Companions are the kingdom's most beautiful and educated women--possessions of Syrasan's royal men. Aldara has left the Companion life behind her. Having returned south to her family, she thought all ties to her prince severed. She was wrong. Now she has a secret--one she must keep in order to protect the people she loves. But when her past shows up at her home, lives begin to unravel.
Still grieving the departure of his Companion and the death of his father, Prince Tyron is adjusting to life under his brother's rule. Shifts in power see him sent to Corneo to take control of the West. Amid the throes of war, he learns that the woman who still holds his heart has been keeping a secret. An impulsive decision delivers him into enemy hands with no way out.
Unless she does the unthinkable...
Fast-paced and lyrical, The Majestic Impostor is a medieval tale of power and the unstoppable forces of love.
PLEASE NOTE: This is book three in 'The Companion' series and is best read after books one and two. This is not a standalone novel.
Tanya Bird is a RUBY award-winning author who lives in Brisbane with her hubby, three lively boys, a quirky greyhound, and a lazy whippet. Amid the chaos, she writes across a range romance sub-genres including historical, contemporary, and speculative. She is best known for her dark worldbuilding and high-emotion storytelling. A lover of horses, pancakes, and satire, Tanya dreams of one day attacking her rather long bucket list.
You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.
SOOOOO, I read this book in one day. Yep! I sat at my desk at work and literally read this entire book because I LOVE this trilogy and I could not wait to see how it ended and it’s the week between Christmas and New Year's so not much going on. Warning, there are semi spoilers in this review but I won't spoil the whole book or series. Also, I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
The Companion series has become one of my favorite romance series. The story telling and the characters are compelling and well thought out. I adore the lead, Aldara. She grows so much in the three books and is such a strong female lead. She has her flaws but she does what she feels is the right thing to do and she follows her heart, which is always leads her back to Prince Tyron. Prince Tyron is such a book boyfriend. Not the overwhelming Alpha male that many romances use but he is someone with a lot of depth, pain and heart. He is his country's war hero and the wars he has fought have taken a serious toll on his mental and physical health. He isn't a hero looking for glory in battle, the battles he fights stay with him long after he has won them and he suffers from PTSD and depression from watching many of his men die and having to take the lives of many men in the name of the kingdom. In the beginning of the series neither Aldara and Tryon want anything to do with each other but through awkward meetings and a resignation that neither controls their future, they find comfort and love in each other and it is a love that almost destroys not only them but their kingdom.
I'm not going to recap what happens in the first two books because I have already written reviews for them. This review is about book three only. Book three picks up where book two ended. Aldara is back at her family's farm and giving birth to Tyron's son. She has decided against telling Tyron until after he has married the King of Zoelin's daughter. She doesn't want to put her infant son, family and Tyron's life in any danger. New King Pandarus has a special hate for Aldara and would flip his lid if he found out that she gave birth to Tyron's son, a son that could potentially be an heir to the throne since his wife has not provided him with a male heir. Aldara does all she can to keep her son a secret until after Tyron marries but the old King dies and in an act to show his strength as a new king, Pandarus decides to invade a rival kingdom, Corneo, and sends Tyron to lead the army thus delaying Tyron's marriage to the Zoelin princess. This upsets the Zoelin king and he decides to stay out of Pandarus' war. While Tyron fights in Corneo he finds out that Aldara has given birth to their son and after he takes the manor he was sent to capture he races off to see her and his baby. While this is romantic as hell it's really not Tyron's best idea and on his way back to the captured manor he is captured by the Corneon army and now his marriage is defiantly off and he will most likely lose his head. While the Kings of Corneo, Zoelin and Pandarus trade barbs and fight about land and who gets what, Tyron sits in a dungeon waiting for execution and Aldara decides to take matters into her own hands to save the man she loves.
Book three is less heavy on the political intrigue than books one and two. There is a lot more action and fight scenes. We meet new Companions and royalty in Corneo . Aldara is once again sold into the Companion life but this time in Corneo in order to free Tyron from his prison and return him to Archdale since Pandarus is too much of an ass to free his brother himself. New kings gotta show how big their cojones are and captured brothers be damned! Aldara knows she is in over her head even before she gets to Corneo. The entire time she is there you are just waiting for her cover to fail and for her to be caught. There is a lot page turning moments, can she or can't she. But her love for Tyron and her love for her son push her through her hardest moments.
I was worried going into this book. I so badly want things to work out for Aldara and Tryon. These two kids deserve to be happy. Tyron and Aldara both have given up so much in their lives. Tyron fighting his father and brother's wars, Aldara being sold off into what is basically sexual slavery (twice!). Well, Tanya Bird did not fail in book three. I was very happy with the series as a whole and very happy with how things ended. A solid ending for a solid series. Ms. Bird's world and character building are beautiful. The love story she tells is heartbreaking and wonderful. The heart of the story never went off the rails. The story in all three books kept to the main plot. I'm looking forward to reading more from her, be it in the Companion world or a new and different world.
