Royal

St. Claire #1

by Tina Martin

Royal St. Claire was drawn to Gemma Jacobsen from the start.It was an instant connection that he’d never had with another woman. When she was on her sickbed, he stayed by her side, helped to nurse her back to health and the two became the best of friends. Then that friendship grew into something deeper. Something Royal, the picky bachelor, couldn’t deny. Something he didn’t want to deny.It evolved into LOVE.Doubts about the relationship and herself plague Gemma’s thoughts. She tries to force the negativity away but Royal’s a great guy, so the thoughts linger at forefront of her mind. A hard life and a caring sister has taught her what true love is – when you love someone more than you love yourself. It’s how she feels for Royal – how she thinks Royal feels for her, but how can he when, in her eyes, he’s the personification of male perfection while she’s just – well – the lighthearted, short-haired sick girl. Their worlds are blended, but their hearts collide in this friends to lovers story. When there are no limits to a man’s love, is there anything a woman can do to convince him that she’s not his ONE?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, African American Romance

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2017

About the author

TINA MARTIN is a talented, romantic suspense fiction writer and the author of over 95 titles. She enjoys Hallmark movies, running and traveling. (PLEASE NOTE: There are multiple authors with this name on Goodreads. If you're following me, look for my logo!)

Amazon: amazon.com/author/tinamartin
Instagram: instagram.com/tinamartinauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/tinamartinauthor

Her books are listed below:

An Unlikely Love Series
When I Needed You
When You Needed Me
Flicker: An Ahmalee + Cain Update
-
Back to Love Series
Marriage Quarrel in Quarantine
Countdown to You
Offsides: A Superbowl Party Romance
Crushed
-
A St. Claire Novel Series:
Royal
Ramsey
Romulus
Regal
Magnus
Honeymoon With A St. Claire
Major
Zander
Zavier
-
St. Claire Life Series
Honeymoon With A St. Claire
Just Being Us (Prequel to Zander)
Keep That Same Energy (Zander & Alyssa Update
-
St. Claire Women Series
Gemma
-
Season of Love Novelettes:
Hot Chocolate
Spring Break
-
The Marriage Chronicles:
Life's A Beach
Falling Out
War Then Love
-
The Boardwalk Bakery Romance:
Baked With Love
Baked With Love 2
Baked With Love 3
-
A Lennox in Love Series:
Claiming You
Making You My Business
Wishing That I Was Yours
Caught in the Storm with a Lennox
Before You Say I Do
Winter Wonder
Winter Wedding
The Weekend
-
The Love of Elias Series:
Been In Love With You
When Hearts Cry
You Belong To Me
When I Call You Mine
Who Do You Love
Forever Mine
-
The Blackstone Family Series:
Evenings With Bryson
Leaving Barringer
Forever Us
The Things Everson Lost
Candy's Corporate Crush
-
The Champion Brothers Series:
His Paradise Wife
When A Champion Wants You
The Best Thing He Never Knew He Needed
Wives And Champions
The Way Champions Love
His By Spring (A Champion Sister Novel)
A Champion's Proposal
The Convenient Husband
At The Right Time
-
The Alexander Series:
The Millionaire's Arranged Marriage
Watch Me Take Your Girl
Her Premarital Ex
The Object of His Obsession
Dilvan's Redemption
His Charity Challenge
Different Tastes
As Long As We Got Love
-
The Accidental Series:
Accidental Deception
Accidental Heartbreak
Accidental Lovers
Accidental Vows
-
The Dying to Love Her Series:
Dying To Love Her
Dying To Love Her 2
Dying To Love Her 3
-
The Dare and Deja Chronicles
Reception Romance
Long Distance Troubles
Back to the Valley
Into Forever
-
Standalone Titles:
Secrets On Lake Drive
Can't Just Be His Friend
The Baby Daddy Interviews
Just Like New to the Next Man
Falling Again
The Crush
Vacation Interrupted
Wasn't Supposed to Love Her
What Wifey Wants
Man of Her Dreams
Bae Watch
How To Love Me
Weekend Fiance: A Jared and KeShana InstaLove Story
For Ruby: A Micah & Georgiana Short Story
Snowed in at Shenandoah Valley

Reviews

[Dahyana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gemma x Royal

While searching for an audiobook, I came across this one. The synopsis intrigued me, so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. I found it difficult to connect with the characters, and the storyline didn't engage me. Gemma, the main character, felt a bit immature, although she's only 20. Royal didn't make a lasting impression, and the chemistry between him and Gemma felt forced and superficial.

