Sydney Field’s life is a rollercoaster on steroids with one constant—Ryan Edwardson.
Best friends since a projectile crayon incident in kindergarten, Sydney and Ryan have stuck it out together through thick and thin, pranks and rants, and anything in between.
One kiss changes everything…
As Sydney does her best to sort through her new found feelings for Ryan and mend what she broke in their friendship, the rollercoaster makes a complete one-eighty, unveiling Ryan’s lifelong secrets.
Thrust into a world chalk full of royalty and kingdoms and wielders, Sydney starts to wonder what’s up or down, right or wrong, reality or fantasy.
In a twist of events, Sydney finds herself enveloped in a world she never knew she belonged to. Friends become enemies, strangers become her survival, and love becomes the ultimate price.
Megan Maldonado lives in Miami. She spends her spare time curled up in bed with every paranormal romance she can get her hands on, watching Marvel movies with her nerdy family, and writing. Megan writes Young Adult Paranormal Romance and New Adult Paranormal Romance.
COVER LOVE!!!! New Paranormal read from a new author. Love these!!! Ekkk I'm excited... hope to find a gem
Scheduled to be read
An arc was provided
--- They are forever…
Sydney Field’s life is a rollercoaster on steroids with one constant—Ryan Edwardson. Best friends since a projectile crayon incident in kindergarten, Sydney and Ryan have stuck it out together through thick and thin, pranks and rants, and anything in between.
One kiss changes everything…
As Sydney does her best to sort through her new found feelings for Ryan and mend what she broke in their friendship, the rollercoaster makes a complete one-eighty, unveiling Ryan’s lifelong secrets.
Thrust into a world chalk full of royalty and kingdoms and wielders, Sydney starts to wonder what’s up or down, right or wrong, reality or fantasy.
In a twist of events, Sydney finds herself enveloped in a world she never knew she belonged to. Friends become enemies, strangers become her survival, and love becomes the ultimate price.
*I was provided with a copy from the author in exchange of a honest review.*
This book was quite entertaining and while it read more like a contemporary than paranormal, it still had some interesting paranormal aspects. It was light and fun and had a prince that made me fall so hard in love.
First of all, the characters were awesome. Ryan, our love interest, really held this book together for me. He was so swoon-worthy, smooth, sexy, and funny that he had me hooked from page one. I loved his relationship with Sydney. They had such a great connection and really understood each other. Even if they were fighting, Ryan would show up whenever he was needed and didn't even care if she was still pissed at him. He cared about her so much and his loyalty just makes you melt in a puddle. This guy is wonderful. Yes, he has his issues. He is possessive and overprotective at times, but you know what? It's valid. He respects Sydney and just wants what's best for her.
On the other hand, Sydney could really drive you crazy if you let her. She has all the right ingredients to make you love her and relate to her, however she made me roll my eyes quite often. She is snarky/sarcastic, independent, funny, and really cares about her friends. But she also is so stubborn that you want to shake her. Any time she and Ryan are in a fight she spends chapters upon chapters just sulking and avoiding him! I kept screaming at her to just speak to Ryan to let him explain or tell him what's going on instead of shutting him in the dark. That isn't what friends do. They don't leave each other hanging without a warning or explanation, especially not best friends. I get it, she started having feelings for him and was afraid of what he would say or if it would ruin their friendship,but she didn't even give him a chance! On top of this, her sarcasm can be a little too much at times. Don't get me wrong I loved her sarcastic comments and the way she threw her sense of humor at everyone but sometime it was uncalled for. This just made her come off as a little mean, in my opinion. Other than that, I liked her.
Now about this paranormal world. I feel a little underwhelmed with the world building. I would have liked to see so much more. We don't really see too much of it because Syd has no knowledge of this world that her friends belong to and as a result neither does the reader. But at least 60% of the book goes by and we still don't know anything because Syd is so stubborn and won't talk to Ryan so the reader is left in the dark asking questions. This is why it feels more like a contemporary than paranormal. But even when we learn a little more, its still underwhelming. The end rushed by so fast and was over before it even got started. I feel like only the surface was scratched and I want to know so much more.
