Marrying Her Royal Enemy

Kingdoms & Crowns #3

by Jennifer Hayward

The man she loves to hate…

Most women would kill to be draped in ivory lace and walking up the aisle toward King Kostas Laskos. Stella Constantinides isn't most women. But for peace in her kingdom, she's agreed to marry the man she once bared her heart to with disastrous effect.

The feisty princess refuses to be his pawn, yet one night in their marriage bed proves that Stella will never be immune to her husband's charms. Soon Stella begins to see a truth behind the sins of their past…and she finds herself doing what she swore she'd never do—fall for her husband!

Genres: Harlequin, Harlequin Presents, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Royalty, Contemporary

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2016

About the author

Jennifer Hayward has been a fan of romance since filching her sister’s novels to escape her teenage angst. Her career in journalism and PR, including years of working alongside powerful, charismatic CEOs and traveling the world, has provided perfect fodder for the fast-paced, sexy stories she likes to write—always with a touch of humor.

Since her debut in 2013, as the winner of Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write global writing contest, she’s written over eighteen titles and sold over two million copies of her books to readers in 31 countries, in 25 languages. A native of Canada’s East Coast, Jennifer lives in picturesque Nova Scotia with her husband and son.

Reviews

[Carol Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a cut above the average Harlequin Presents -- Jennifer Hayward is clearly part of the new breed!

What I loved most about this story was not the characters or the action but the overall attitude. It was so exciting the way Kostas said, in the very first chapter, that he had to have Stella by his side, that he needed her to run his kingdom, and that he couldn't do it without her complete and willing cooperation -- not just in his bed, but as a public figure and leader in her own right. I loved that! Stella is a lawyer and her opinions matter to the new king from the beginning.

At the same time, I was amazed at how rich the politics and history of the make believe kingdom really was. Most authors don't really bother with this stuff, but Jennifer Hayward has a real gift for world building. She should write longer books and try writing a historical romance!

While the romance wasn't quite as steamy as something by Caitlin Crews, it was still very satisfying. I'm definitely going to look for more books by Jennifer Hayward!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and it was so good to be back in the world of royals and problems that linger between the two beautiful kingdoms of Akathinia and Carnelia . King Kostas Laskos is doing his best to bring peace and democracy back to Carnelia and for that he needs a wife and the wife he wants is Stella Constantinides Princess of Akathinia oh but she is strong willed and they have a past that neither of them have forgotten but there is such a spark between them can he convince her that together they will make a team a good team.

Stella has agreed to marry to help bring peace to these two kingdoms but it will not be a love match she must at all costs keep her feelings to herself she has seen her parents marriage and what happens when one loves and the other doesn't. Stella is loved by the people of her country and will do what ever to make sure that peace and fairness rules in Carnelia as well, her and Kostas will be a team were honesty prevails but can she keep her feelings to herself with Kostas doing all he can to entice her.

Kostas has had a dreadful childhood but has turned out such a caring honest and hard working King he will go to any lengths to bring about peace and a democracy to Carnelia but he needs Stella to help and he needs heirs but he too must not love it must be a partnership they must be a team but with a past between them that cannot stay locked away and a truth that needs to be told about the death of Stella's brother this is going to be a journey with lots of ups and owns.

MS Hayward knows how to pull a reader in from page one this is a fabulous story so sensual and moving as Stella and Kostas journey to a HEA and come to terms with their past, and try so hard to ignore the sensual pull that has been there for many years the dialogue is fabulous and yes this one ticks all the boxes for a romance that is moving and emotional one that you will not want to be disturbed while reading another one for the keeper shelf and of course it is always wonderful catching up with friends from past stories.

[Dottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book of a trilogy called Kingdoms and crowns and what an end . We start off with Kosta asking Stella to be his Queen so as to help him in the upcoming elections. His country needs a King and he needs someone at his side. Simple solution it seems but Stella's brother was killed in a car that went over a cliff and all fingers point to Kosta being responsible. How does she do this can she ever forgive him? She knows what she must do so she accepts. This is an incredible story with so many wonderful moments in this book. The speech at their wedding is of sigh quality. Their wedding night was written so beautifully. If you have never read a Jennifer Hayward book you are missing out on one of the finest authors in the Presents series. She is an incredible author and her books are always fantastic from page one she has such a way with words that make her story so special. She never writes making it easy for the Hero and Heroine, she always puts obstacles in their way but this is what makes her book spectacular. I truly loved all these books but this was my favorite of the trilogy, this is the conclusion but and I am hoping she writes another and maybe visit all these characters again when she brings back Kostas friend Tassos, he was a favorite of mine in the story. Deserves more than 5 stars and a definite keeper

