May 22, 2018
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at same time

The exiled Prince of Solana has no clue his life would abruptly change that night. For 8 years Prince Andre has been known as the playbook Prince....gambling in casinos, and partying with faceless women he doesn't care enough about to recall their names....all a way to forget how he disappointed his family. His lifelong friend and bodyguard Stefano by his side while once more gambling in VEGAS. this night already feels different as the women annoy him, he wants them far away....the gambling is only making his mood more sour. What was he doing? Out of nowhere he's rushed by all his guards out the casino into the waiting SUV and speed off I to the night. Turns out his beloved father and brother were just murdered by a crazy general Woking for a cartel desperate to get their hands on the Royal jewels, propriety and location for drug smuggling....as if his heart couldn't take any more hits his sister in law and his beloved young nephew were also murdered. He could barely get the question out.....but what of his baby sister? Thankfully she somehow managed to escape, but nobody knows to where. A bounty is out on his head (as well as his sister, Princess Alanna) and their pictures all over media. Where on this planet could they possibly go without being noticed? Enter a ranch in Texas that belongs to Stefan is beloved Aunt Reyna....who came from Solano herself many decades ago after leaving with her true love. Once reaching the ranch, Stefano has Andre go by his middle name of Miguel in an attempt to stay under the radar. Reyna may be his elder, but the woman is sharp.....Andre/Miguel has no doubt she knows who he is....even if she does play along. Then there's the little blond spitfire named Gemma is very protective of Reyna and does NOT trust he or Stefano. This will prove to be very interesting . Tons of action and suspense....romance here and their, the sharing of emotional wounds, one stubborn and feisty woman willing to protect the people and place she loves, and an exhaled Prince determined this right his past mistakes...one HUGE powderkeg waiting to happen....this story is filled with excitement....you come to love the characters more and more as we learn that made them who they are now. I look forward to seeing Gemma and Andre becoming what they're meant to be. Both have an endured so many hard lessons in life, and immense pain....it's molded them into the strong, capable people they are..they just need to reach out to one another and work as a team. I can't wait to see who regains the crown....Prince Andre, or his sister....this series is a must read for me!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,884 reviews213 followers
March 22, 2017
Prince of Solana is quite a different take on the royal genre. Prince André of Solana (a fictional island nation in the South Pacific) has been in exile for the past 8 years, spending his days drinking, gambling and sleeping with every female with a pulse. He's a disgrace to the Peralta name, and it's why his father cast him out and gave the title of Crown Prince to his younger brother, Tulio. Now, he's informed that he is the new King of Solana, as his father and brother have been killed by the Lozano cartel out of the Philippines. His sister is missing, so it's all on André to take upon the role of king until his sister has been found. But, there's a price on his head, so his security takes him out of Nevada and to Texas, where Stefano (André's head of security) has a friend, Reyna, who will put them up until Alanna can be found and André can get back to wasting his life away.

It's there in Texas where André meets Gemma, a feisty, kickass woman who is a ranch hand on Reyna's ranch. It's not love at first sight for our couple, though, as Gemma takes an immediate dislike to the obviously out of place prince, and he is seemingly both amused and disgusted by her. This is the reason I couldn't give Prince of Solana 5 stars, Gemma dislikes André so much, yet seemingly minutes later, she's sleeping with him. Now, I know you don't have to love someone, even like them, to sleep with them, but here the contradiction is so vivid that I had a hard time understanding where their relationship even started. If Gemma truly disliked André as much as she seemed to, there's no way she'd sleep with him that quickly, no matter how much she was attracted to him. Sure, their chemistry is pretty electric, but that's all it was, chemistry. Their emotional bond didn't seem real, regardless of how much they steamed up the sheets.

I did like the action, though, it's suspenseful, and I LOVED the fact that the villains are Filipino, as the Philippines is my birthplace and I rarely, if ever, see it featured in romances. And Solana sounds absolutely gorgeous, the scenery descriptions are so clear and bold, brava to Susan Sheehey for her beautiful, lush setting.

description

I do plan on reading the next installments of The Royals of Solana series, can't wait for the next one!

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jessica CW.
1,036 reviews12 followers
November 4, 2018
Andre has been exiled for his behaviour but continues to gamble and sleep around without care until danger comes to his doorstep. His home country has fallen and he's lost his brother the crown prince, his brothers family and his father the king. His guards take him into hiding to keep him alive.

Gemma is a tough, sassy, hardened rancher who has her heart on the horses and the lady that took her in. But when that very womens nephew returns with a man of mystery she's put off kilter. The man she knows as Miguel is Andre is hiding.

This book is a blend of steamy romance, advertisy, tragedy and adventure. Tons of action and a connection that might only be inspired by the threats they face but one will only know when part two of this book comes out.

Yes sadly this has a cliffhanger...... And I am inmpatiently waiting to find out more.

As well as the fate of Alanna, Andres younger sister and now crown princess since his exhile.

Loved this book. A page turner through and through. Well written, intense and edge of your seat.

I am also curious about the women that helped Stefano- is there a connection of love there?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Shortridge.
1,459 reviews19 followers
February 3, 2020
The exiled Prince of Solana has no clue his life would abruptly change that night. For 8 years Prince Andre has been the playboy Prince in exile gambling, partying with women and all a way to forget how he disappointed his family. His lifelong friend and bodyguard Stefano by his side while once more gambling in Vegas then from nowhere he's rushed by all his guards out of the casino into his waiting car. His beloved father and brother were just murdered by a general working for the cartel desperate to get their hands on the Royal jewels his sister in law and his beloved young nephew were also murdered. Where could they go without being noticed? A ranch in Texas that belongs to Stefan is beloved Aunt Reyna....who came from Solano herself many decades ago after leaving with her true love. There you meet Gemma who is very protective of Reyna and doesn't trust anyone, you have plenty going on in this story and won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Peyton Gaudiosi.
105 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2018
I didn’t realize I had so many pet peeves when it came to reading until this book. I feel really picky saying all of them but this is just my opinion and you may feel completely different.