Although I had been anticipating the rest of the series, I doubt I'll continue with it. However, I'll explore more of Tina's catalog since I've enjoyed some of her previous work. As for this series, it might be the end of the road for me.

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, Sweet Love Story

[Annette Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was horrible. The storyline was so corny and the writing felt very immature. I didn't like the characters but, I think that's because I disliked the book so bad. There was no chemistry or sexual tension between Gemma and Royal at all. Their attraction to one another seemed rather forced. Gemma came off as juvenile and naïve. She was extremely immature for a 20 year old. The constant calling each other by name at the beginning or end of a sentence every other sentence became annoying real quick. The constant use of gosh and gee throughout this book really ticked me off. Black women don't use this terminology. We have a vast vocabulary but, gosh and gee are NOT included in it. I really wish black female authors would stop using these words. I was very confused during the one boring sex scene in this book. Why did Gemma and Royal use a condom on their honeymoon? One, they're married and two, she already said she couldn't have kids so it didn't make a whole lot of sense why they would need to use a condom. I need answers because, I just don't understand why. Royal just didn't do it for me. I won't even bother reading the rest of the series. I can't see any of the other books being better than this one. This was my first book by Tina Martin and it will be my last book by her as well.

[Charm 🌻]

I only read to chapter 4, but I wanted to review it. I just couldn’t continue reading. Royal seemed too controlling for me which is the complete opposite of attractive. This storyline felt forced to me. There wasn’t any chemistry between the characters. Gianna and Gemma’s names kept getting mixed as well which made it difficult to follow at times. Saying each other’s name after each sentence, the continuous descriptions of “rich playboy” or “extremely good looking” was just not appealing. If you have to keep saying it, is it even true? I don’t like that in real life or this book. So yeah, I could not finish it. I only tried to read it because I saw the cover of the book Major and saw it was a series so I wanted to get the full character development by reading the whole series, but I’m turned off from all of it at this point. Unfortunate. Maybe I should have read the series about Ramsey first to give better background, but this just wasn’t it for me.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Friends to lovers is such a difficult trope to write and this one fell kind of flat for me. Maybe I would’ve bought in to it more if we read more of the background context, saw more of their connection. Honestly, I don’t know, I just didn’t see the connection between the two that would warrant being in love and engaged in under two weeks and married the next week. I’m still going to give this author another read though.

[Laronda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than OK

I enjoyed the book as a whole but throughout the story I felt a disconnect with the characters. Maybe it is because I didn't read the other book not in this series but I honestly don't care to read it. Also, there was too much internal dialogue. Not sure if I will continue with the series.

[Vernell Renee Howard Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

What an amazing man and woman. What a journey they both endured. I'm amazed at the strength they both had while battling demons. Royal is a man that I know every woman wants, but in some instances will not achieve because of choices made or it's simply not the right time or man. He is so smart, strong, handsome, protective and very sensual. He is truly heaven sent to be so dedicated. Now I don't know who in the hell doesn't want that kind of presence before them, made with so much care and sensitivity. Thanks Ralph Tresvant, Lol! Anyway, he is so compassionate and loving that his heart had no other choice to automatically gravitate towards Gemma, who I believe is truly his soulmate. Now Gemna what a fighter. She is so sweet and pure that it made her naive to a few things that were present. I think because of her lack of interactions with people as well as lack of experience was the culprit. It made her afraid to experience life. I'm just glad someone like Royal showed and made her want to experience what life had to offer. Sometimes certain people are not meant to be with you for a lifetime, but only for a season. Sometimes they can reenter into your life to stay or go. Gemma's parents were not meant to be with her always but it made room for those who meant her some good, greatness, love and life. I hope the parent situation will change but In to then I hope they both experience the best in life and stay strong for storms to come. Now onto Ramsey. Good Read! ReneeG 👍

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal, by Tina Martin, was an excellent addition to her book series and one of my favorite books of hers. There was a lot more comical bantering back-and-forth between the couples. We witnessed love bloom in an unexpected place. I also appreciated how she brought the rest of the family into the courtship and showed deeper interactions between the siblings.