[Paula Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stella Constantinides agrees to marry King Kostas Laskos for the sake of bringing peace to his country, which is on the brink of a military coup after the disastrous ruling of his iron-willed, emotionless father. Stella still resents Kostas for that time he kicked her out of his room ten years prior while she was trying to seduce him. There's the added conflict that Kostas carried out some sort of drag race with Stella's brother Athamos over the love of a woman, that ended in Athamos' death. The marriage of convenience also requires an heir.

I read this in one go, but it was curiously flat. I never felt fully connected to it. There was lots of discussion about politics between Stella's country and Kostas' country, and it wasn't all that interesting. The conflict between Stella and Kostas was a bit iffy too. I didn't have enough emotional pull for me! Kostas never knew love growing up because of his father, who saw it as a weakness. There was something about Stella having a warped view of love because of her parents, but it wasn't as bad for her because she at least had several siblings, and Kostas didn't. I don't know. I was just left strangely unmoved by all of it! The worst thing a book can be is boring, and ultimately, that's what I felt this book was!

On a side note, as handsome as the man on the cover is, I don't like that cover at all! What's with the possessive grabbing of the heroine's arm? That's the antithesis of sexy!

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third and final book of Jennifer Hayward's Kingdoms & Crowns trilogy was an entertaining read, and I am sorry to see this series end. I had previously read the first book in the series, and I think it was helpful to have had some background information and to have been familiar with the kingdoms and some of the characters and back stories. I unintentionally acquired and read this, the third and final book, before I read the second. I definitely plan on reading the second.

I am especially impressed at the author's ability to execute a complete and satisfying story in 216 pages. This book, being a Harlequin Presents imprint, is full of passion and lives up to the promise of being a "sexy read." This book and this series, which starts with the book Carrying The King's Pride, is especially for you if you like to read about royals in exotic foreign kingdoms. You will especially like this book if you like strong and slightly tortured alpha heroes and equally strong heroines. This is a couple that is fun and fulfilling to root for. There are layers of true substance and conflict in this book. Tension is also present due to the political backdrop.

[Penny Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm conflicted about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed the political intrigue...it was sort of fascinating to see the goings-on behind the scenes in a government like this. On the other hand, it was dry. There was a lot of backstory and plot that was interesting but detracted from the emotional story between H/h. Also (CAUTION SPOILERISH SECTION)...the major disaster that happened between the hero and heroine's families was oddly ignored. And it was a pretty huge thing.

I loved the fact that the heroine was using the political union to her advantage and to make important things happen in her life. That was lovely and inspiring.

I also have to admit that it was somewhat difficult reading about politics during this incredibly frustrating political season. Probably not the best time to read this book!

Finally, I saw a pretty glaring grammatical error (and another typo) in the book, and that popped me right out of the story. I expect better with a Harlequin.

Not sure if I will re-read this one.

Grade: B

[Kelly Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Ms. Hayward's writing! I loved Kostas and Stella...I;ve been waiting for her story from book 1. But the book totally fell short for me. We're told again and again Kostas is larger than life, and Stella is a rebel but 70% of the book was them was just talking...about why Kostas can't fall in love, his terrible childhood, why he should let Stella in. Maybe it was the political plot, or what, I don't know. It was just so...boring.

Even the chemistry fell flat for me. I expected so much fireworks from Stella. The big reveal from Kostas wasn't even that big...still, I read hte book in one sitting. THe characters she set up were really great, the premise good, but the execution just disappointed so much - no romance at all.

[Karen Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would have worked for me if it wasn't so short; not enough time for the reader to really absorb and observe character growth.

Both characters are fairly mature and honest. Kostas' background is very interesting view point. Cover photo is terrible.

[Teelah]

DNF at 27%. I have started out loving the author but with every next book my love seems to wither. Will try other books though.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very well written but curiously flat and unengaging,despite steamy sex scenes. I found the politicking truly off putting. I really don’t want to be lectured in a Mills and Boon Romance! The world building was clunky and inadequate. Two island kingdoms in the Ionian Sea? Yet strangely not acquired by Greece or Rome over the centuries?
For a truly inspired and romantic example of fairy tale world building, read Kelly Hunter’s ‘Claimed by a king’ series. Fabulous!
This wasn’t a bad book but it ended very abruptly and had no epilogue. Less politics and more romance would have improved this one for me. A writer to watch out for though.