...To forget the real world for a while and live in a world made by someone else....we can choose which door we want to walk through... This story moved me, threw me into a world where pride gets in the way of love. This was a wondrous tale. A tale of shifting loyalties, betrayal, a painful process as the story unfolds to show love that is incredibly complex. A tale so well written as if i lived this tale through the characters. Tanya Bird, congratulations on your job well done. Definitely a motion picture material~!!!
If you are looking for an epic love story with well developed characters and a story that keeps you captivated this series is for you!
Okay honestly this series really sucked me in. This was a beautiful love story within the realm of whatever genre it is. I was completely engrossed every time I picked these books up.
The Majestic Imposter is just that, MAJESTIC! Mrs. Bird's writing is phenomenal!! It's so hard to believe that this is only her fourth book. Truly a masterpiece! The characters are strong and the writing beautiful. If you buy this series you will not regret it. It's just that great! This book and the entire series puts every other book I've read in the last year to shame. Mrs. Bird, it's truly been my greatest pleasure to read your series. I look forward to reading all your books in the months and years to come. For I know your writing is so wonderful, you will be around for a very long time!
Really enjoyed the ending to this series. I felt that there was clear growth through the series for the characters especially Aldara but I did feel the prince Tyron didn’t really have the same level of character growth and although I’m glad that it ended the way that it did in the end I did almost feel that she was such a strong, independent female character that she did in a way outgrow him. But well written and good flow through the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
but i liked it. role reversal, the females turn to rescue her prince. of course she has to rely on beauty not force but she successfully saves the day. strong characters a fair plot a solid series
Seriously. I cried. This was such a hard trilogy to read. So much pain. So many hard situations. So many women with absolutely no agency and no good choices . And for all that I hated how comfortable he was with the status quo early on, Tyron had very few choices either. At the end of the day he was trying to do the right thing too and he got screwed over as well. It did my heart good to see him and Aldara although I know there are three more books in the series and a lot more pain for the women in this world left to come. I have book four downloaded to my Kindle and will read it one day, although I need a break for now. These books are so heavy.
Content notes: intermittent profanity, sexual content (not detailed), physical and sexual violence against women
The Majestic Imposter Royal companion is the third book in the series and just as good as the first two. WOW WEE Absolutely love this series and was so excited when the third book was release.I loved the story and the characters Aldara and Tyron .Tanya Birds world and character creation is so good. Great story line, something a bit different on Companions and their journey. This love stories is heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time.This series includes impossible love , loyalty and a incredible journey thoughout the books. and loved how the characters grew. I didn’t want it to finish but was satisfied how it ended . This series will leave you captivated from the beginning.. I enjoyed Tanya’s writing style and can’t wait for more of her books. Thank you for taking me on journey.
What would you do for true love? If you had just one chance to help save the one you love because you are the only one that is willing to sacrifice to save them, would you? Aldara is faced with this dilemma when her Prince Tyron gets abused and captured. Of course he finds out a secret that Aldara's been keeping. So much action, romance and epic love that has you cheering for both Aldara and her Prince. I love it for the story plus it is a nice change to not read the graphic parts to sex. Leading up is just as exciting than reading the act itself. This is the conclusion to our hero and his brave and daring heroine. Kudos to the author for an intense and brilliant read!
In the Majestic Imposter we see the culmination of all the character development that spanned the series.
The suspense and intrigue kept me at the edge of my seat and the hope (that bordered on a need) for a happy ending kept me turning pages long after I should have been asleep.
These books were beautifully written and filled to the brim with heavy emotions. This is not a light read. Not even a little. But it did end happy. (Not that I don't still feel like I'm gonna slip into a deep depression.) 😳
Aldara and Tyron deserved more than the brief glimpse we got of their joy together. But alas, I must be satisfied with what Tanya gave us. 😏
Beautifully written! The 3rd book in The Common Girl series is every bit as mesmerizing, as enthralling as the first 2 books. Tanya Bird continues Aldara's and Tyron's story in a most satisfying way. Kept apart by politics, social standing, and their need to protect each other,Tyron faces a marriage of state, while Aldara, safe in her home, works to protect their son, the son Tyron is unaware of. Even though their paths still cross, each is convinced that they must stay apart to protect each other. Finding a way to live their lives together seems to be an impossible dream. Tanya Bird weaves a spellbinding story that will stay with you long after the last page!
Okk,so this has been a weird series soo far To summarise:
◆1st book - the characters were awful, i didn't like them, i honestly wouldn't have continued with the series if it was not beacuse of the abrupt ending.I mean who the hell ends their book like that, it felt so incomplete.
◆2nd book- so i continued cause unfinished stories gets on my nerves i want to know what happens next i didn't hate the characters much in this one, atleast the plot has improved a little nd had a better ending.
◆3rd book - alright, now i'm seriously invested in the story nd characters and surprisingly i actually enjoyed this one.