Speaking of the end, the epilogue. Oh man the epilogue is just cruel. Now I am a girl who loves her happy endings. I can deal with a little heartache if it was done correctly, but this was just mean. The last few chapters come out of left field! It was just thrown and ends at the biggest cliffhanger! If I don't give more Ryan and Syd and answers I don't know what I will do! Because that was just mean :(
This book had a few editing problems, but overall it was entertaining. The characters are great. The friendships and minor characters are fun. The writing is easy to get into and I had fun reading it. I would have liked a faster paced plot, but in the end I still enjoyed the read.
The story started slow. There are a lot of back and forthe between Ryan and Sydney but as the story reached its climax - revelations, magic and other stuffs. It goes fast and smooth. Can't wait to pick up the next book!
This was a book I have trouble reviewing. I loved the book, the overall story, the story and history behind Sydney and Ryan, her background story and family, her friends, I pretty much liked it all. The only thing I really didn’t care for in the beginning was Sydney. She seemed a little much in the beginning. To annoying, almost like a teenager and her humor sometimes seemed a bit forced. BUT , it got better, she seemed less annoying the more you get into the book, by the time I was about a quarter in the book I really didn’t mind Sydney. I liked Ryan, well most of the time, he had his moments where he needed to be smacked but overall I really enjoyed him. If a little overbearing but still very likable and of course he looks hot.
4.5 stars! Loved the story, the characters, the writing. Great read. I laughed at the sassy snarkiness. I laughed. I cried. I wanted more. This is truly an undiscovered gem. So glad I found this author and this book.
3.5 Platypires Okay, so I bought this book based on a couple of different factors. One was that it came to my attention with the author requested a review. No, she didn’t request from me specifically, and I was never part of the conversation, but it DID look pretty good when I saw the blurb. The second, and most DEFINITELY not the least: Look at that amazingly gorgeous cover!!! I mean, it’s just beautiful! Definitely one of my favorites. As for the story itself, I found the plot to be quite intriguing and unique. The characters were well defined and their own person (I’ve read some where I mixed up people because they felt interchangeable). Unfortunately, I just couldn’t connect with any of them. They were likable enough (except for those that were hateable enough), but I just couldn’t FEEL them, I guess. The only real emotion I felt for them was Howie. Gawds, I loathe that jack@$$. There were some grammar errors (ex: “click” instead of “clique”), but there was nothing major there, this is just to let potential readers know they exist, I guess. Okay fine, so grammar is important to me. The flow of the story overall was pretty good, and I do intend to continue reading this series. Maybe my connection problems were due to just meeting the characters? It’s always possible! I hope for more development and to learn more about the different Kingdoms in the next book. If you like fantasy and kind-of-a-jerk alpha males, I think you’ll like one! Bob says: 3.5, rounded up to 4 Platypires
3/5. I think this rating will change because right now I'm currently upset at the ending. It felt like it didn't go with the story and stuff and I was just mad at the way it ended. I enjoyed it and then bam! Overall it was a solid book that just suddenly ended so very mixed feelings right now. *changed review to a 3 now that I’ve gotten over my anger at the ending*
Title: Royal Bond Series: Royal #1 Author: Megan Maldonado Release date: 8th June, 2015 Rating: 3.75 Stars! Key Words: Suspense. Sassy. Swoon Worthy. Enjoyable. Cliffhanger:Sortof HEA: Sortof
3.75 Rounding up Stars ***Good enough: It was worth reading. Once. We liked it. It was good enough that we don’t regret reading it and would be willing to read others in the series.
I had a hard time figuring out exactly what I wanted to say about this book. As a general rule, I don't read paranormal stories. But I made an exception and I'm glad that I did! It is a cross between Avatar: The Last Airbender, Kate and Leopold, and The Prince and Me.