[Cheryl Steckling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marrying Her Royal Enemy {Kingdoms & Crowns) by Jennifer Hayward

Stella Constantinides is the Princess of Akathinia and she never dreamt she would one day be draped in ivory lace and walking down the aisle toward King Kostas Laskos. Stella wants to keep the peace in her kingdom and so she has agreed to marry the man that had once broken her heart.
One night in their marriage bed proves that Stella will never be immune to her husband’s charms.
She never expected Kostas to be in Barbados or to run into him. Somehow he ended up sliding into the stool right next to her and he spoke first. It was her friend Jessie’s tiny local bar and was halfway around the world from her hometown. She had escaped her body guard and all and just needed some alone time to reevaluate her future. He had searched for her and asked her to hear him out over dinner. Then she could give him her answer and if she still refused he would leave and accept that decision. She agreed and they were going to discuss things as two civilized adults.
Kostas and Stella had known each other since they were children. Now he wanted to marry her and help join Akathinia where she is from and Carnelia where he is from together. He was offering her a life where she could help to effect widespread change.
Stella still said no way but he handed her a card and told her not to say no because she hated him but for Akathinia as the military could soon finish the job they had started and lives would be lost.
Jennifer Hayward has a unique way of writing so that you want to keep reading and finish the book. Hope you will enjoy as I have!

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Marrying Her Royal Enemy (Kingdoms & Crowns)" by Jennifer Hayward is another wonderful, quick read alone book that was thoroughly classic romance. Welcome to the Kingdoms of Carnelia and Akathinia. King Kostas Laskos needs to marry and he wants Princess Stella Constantinides. They have a past that didn't work out well because when Stella's brothers car went over a cliff all evidence pointed toward Kostas. Plus, Stella and Kostas have a past. If Kostas thinks Stella will rule meekly at his side he is mistaken. Somehow they both need to overcome the past in order to move on in the future.

[Hina Tabassum Khatri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how I could relate to the internal torment on Stella's part.

Presenting an acceptable mirage when you're dying to be yourself and being loved for being you.

Kostas' character on the other hand is very similar to that of Stella's regard but with him, he has made himself believe that he is what is expected of him.

I completely loved the journey they took to discover themselves. A journey at the end of which was a bright happily ever after.

[Shallowreader VaVeros · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one didn't work for me. There were several aspects that didn't resonate for me.

The protag story was strong and believable. I liked the way that they had to build on their trust for each other and how it was incremental. But I didn't feel sparks between these two. And the whole kingdom/democracy/generals coup wasn't for me either.

[niteskycs · Rating 3 out of 5]

both characters were mature and actually acted like adults who cared about their role as royals, there should have been more focus on the backstory and angst though because it felt like something was missing as far as the emotional aspect goes

[Ginny Rodenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

[lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Stella Constantinides of Akathinia needed a break, so she took one without her entourage to draw attention. Imagine her surprise when King Kostas Laskos of Carnelia approaches her on said break. There is history between the two back to when they were children. A history that broke Stella’s heart and, unknown to Stella, affected Kostas as well. Kostas convinces Stella to listen to his offer and leaves her with lots to consider. If she marries him, it would unite their two countries. It would also help Kostas prove to the Carnelian citizens that he is not his father, who had not been more dictator that anything else. It may also place her in danger, as there are factions in Carnelia that look to unseat Kostas and his reign and continue in the ways of his father.

Once Stella makes her way home to Akathinia and discusses her decision with her brother, King Nikandros Constantinides, she embarks on a path that she hopes will give everyone what they want. She also has hopes she doesn’t lose herself in the process.

Marrying Her Royal Enemy is a wonderfully written story with characters that draw you in from the very beginning. We’ve gotten to know Stella in the first two books, but this book gives us insight into what makes her tick. She has a strong sense of honor and is determined to set things right, both with her new home, Carnelia, and with her new husband. Kostas, even though misguided in the first 2/3 of the book, does truly have a sense of honor as well. He just had a hard time seeing what was in front of him the entire time. As Stella starts understanding what has made Kostas the way he is, her heart breaks for him. Even though he’s vowed he’ll be faithful, but that he’ll never love her, a little of her hope fades. But, when he truly opens himself up, and truly sees what a wonderful gift has been given him and the opportunities those present, you will fall head over heels for him. He and Stella are truly a force to be reckoned with.