I would give this 4.5 stars I am not a fan of book series especially ones that are not self-contained in each book, ie you have to keep reading the next book for the conclusion of the story line. When I read book one in the series I was very much intrigued by the story of the characters of Aldara and Prince Tyron and the world that the author created them in. Each page kept me wondering how the story would conclude. I must confess, I skipped book two and went straight to the final book in the series. They were some parts of the story that dragged a bit but overall I really enjoyed the conclusion of this story.
I have been in a major book slump. Most reviews have been 3 stars or less. But this series took me by surprise. I was almost against it lets be honest some of these companions are just another word for mistress. But what really grasped my attention was Aldara bravery and her determination to fight for her happiness and the love she found and created with Tyron. I loved the way Tyron was broken and hurting with the memories of war and she found a way into his heart. I especially loved the way he loved and cherished her. How there was nothing he wouldn't do for her. I recommend this first few books at the very least try the sample.
Such a beautiful ending to their love story. I totally fell in love with these two people. They put the needs of others before their own, especially Aldara. But Tyron did also. But he had been raised to do so and to serve the king and his country. He did it well. I became so angry at the King and later the crown prince who became King. How horrible they treated the Companions. Aldara was so brave. I could not have done what she did to save her prince. I was so happy that she received her happiness.
I just loved this series and it ended beautifully! Aldara continued to be a strong, clever, resourceful and brave heroine. There were times that I thought she was a little crazy for leaving her son but I also see how it really needed to be her to go rescue Tyron. I really liked that for the most part everything that happened was pretty believable. There wasn't ever a point where I rolled my eyes and thought "oh come on!' Highly recommend if you enjoy romance with a little adventure. I think this is probaby the best of the series!
One cannot possibly know true love without knowing true sacrifice. By the end of this third installment, Aldara has become one of my top literary heroines. She was willing to go into the lion's den in order to rescue the love of her life. So much danger, intrigue and love is laced throughout the story. I didn't want to finish the book. I'm proud to say that Tanya Bird is now one of my most treasured authors.
Another great book! I did not expect the direction this book took, but it was an adventure and well done and I was there for the ride. In my first review I was worried these books would blend together and now at the conclusion of Aldara and Tyron’s story I can definitively say they are distinct from each other. I was happy with the HEA too. I am very glad I stumbled upon these books while browsing my library’s fantasy romance selections online.
I absolutely loved this book and read it in one go! I loved the romance, excitement and original story and can recommend it to anyone who lives a romance in the historical spheres! One warning: you’ll be SO impatient till Tanya Bird publishes her next book ;) I cant say goodbye to Tyron and Aldara yet, so please please pleease write another book in the seriesor at least some other short stories!
Enjoyed this end to the trilogy so much. Couldn’t put it down until I found out how Tyron and Aldara ended their adventure. Tanya has a great way of keeping the momentum of the story going and a way of getting my skin crawling when the nasty characters are around! Grandor Pollux ... shudder. I’m actually a bit disappointed that’s the end of the series. I’d love to know what happens to Cora?!
I am not going to lie, I am a sucker for happily ever afters. While there are still some uncertainties in Aldara and Tyron's future, their love is unending and heart warming. Tanya Bird has won over my heart and I will forever be a huge fan of hers. I can't wait to read Sir Leksi's story in book 4.
This is the final book that centers around Aldara and Tyron, but the series continues in book four. This book is more suspence than the previous two. Aldara must take under a dangerous mission if Tyron ever will return to her. This is a really epic romance.
I usually write more coherent reviews but I am at a complete loss. Perhaps I will write a better one when I've recovered, but for now I will say that The Royal Companion is my new favorite series. I couldn't tear myself away for even a moment.
I read several books a week and this is the first in a very long time that I am writing a review for. Unusual, gripping and rewarding. I couldn't resist buying all three volumes and couldn't put them down.
Don’t start this series if you have something important to do!
The harshness of life in a medieval world is well drawn. The love between the prince and his mistress is beautifully portrayed. There are no simpering misses, no heavy erotic sex scenes. An engrossing read. Excellent.
As per the other two books, this one was well paced, beautifully written and an excellent end to the story. I have loved reading Aldara & Tyrons story, I couldn’t put them down. You can tell some much thought and feeling has gone into these books.
Exciting mystery and what happens next in an intriguing third book in the series. Must read books one and two to get full effect of this one. Aldara goes to great lengths to rescue Prince Tyron after he is taken by an enemy after visiting her home and their son.
I think I read the first three books in one breath The story of Aldabra and Tyron just got more and more beautiful , it is far cry from the real life but I think this is what I liked just allowed me to escape reality and sink in a word that love like this exists.
Alright, you got me. I lost sleep. I sneaked this book into work. Couldn't put it down. I love their bravery, anger, and tears. My heartache for the mother's who couldn't be with their babies. I'm definitely reading book 4. Thank you.