We saw conflicting communication styles and how mothers and their children resolve conflict positively, maintain love and integrity, and protect boundaries. Then, Ms. Martin briefly took us into a dysfunctional parent-child relationship. The contrast was well executed.

The blended storylines touched on the issues of accidents, drinking, depression, and long-term illnesses that sometimes go into remission. This is a beautiful book that I recommend and will probably read again.

[readingsprints_and_chaisips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance. There is no explicit sex on page. There is no cursing. I do not see why this book would get anything lower than a 3-star rating, but that's just me. I laughed out loud a few times. I enjoyed the sister banter between Gianna and Gemma. I think the mama should've apologized to Gemma, on page. I do think that Gemma and Gianna's mama is a POS. But not because of her stance. No, because of her behavior! I enjoyed the way Royal cared for Gemma and pushed her. She gave him her biscuit!

[Teverlyn Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Good

This book dealt with serious issues; but for the most part, read like a fairytale. Dealing with these types of issues can be hard. All but one of the characters were likable.

[TinaNoir]

That cover!! This is one of a very, small group of books I click 'to read' based on the cover alone.

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright so all the St. Claire men are like this…

[Cynthia Lampkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just didn't feel this

I just could not get into this book. The main characters were not mature and not believable. Just didn't hold my attention. I bought the series. Wish I could return.

[Precious · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is not great. It reads out of touch with reality and with who these characters are. They don’t even sound real. A really good cover but there is nothing here that held my attention. I even read the ending to see if got better.

[Yvonne Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

WOW! I have to say this is amazing! This a fantastic series the stories will bring a smile to your face. The characters are awesome and their chemistry burns up the pages. It's full of emotions and feisty sexy heroines with handsome drop your pantyes for heroes. I can tell you that you will enjoy this story, especially if you don't mind the sizzling hot connection plus if nothing else every page will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. Characters like these draw me in to see how much their character will grow throughout the story and of course I wasn't disappointed ,This is definitely a five stars! WOW this series is awesome and I really enjoyed every installment.This is a great written romance with awesome characters and great dialogue.It's full of intrigue with emotional drama. Along with their sizzling hot passions it will keep you turning pages after page. The women are strong and brave and the men are willing to love protect and to help them reach better futures. And of course their passions are steamy sizzling hot connections. It will make you feel sad and bring tears to your eyes for part especially in the first 2 books of the story. But you will enjoyed every moment of their relationship as I did.This is definitely entertaining with really interesting story lines; and its funny and will make you LOL, but all three them is just awesome, I'm happy I have started binging this author. They are all intriguing with lots of drama. Along with their sizzling hot passions it will keep you turning pages until the end. I enjoyed every moment of their relationship It's another one that I didn't put my Kindle down until I finished the story if are like myself you will enjoy it because it's a total hea romance

[Dj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal St. Claire (St. Claire Architects troubleshooter)was drawn to Gemma Jacobsen from the start. It was an instant connection that he’d never had with another woman. When she was on her sickbed, he stayed by her side, helped to nurse her back to health and the two became the best of friends. Then that friendship grew into something deeper. Something Royal, the picky bachelor, couldn’t deny. Something he didn’t want to deny. It evolved into LOVE. Doubts about the relationship and herself plague Gemma’s thoughts. She tries to force the negativity away but Royal’s a great guy, so the thoughts linger at forefront of her mind. A hard life and a caring sister has taught her what true love is – when you love someone more than you love yourself. It’s how she feels for Royal – how she thinks Royal feels for her, but how can he when, in her eyes, he’s the personification of male perfection while she’s just – well – the lighthearted, short-haired sick girl, no goals, no career, no passion. Their worlds are blended, but his Mom doesn’t want her for him and doesn’t want him to have to face the heartbreak of lost love. When there are no limits to a man’s love, is there anything a woman can do to convince him that she’s not his ONE?