1. People: “Do we care?” For the most part, yes. I think that Ryan (H) is the driving force behind that. He is kind of a dreamboat. I appreciate so many things about this man! Sydney (h) is endearing, but frustrating as well. That seems to be part of her charm in Ryan's eyes. Development. The characters need some more developing. I felt like I got to know bits and pieces, but I didn't have a clear vision of their essences. That's the best way I can put it. Relationships between characters. I wanted to see these more developed. I wanted more indicators of what was going on between people. That being said, Ryan and his friends definitely held my interest. I want to know more about each of them, especially Amanda! 2. Plot: “World-building”. Megan paints a pretty clear picture of everything. I was able to easily visualize all the worlds that we were introduced to. Story arc. The story had ups and downs, but no real clear arc. “Did it hold our interest?” I never felt it get really slow which was nice. I didn't feel the need to skim or skip which is something I often find myself doing. 3. Plausibility: Can we suspend our sense of reality while we read these and still have it make sense? Yes, but it is harder than I'd hoped. Things seem almost too silly at points, but it was easy to get past it. 4. PEV: Pure entertainment value. I was entertained. No doubt about it. I read it all in about two sittings, not wanting to put it down. Ryan is a convincing hero. All of the political drama that happens will keep your interest, but I have so many questions. I need more things to be explained clearer and simpler.
So... let me first start off by stating that I liked it, but I wanted more. It was lacking that "je ne sais quoi". Story wise, it had serious potential. The story concept was a solid 4 stars, but, otherwise, it was closer to 3 stars. If you are looking for a new series to start with a fresh story, check it out. Beware the cliffhanger at the end as well as the unanswered questions. At the end of the day, I will definitely read the next book in the series. I will hold out hope that each book will get better.
Part one of the “Royal Series” is as best as it could have been expected. With the exceptional writing style that Megan Maldonado has accustomed us, this book falls obviously into the select category of 5 star books. Not to mention that, after reading part 3, I believe it’s the best from the series. Though, I still have part 2… Hmm, I wonder…
Ok, back to the review at hand. Part one follows the story of the Air Kingdom. We meet Sydney Field and Ryan Edwardson, best friends since they both can remember. Can a kiss destroy a friendship so long? Or can Ryan’s secrets put distance between them? Oh well, the story is far more complicated! The ending will blow your mind and leave you breathlessly waiting for more.
Sydney is kind of weird, though she is our nowadays teenager. She is used to take care of herself, she has confidence in herself, mainly due to her friendship with Ryan, she needs his friendship as a life line. He is her only confident, the only person from whom she doesn’t hide anything. That’s why the feelings their kiss brought out scare her. She pushes him away, she takes unreasoned decisions and doesn’t know how to act around him anymore. What she is unaware is that Ryan and his world have a much more significant effect or consequences on her own destiny.
Ryan is doing his best to keep her away from his secrets, preventing her to find out his true origins. He wants her in his life and fears that once the truth will come out there can be no turning back. Being clueless about the way Sydney was affected by their kiss, he has trouble understanding her actions lately.
They both have to open up about their feelings and secrets. But this is not all they have to face. There are secrets that have been long kept hidden and that will astonish them both, A history that only the king and the queen would know. As I mentioned, the ending is something you cannot imagine.
A story that gets more complicated and more complex as pages are turned! This is a series worth following and in my humble opinion, this book deserves 5 stars. I loved it and thank you Megan Maldonado for yet another great book!
*** A copy of this novel was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*** The novel begins as a very typical contemporary novel, girl from the wrong side of town is best friends with the boy who has it all, the pair are close as can be until our heroine realizes she holds feelings for her best friend. Easy enough. However, the story complicates as Sydney learns about an entire differently world her best friend is a part of and the role it can play in her life. Sydney was an intriguing character. She's hard working, funny, sarcastic compassionate, she has everything needed to be an ideal heroine. However, at times I found that I wanted to shake her... just a little... okay fine, fine, maybe a little more than a little. She definitely complicated situation more than was necessary at certain points in the novel.However, overall, I did like her as a character and she did improve as the story progressed. Now, on to Ryan. Someone hold me I'm swooning. Boyfriend material right there. He really was a favorite of mine. He had an easy going attitude and the scenes he was in were always super interesting to read. Basically, he's perfect and I would like to know who I can talk to about getting a Ryan. The chemistry between the characters was good, and bless the powers that be no insta-love people!!! I wish the paranormal world had been introduced more, we got an introduction of it, but I would have loved to learn more about Ryan's society. The ending. This is a touchy subject for me. I do understand the concept of cliffhangers, however, I very much dislike that concept. Why? Everything was so perfect, and then I was left staring at my kindle in agony. Really looking forward to the next book because I am in desperate need of answers. Overall the novel was excellent, the author did an amazing job with character development and story plot. It was a fast paced, entertaining read that I would very much recommend reading. This review also appears on myblog
When I read the blurb for this I thought this might be worth a look. Unfortunately, I think the blurb was the best part of story.