Marrying Her Royal Enemy is ultimately a story about letting go of preconceived notions and doing what is best, not only for you, but for everyone involved. And, with all of that, maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself AND the love of your life. Once again, if you’re looking for a quick and sexy read that keeps you turning the pages, you will never go wrong with this one, or any written by this fabulous author. Well done, Jennifer Hayward!! Very, very well done!!!

[Tonya Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

King Kostas Laskos broke Stella's heart and destroyed her childish hero worship dreams. Stella Constantinides is still a princess, and now she will be Queen. She knows that there is good to come if she and Kostas can work as a team to improve the country.

Kostas has to put the past behind him. To get past the death of his friend, and Stella's brother, and his part in that death. And while he wants to be a team, a partner, he does not know if he can break fro the past and be the man Stella, and his country, needs.

[TashNz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the trilogy the devastating story of Stella's brother has been a backdrop to help us reach this point – Kosta's story – king of the neighboring kingdom who was racing with Stella's brother when he plunged over the cliff and died. Although Stella loathes Kosta for taking her brother away from her, there's history between the two, from when they climbed tree's when they were little right up until she shamed herself waiting for him in his bed a decade ago. Asking Stella to be his Queen starts the emotional and heart tugging story of Kosta and Stella.

A brilliant story that I give 5 stars to because from page one I was invested! I was drawn in by the great opening, I was captured by the recalled memories of Kosta and Stella, I felt the feelings the author was brilliantly laying out on the pages and I loved the setting and the plot that unfolded in such a way I was completely invested.

Stella, being the youngest of the siblings, is so over pompous princess life, she wants to make a difference to the world and Kosta's needs a Queen, to help him win the upcoming elections and a person by his side who he knows will make a difference to his people and who believes in his vision he has. Stella is just the person, but he knows Stella hate's him for what happened with her brother but convinces her to help him and together they form a tight unit and it's clear they genuinely have feelings for each other but are the hurdles jumpable?

A great adventure, a fantastic love story and a wonderful way to wrap up the trilogy. Could it be possible to make a fourth book with the appearance of the dead brother? Hmmmnnn.....

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the previous books of Stella's brothers, I was looking forward to her romance, but a few things annoyed me which left me unsatisfied at the end. In Stellas's story, we learn that a year or so ago, Kostas & her presumed dead older brother, Athamos, were rivals in winning a stunningly beautiful girl named Cassandra whom both wanted but because she "couldn't decide between the two", they decided to race and winner would get the girl. However, tragedy struck and Athamos lost his life. What I hated about this is that Ms Hayward never resolved the supposedly feelings the H had for this woman. He told Stella in the beginning that he had deep feelings for this woman, then he told her that he never loved her. When said woman showed up at his wedding, he expressed no emotion or feelings. As for Stella, she too was in love with her sister's husband and supposedly had a hot fling with him prior to hooking up with the Hero, but this too was unresolved. For me, I don't enjoy Hq books when they bring 3rd parties into the mix. This was especially true for this book. This could have been a favorite of mine as I loved how the relationship & trust with Stella & Kostas developed, but the fact that they were both in love with others months before when they knew each other all their lives, just fell flat for me.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the author’s Kingdoms & Crowns trilogy.*

Marrying Her Royal Enemy by Jennifer Hayward is an intense and tempestuous story about two independent individuals who have to put aside their hate and misunderstanding for each other in order to prevent their countries from going to war.

Stella blames Kostas for her brother’s death and though she’d once been infatuated with him she loathes him for what he has done. However, the sparring moment between her and her enemy heightens when Kostas asks her to marry him. He must be crazy! But Stella knows what is at stake if she fails to accept Kostas’ offer so she agrees to marry him though her determination in not having him getting under her skin slowly slips away as she discovers a new side of her husband she never knew existed. Getting to know Kostas and learning his side of the story only draws Stella closer to her husband and it isn’t before long that she discovers her long time crush had always had a thing for her too and as her husband, he is willing to show her how much he madly wants her!

Sizzling hot and fast-paced, Marrying Her Royal Enemy ends the trilogy on a happy and fulfilling note.