1) I am not good with a foreign language mixed in with English throughout the entire book. I know NO Spanish and it was really frustrating.
2) I do not have the stomach for any type of animal cruelty. Animals burned to death and the ones surviving are shot in the head...no thank you
3) If a character’s name is Reyna then that’s her name why is someone else calling her Rina?!

And as always I am not a fan of a slow burn. I will say with all the stuff piled in it that bothered me I was still slightly entertained so maybe this book is perfect for you.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Locs and Lenses.
101 reviews8 followers
June 5, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review. I wanted to like this book but it went against almost everything that I love about romance novels. The prince, Andre was the weakest man in a book I have ever read. Don't get me wrong I love a strong woman and a man who shows his emotions but Andre had no type of heroics to him whatsoever. Gemma protected him in every situation. Andre had no strengths to him whatsoever to justify his cockiness. I understand he was a prince a spoiled but he had no depth. The ending was so over the top with a country girl suddenly having the skills of an assassin. It was all to much to be believable. I was not a fan. I kept waiting on him to do something and he never did.
Profile Image for Leigh Robbins.
Author 5 books77 followers
July 17, 2017
Prince of Solana caught my attention with it's beautiful covers! The fast paced story kept me turning pages and I finished it in one day! Andre...or shall I call him Sexy Miguel ??!!??, was a jerk of course, but a loveable one until he realized he had to change if he was to lasso smart mouth, tough as balls Gemma. Her genuine love of the people she called family cut through the BS Andre surrounded himself in as a way to disassociate himself from painful mistakes of the past. The way they came together was awesome, The supporting characters were terrific, the romance heart touching, the sex...HOT. I can't wait to read book two....just waiting for a free day cause I know I won't be able to put it down once I start!
231 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2020
Enjoyed reading this book filled with suspense, danger, action, twist and turns. Andre is exiled when he discovers that his country is under siege and his family have been all killed and his sister's whereabouts is unknown. Andre and his bodyguard arrives at Gemma's home which triggers a series of events that include a coup in a foreign land and brings tragedy back in her life. There's a spark and attraction between Gemma and Andres but Gemma is not impressed with the stranger with his secrets. Love Gemma's fire and spunk; she is a good heroine. This book had me engaged from the beginning to the end. Recommended read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,293 reviews8 followers
October 25, 2018
His an exiled prince who is known for being a playboy, gambling and partying. One night while out doing his usual he is rushed to all his bodyguards to his car and told that his brother and father have been killed by a crazy general working for the cartels. They are after the family jewels. To top if off his sister in law and nephew have been killed as well and the only family member who seems to have made it out alive is his sister. There is a bounty on his head and his sisters but where is she. Can they make it out alive?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
640 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2018
My first book by this Author. The only reason I have dropped a star is that it took a few chapters before I became hooked. When I did it was definitely 5 star all the way. Andre is your typical entitled and spoiled party boy while Gemma is a feisty county girl covering over a troubled past. She hates him on sight and sparks fly from the start. Will they be able to survive the fight coming their way. I can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
16.7k reviews155 followers
October 26, 2018
He just drinks his days away and so he is in Stockhausen his father is killed which means he will be next. Now he needs to run and hide. He is a Prince. He ends up at her ranch. She takes no nonsense so when they are attacked, they decide to hit them back. Will they succeed? Will they find they are made for each other? See what will happen

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews35 followers
October 7, 2018
The book is a good romantic suspense read. The book is the first story in the series. The story is well written, and fast pace read. The characters are good, and strong. The story has plenty of drama, some danger, action, adventure, suspense, and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
536 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2018
I wasn't thrilled at some of the proofreading errors in this book and sometimes the writing got in the way of easy reading. That being said, I did enjoy the story and thought the characters were very interesting with great attraction. This is a promising start to a new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ife Davis.
346 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2018
This book is very active and ends with a cliffhanger.
The prince, Andre lives in exile and wastes his life frivolously, however when his family is assassinated and his life is in peril he meets a sassy Texan who makes him question his life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Misty Goan.
2,809 reviews13 followers
November 11, 2018
An interesting well written romance that was full of heartbreak, violence, action, drama, hope, passion, love, steamy scenes, and intimacy. The characters are well developed . This intriguing, entertaining plot was smoothly paced in this rollercoaster ride that had me addicted page after page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vinessa.
1,951 reviews23 followers
March 23, 2020
Lies and deception.
The Texas heat has nothing on this texas lady.
You cross her once lie to her and just plain make her skin crawl she shoot you down quicker than a rattle snake can strike.
So why is this one still standing?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
112 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2022
Royalty vs Commoner

I liked the characters as they progressed but still needed a bit fleshing out. The storyline is good and interesting. Sometimes, the wording is a bit off but tge writing is still very good. Would recommend reading if you like adventutres with a bit of risque.
Profile Image for Dawn.
465 reviews
May 5, 2017
This was first book by this author that I had read. It has interesting characters and story line to keep the reader turning pages. Will be looking up some more backlist.
Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
738 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2018
ok so I don't want to give away any plots or endings so let me just say, well written, very good characters and I enjoyed this story very much

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2018
An awesome book. Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong and intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Season.
1,208 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2022
Very good story and start to a series. I got this book free, but will be buying the rest of the series. The first book got me hooked. Lots of twists and turns and the characters are all beautiful but it was a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Andrea Mccormick.
1,054 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2017
While I hated that the book had to end, I really like the story and the fact that the woman was strong and independent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.