Editing issues

[NubianJoí · Rating 2 out of 5]

Coy Ain’t Cute

What a disappointment! “Royal: A St. Claire Novel” - Book 1 was an awful read (I listen via Audible & simultaneously read this book on kindle)‼️This book was a waste of a credit. Unfortunately, Gemma character at only twenty was entirely too young and naïve for Royal & was ultimately the primary cause of the book’s demise‼️More so, thirty plus chapters of Gemma’s insecurities, clueless conversations, juvenile dialogue, immature behaviors & a liar too about insignificant basic stuff 🙄…he (Royal) was just trying to know her as a person, a woman, a love interest.. his one‼️ DANG this chick Gemma was annoying 🤬‼️What was so difficult about articulating your thoughts & feeling about someone you claim you’re in love with🥴⁉️ Gurlllll please‼️There was NO romantic chemistry between Gemma & Royal. 🥴Gemma was unable to effectively communicating (or unwilling 🤷🏾‍♀️) and incapable of being vulnerable with Royal “her man”. Why⁉️Real simplistic, Royal “this is what I need!”…this is how I want it!”…”help me”..”I’m inexperienced & or “I don’t want you to judge me”. Anything would have sufficed except referring to your genitalia as “it” “you know” or my personal favorite “my biscuit” 😳🥴🤦🏾‍♀️⁉️WITAH‼️ Royal run, cause “coy ain’t cute”🤷🏾‍♀️🤬🥴‼️

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal and Gemma

I thought this was a pretty good book about finding love in a friend. It's pretty obvious there's a book before this which I found out is Baked With Love books 1-3. I've seen where people didn't like this book, and thought that Gemma was a bit childish. She's 20, she almost died, and she's been abandoned by her parents so sometimes you have to understand that takes a toll on an individual. I feel Gemma doesn't see that Royal has fallen for her because she thinks he's just being the friend he's always been. Aside from the fact that he's older, successful, and could have his pick of women. He doesn't want any woman, he wants her. I loved that despite the uncertainty of the future, he knew without a doubt that Gemma was his person. In the end, this was a 3.75⭐ read rounded up. Happy Reading Y'all!💋

[*Ebony I* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Triumphs

Royal was a sweet love story. Royal, the main character had grown attached to Gemma the sister of his brother's wife. He spent a lot of time with her as she fought for her life with lung cancer. He also supported her through her recovery. He admired her strength and the fact that she was beautiful inside and out. She had so much potential. Somewhere along the way he fell for her and this story is about him wanting her to see and feel his love. Gemma had a fiery personality that was hidden by her insecurities from being sick. Those same insecurities caused her to question her future and her place with Royal. Definitely worth the read to see how it all plays out.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cool

I ended up enjoying the overall story of stubborn alpha Royal and stubborn insecure Gemma, overall. When I say Gemma was an infuriating character to read...whew. lol

It took a while for me to warm up to this story; there were parts that I felt were redundant or repetitive (at one point, Royal asked the exact same question four times in a row) and I felt some of the dialogue dragged some. Some parts seemed forced and others seemed rushed. Was it terrible? No, but it did detract from the enjoyment, for me. And the love scene lacked any heat, in my opinion. Royal actually came off rather condescending during that, a little.

But I like how it ended up, overall.

I'm curious to read the rest of the series.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute!!!!!!!!!! Humorous!!!!!! Sassy!!!!!!!

Royal & Gemma are best friends until they are not!

At 25, Royal is mature, successful, and has a generous heart. He finally discovers that he is in love with Gemma. However, at age 20, Gemma feels way out of Royal's league. She seems to be really immature, but after facing lung cancer, Gemma doesn't have a lot of faith in the future.

In addition, she can't understand why super hunk, Royal could ever fall in love with "someone" like her. She's too young, a virgin, no job, and terrified that her illness will return.