The best friend to lover trope showed potential. I find it rather satisfying when one falls in love with the best friend. All the good and bad is usually already known. They have seen each other at their best, and at their worst. There is already a foundation for a strong relationship. But, what happens when one discovers that everything you thought you knew about your best friend wasn’t real? Sounds like it might be an interesting dilemma.
Unfortunately, I found myself rolling my eyes and groaning more often than anything else. I did not like either of these characters. Sydney came across as wishy-washy. Strong and opinionated one minute, weak and pliable the next. And frankly, Ryan was a “douche” pure and simple. I really didn’t find any redeeming qualities in him at all.
When the paranormal aspects of the story started to appear, they were introduced in very vague ways. I realize part of that was because Sydney had no clue, but did the reader need to be left just as clueless? The building of the “other world” was minimal at best. It left me scratching my head and wondering “uh?”
I continued reading, in spite of continued eye rolling and out right boredom, hoping something would crack. Some spark would happen. Some clue as to what this world was all about. Maybe an explanation as to the inconsistencies – if living on earth made them sick, why were they living there? Only to find a cliffhanger ending. Grrr! Arg! I waded through this for that? I was not only left unsatisfied, but extremely frustrated.
I seem to a minority in my dislike for this book, so maybe it is just me. You dear reader will have to decide for yourself. Me? I am done with it.
I received an ARC copy of this title for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. All conclusions are my own opinions and responsibility.
My heart hasn’t been through so many variations of high and low rates. My body is humming as if I had been working out for hours. That is the impact this book had on me the entire time.
First off, Sydney is snarky, stubborn, not afraid to dish out what she’s thinking, and she’s always up for revenge. But she’s scared. She’s scared of letting people get too close, feeling the heartache of being abandoned and rejected. Those feelings she keeps tucked close so when her heart suddenly realizes that Ryan Edwardson is the one Sydney tries to hide behind her walls, pushing him away.
But Ryan Edwardson isn’t like everyone else in Sydney’s life. Ryan is her best friend, knows her tells, what she’s afraid of, and how to get his way. Ryan is the incredibly sweet and stubborn man that barrels his way through all of Sydney’s walls.
Ryan and Sydney struggle to try and have a relationship they both hunger for, but it isn’t just about them anymore. Ryan is a prince and has a duty to his kingdom when it’s passed to him. Sydney doesn’t fit within that plan, but that doesn’t stop either of them fighting for what they want.
Danger is constantly circling Ryan and Sydney, trying to force them apart, force them into their respective places, but they are both too stubborn to give in just yet.
And this is where I leave you. There is no way I will give you what happens, not even a little morsel because it is too heartbreaking and wonderful to give away. Royal Bond is a must read! But with some guidance, I will say, the cliffhanger will leave you clinging to the edge, grasping for air that has been knocked out of your lungs, and begging your heart to return to its resting state.
I pretty much need the next book right this moment. It’s not out yet, but I will be on pins and needles until it is.
OMG!!! I loved this book! I loved everything about it! The detail and description was astounding! The backstory that went into this story was incredible. The characters will pull you in and won’t let go. I love all the different relationships in the story and how everyone is connected. The relationship between Ryan and Sydney is beautiful to read. They are so in tune with each other. They have one of those lifelong friendships and they don’t let anything come between them. I love the way Ryan’s family treats Sydney as one of their own. They have a special bond of their own with her. Of course there are a few antagonists in the story that keep the guessing game going. I really wanted to smack Claire upside the head. When Sydney and Ryan take their relationship to a new level, that is when things start getting good. The chemistry between the two is out of this world. They can really set fire to the pages. Relationships get tested and tried. Bonds are broken. There were several times that I wanted to scream at Ryan because I thought he should have made different choices. That he should have fought harder. If he had though that might have been the end of the story, and we can’t have that. The ending threw me for a loop. It came out of nowhere and there were no clues leading in that direction. The author did an exceptional job with this book and I wish her all the best for her future releases. I know I will be waiting patiently to read them all!