Highly Recommended
5 Stars

[Eva Hope Kratochvílová · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I need to say that I love all of Jennifer's books because I know that whatever book of hers I pick up I can't be wrong.
Now...I've been waiting for this book since the moment I read Carrying the King's Pride because I had a hunch (it wasn't it but it's ok, I didn't really think it would be).
At some point in the book I thought: oh, I want this for myself! A few pages after that I changed my mind for a bit. :D But I should know it would be like that because in Jennifer's books is nothing easy and that's one of the things I love about them. I also love the fact that her characters aren't perfect...not a single one.
I loved the book and it's shame that it's the last one in this serie.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Marrying Her Royal Enemy" was cute and predictable. Kostas is a hardened prince, raised to be ruthless and emotionless. Stella is the sweet princess next door. A long time ago, they had shared a kiss and when she had asked for more, he had turned her down to her embarrassment. Ten years later, when he comes to her with a marriage proposal, she is still angry. Despite wanting to say no, she agrees because she knows they can do great things together. As they begin to speak and interact more, they begin to put the past behind them and move forward together. It's very predictable but sweet. Stella is easy to like and I was glad for the happy ending. It was a sweet progression. Please note that I received this book through goodreads giveaways.

[Lisa Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a treat to delve into any story Jennifer Hayward weaves, and the author’s latest novel in her “Kingdoms and Crowns" series is no exception. I enjoyed every facet of the third book in this magical series. "Marrying Her Royal Enemy" delivers a brilliant twist on the enemies to lovers /marriage of convenience storyline.

Whenever I’m certain that I’ve found my favorite fictional couple, Ms. Hayward delivers another engaging pair for me to root for. Princess Stella and King Kostas’s romance is a captivating feast for the senses. You’ll find yourself holding your breath for this wonderful pair as they deal with the fallout when their union founded on duty becomes complicated by their super-sized attraction for each other. Yet another gem for the keeper shelf.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A royal take on a friends to enemies to lovers story!

Princess Stella Constantinides of Akathinia is not happy to be walking down the aisle towards King Kostas Laskos of Carnelia, but for the peace and safety of her kingdom, she has agreed to this wedding. She's not going to bend to his will and be his meek little sidekick though!

Kostas regrets the hatred Stella feels towards him, when all he tried to do all those years ago was protect her from himself. He sets out to make things right with them and have a partnership in their marriage instead of animosity.

Stella has gotten over that schoolgirl crush she had on him .. or at least she wants to think she has!

[Adel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marrying Her Royal Enemy by Jennifer Hayward is the third instalment of the Kingdoms & Crowns series and is Stella and Kostas’ story. It is full of intrigue, politics and insight into the workings of running a country.

Kostas convinced Stella to marry him to save his country and to bring it into a democracy. Stella is against the idea of marrying Kostas and tries to keep their agreement purely on a business footing. One night with Kostas and she realised that her heart is on the line and keeping it all business is not going to work.

The two overcome their differences and grow closer to each other as the story progresses. All ends well in the end!

[Xai Xai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance is based on courage, strength, forgiveness and true love. The h was a strong and courageous woman who healed herself by loving her H, she took some crazy risks to be there for him and making her marriage work. Our H was a player and as a result he suffered from a consequence that nearly destroyed himself an his people. He was forced to face reality and made a healing turn.It was a nice read. I wish the 'Dead' brother turns out to be alive and he comes back to claim the woman,Cassandra,whom he 'died' for, it would complete the Story

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the third book of the Kingdoms & Crowns series, we finally get to read Stella's story. And what a story.

Stella is a strong smart heroine and she's agreeing to marry the man she loves to hate to save her country. Kostas is the sexy hero that must lead his country into the future and needs Stella by his side to do it. Their story makes for great drama and romance that keeps you turning the pages.

I also loved the cameos of the hero and heroines from the first two books. It's great to see their love stories continuing. Definitely 5 stars!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kostas and Stella are two strong-willed royals who have a past they struggle with and a future they’re unsure of – and the pages that span these are intense and immensely readable. Their road to forevermore is rife with guilt, insecurity, anger and pain which challenges their ‘marriage of convenience’. The one certainty is their undeniable sexual attraction. But it is only when past truths are bared that these two dynamite characters accept their love for each other. I loved this finale to Jennifer Hayward’s Kingdoms and Crowns trilogy.