However, the hilarious journey they find themselves on, is fascinating to watch!

[Shawn Alexus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance fiction. If you are into Hallmark movies then maybe you'll love this series. This is Book 1 of a 6 pt standalone series (St. Claire)

Royal a rich, ladies man, successful businessman finds himself suddenly attached to his brother's sister-in-law Gemma Jacobsen. It all started with a trip to the hospital with her.

Gemma Jacobsen has been fighting most of her life with cancer. She never planned nor cared to have any dreams because she didn't expect to live very long. Now that the odds may be behind her, she's attached to living the life of a cancer patient. This has caused her to self doubt and maybe sabotage a developing relationship.

[Antoinette (_literaryaura_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know what in the sappy, syrupy, sweet, sugar and spice and everything nice, pg-13 mess I just listened to. I think I cringed throughout most of this listen. I’m sure there’s an audience for this out there but this wasn’t for me. Gemma’s naivete was so ridiculous it was boarding on the line of foolishness. How do you have a man that takes care of you during a terminal illness, dance with you and constantly have to tell him to remove his hands from your rear end but think that he pities you and only likes you as a friend? Another thing that baffled me is that Gemma couldn’t have kids but on their wedding night Royal used a condom. This had little spice and no heat.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Love

What a sweet and enduring love story with two unlikely people. As a parent, I feel that I would have felt like Bernadette regarding Gemma. The authors had some many lol moments - I couldn't contain my laughter outbursts. I've heard the female love spot referred to by many names, but a biscuit was a first!!!! Know I want to know about the other brothers and how they found or will find love. This is a family that stares. A very close knit family, wealthy, generous, and still relatable.

[Gail Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved...

It's refreshing to read a book that doesn't have a lot drama going on. Gemma and Royal were friends first, and that friendship turned into love and a relationship. But she was a bit insecure about herself due to her illness and probably her relationship with her mother. Probably non-relationship with her mother is more like it. Plus she didn't think she was good enough for Royal. But she worked on herself and managed to turn herself into someone she could be proud of. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad and very lighthearted book.

[SoFresa12 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is there a prequel series before this series? This book starts as if it were picking up where another book left off. Major events in the characters' lives have already happened, and the book starts afterward. It feels weird ...

Royal is very pushy, possessive, and overall unlikable. He inserted himself in every aspect of Gemma's life without giving her any option, and she just went along with it. He's also a horrible kisser, and I mean horrible ... like a sucker fish horrible.

Gemma is unbelievably immature for a 20 year old and the paternalistic way Royal treated her was a complete turn-off.

I honestly didn't like anything about these characters or their story.

[S. Reid]

I'm of the opinion & belief that Royal & Gemma lacked chemistry & were not perfectly matched. Royal came off as though he was controlling of Cancer-stricken Gemma. I didn't like how he demanded that she remove her headscarves knowing full well that she was self-conscious of not having hair due to her cancer treatment/recovery.
I didn't find this installment as interesting as seemed & I still have an Hour & a half to get through via audible. Yep, I'm reviewing this book while still listening to the audible! That's how much it didn't capture & hold my attention.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classy with spice 💗

I love , love, love Royal! I think I love Royal more than Ramsey! He was truly a gentleman at its finest. Gemma was so sweet. She definitely deserved everything Royal gave her! This book was so classy with just the right amount of romance and spice. I could feel the love between them all throughout the book. I hope this isn't the last of the St. Claire family!

[ShayBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually 3.5 for me due to I did connect with Gemma on some level. I was really interested in starting this series and when I started reading I saw it said to get background on Ramsey and Gianna to read the Baked with love series, so I went and read those three books and came back to Royal to only feel like I was reading the same book over but different characters. I am going to give this series on more try since it was stated they could be read as a standalone.

[Shondalon · Rating 5 out of 5]

You did it again!!!!!

The Royal and Gemma story did not disappoint. The story flowed, I wish the mother's and Gemma story would have been given a little more storyline. I loved the way it ended, I am hoping there is a follow up to their story. Only a couple of places where it should have been Gemma name but it was replaced with Gianna. But I loved this read