OMG!!! I loved this book! I loved everything about it! The detail and description was astounding! The backstory that went into this story was incredible. The characters will pull you in and won’t let go. I love all the different relationships in the story and how everyone is connected. The relationship between Ryan and Sydney is beautiful to read. They are so in tune with each other. They have one of those lifelong friendships and they don’t let anything come between them. I love the way Ryan’s family treats Sydney as one of their own. They have a special bond of their own with her. Of course there are a few antagonists in the story that keep the guessing game going. I really wanted to smack Claire upside the head. When Sydney and Ryan take their relationship to a new level, that is when things start getting good. The chemistry between the two is out of this world. They can really set fire to the pages. Relationships get tested and tried. Bonds are broken. There were several times that I wanted to scream at Ryan because I thought he should have made different choices. That he should have fought harder. If he had though that might have been the end of the story, and we can’t have that. The ending threw me for a loop. It came out of nowhere and there were no clues leading in that direction.
The author did an exceptional job with this book and I wish her all the best for her future releases. I know I will be waiting patiently to read them all!
Sydney and Ryan have been like Peanut Butter and Jelly. They have been the one constant in each other’s lives. But, after a kiss Sydney finally realizes that her feelings for Ryan are more than just friends. She must figure out a way to turn everything back to the way it was. When she realizes there is much more going on with Ryan and some of her other friends life becomes a lot more complicated then the planned for. The new world she enters is scary and dangerous, but if she has her love then she can over come anything. But what happens when that love comes with an ultimate price?
I really enjoyed Sydney and Ryan’s love story. It drew me in and had me turning the pages faster and faster. Though I loved the love story and the extra paranormal element, Sydney was hard to get used to at first. Her character was very brash and a bit annoying. She develops quite a bit but there are times when you want to pull your hair out with her. I also really enjoyed the friends in her circle. They truly made this story quite well-rounded. For the first book in her series, Megan Maldonado has an excellent world she has built. I look forward to seeing more of it and more of the fantastical characters she has created.
Sydney is the girl who grew up with the rich kids, but was from the other side of town. She worked for a living, had a small apartment on the wrong side of town and went to community college. But why am I telling you this? Because here best friend Ryan is one of the rich kids, who drives a fancy sports car, goes to an expensive college and drags her to a fancy ball instead of his girlfriend. Wait, there's more. At said ball he kisses Sydney to make her ex jealous and everything in here world changes and then some. She falls for Prince charming beasties, literally. Want to know more? Read it!
I have to say I loved this book. Paranormal junkie right here. Through in romance and I'm hooked. Not to mention a little drama and fights and I'm sold. Sydney is miss average girl, who lucks out and hits the jackpot. I have to say the bab scene was awesome. The whole book kept me hooked and I look forward to more.
Reviewer for paranormal romance and authors that rock
Till next time - Sweets Books (Written by Beth - SBAH)
Sydney is the girl who grew up with the rich kids, but was from the other side of town. She worked for a living, had a small apartment on the wrong side of town and went to community college. But why am I telling you this? Because here best friend Ryan is one of the rich kids, who drives a fancy sports car, goes to an expensive college and drags her to a fancy ball instead of his girlfriend. Wait, there's more. At said ball he kisses Sydney to make her ex jealous and everything in here world changes and then some. She falls for Prince charming beasties, literally. Want to know more? Read it! I have to say I loved this book. Paranormal junkie right here. Through in romance and I'm hooked. Not to mention a little drama and fights and I'm sold. Sydney is miss average girl, who lucks out and hits the jackpot. I have to say the bab scene was awesome. The whole book kept me hooked and I look forward to more. Reviewer for paranormal romance and authors that rock
Overall a good read. I couldn't put it down. I loved the relationship between Sydney and Ryan. Also, the unexpected cliffhanging ending left me hanging and wanting to read the next book in the series.