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Imperial #4

Stephanie's Challenge

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Stephanie Michelakakis worked and sacrificed for her position as a Lieutenant in the Coalition. She was on track to become the first woman ever accepted into a Royal Guard, specifically King Jotham’s Royal Guard. Then a life-altering injury shattered her dreams. Now she must figure out how to move on with her life.

Nicholas Deffand was the youngest male ever named as the Captain of King Jotham’s Royal Guard. He served and protected his King to the exclusion of everything else. But now he’s found a woman who not only understood what his job entailed but his dedication to it as well.

These two dedicated people never expected to find love. Will they be strong enough to make it work or will their relationship be another sacrifice they must make?

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First published April 26, 2019

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About the author

M.K. Eidem

27 books1,780 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Mei.
1,897 reviews473 followers
December 4, 2019
This one is missing all the action parts. It's just a lot of descriptions about Stephanie's job and about the organisation of Jacinta's Union.
Profile Image for Serena Books.
1,999 reviews107 followers
September 30, 2020
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Esta serie fue una decepción muy grande



Stephanie's challenge de M.K. Eidem Serie Imperial/ Challenge libro 4


Mí humilde opinión:


Stephanie Michelakakis trabajó y se sacrificó por su posición como teniente en la Coalición.

Estaba en camino de convertirse en la primera mujer aceptada en la Guardia Real,
específicamente en la Guardia Real del Rey Jotham.

Entonces una lesión que alteró su vida hizo añicos sus sueños.

Nicholas Deffand fue el hombre más joven nombrado capitán de la
Guardia Real del Rey Jotham.

Sirvió y protegió a su Rey excluyendo todo lo demás. Pero ahora ha encontrado a una mujer que no sólo comprendía lo que implicaba su trabajo, sino también su dedicación a él.

Estas dos personas dedicadas nunca esperaron encontrar el amor.

¿Serán lo suficientemente fuertes para hacerlo funcionar o su relación será otro sacrificio que deberán hacer?





Lamentablemente no me cayó bien Stephanie en el libro anterior y aquí no fue diferente. No logré que me gustara la protagonista.

Pensamiento aparte...

Para cuando el libro de Amina? Lleva desaparecida desde... Siempre?

Y qué pasó con Shosha Parjari? Todavía sigue prófuga?

El romance fue mí máxima decepción, apresurado, en menos de una semana ya estaban juntos y enamorados. El insta-love no me molesta pero en esta pareja no tuvo mucha chispa para mí, encima que ninguno de los dos me gustaba.

Saber cómo iban a manejar sus carreras y vida personal, toda eso quería ver cómo lo manejaban pero no cumplió mis expectativas en esto tampoco.

Además la historia, si es que había una, comenzó lenta y cuando tomó ritmo se volvió aburrida con el tema de la política en la corte y la poca acción por no decir emoción.

La verdad perdí la esperanza de una entrega sólida y completa de esta serie.

Profile Image for Cheesecake.
2,800 reviews510 followers
February 9, 2020
.
Stephanie and Nick Deffand (get it? like 'defend' because he's a royal guard... *roll my eyes*).
Like all the other things in these books that mirror Earth things but are 'alien' so the names are slightly changed. Examples; limo/limisin, waltz/valsa etc...
The story is shorter than the last 3 books and there's no crazed lunatic at the end. Other than that, it's just more of the same formula.
I was disappointed that there wasn't more page time (just a brief phone call) given to Nick's family. I found his character lacked the same depth given to Stephanie's.

So it was cute fluff but I doubt I'll revisit this one.
Safety is fine.
Profile Image for Kathy.
369 reviews
June 4, 2019
‘After the horrific attack on her at the House of Knowledge ball, Stephanie Michelakakis is contemplating her future.’ This is the beginning of the fourth instalment to the Challenge series and continues Jacinda’s story via Stephanie, who finds herself at the forefront of the House of Protections security for the Royals. Her budding relationship with Nicholas Deffand grows, while she and her siblings are all trying to adapt to their changed circumstances because of Jacinda’s joining to Jotham.

The Zafar’s make appearances in this instalment and the continuing problems between the Corinian fleet and the Regulians go on. There is romance, attacks, threats, sibling teasing, children, lots of royals and possible traitors. Once again our author has written a wonderful addition to the series. And the ending will leave you wanting more. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Raine.
2,463 reviews53 followers
October 1, 2024
Stephanie is one strong woman!

I loved Stephanie's character. I thought she was the bomb! I also thought that Nick was a super-confident male to be able to not only be in a relationship with Stephanie, since she was a princess by marriage, but to also work for Stephanie as the Captain to the King and she is his superior as Commander.
156 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2019
How exciting to get the author newsletter early today with the release of the next installment in the Challenge series- Stephanie’s story. Check the author’s website if you can’t yet get it through Amazon or iBooks.
It picks up about 3 months after Jacinda’s Challenge, when she was seriously injured protecting her mother, Jacinda, and King Jotham. I really admire Stephanie’s hard work and determination to reach the goal she’s worked for all her life. I also like the message from her dad advising her to consider the different path that life is offering her.
Yes, with a BIG smile; her lifemate is who you think it is if you read the previous book.
Oh, and the set up for Amina’s story in the next book! Is Barek interested in her like Jotham thinks??? Oh, boy! I’m going to be even more antsy to get the next installment in the series!!!
Eidem jumped up to my list of top authors about 3-1/2 years ago when I found Grim through Audible. I check her website, Audible, and Amazon religiously when it gets near the time when a new ebook or audiobook might be coming out.
Profile Image for jeanie mummel.
35 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2019
Sadly unfinished

I love this author story line but while very well written it ended more as a unfinished story never quite getting to a level of feeling like a book more as though the author was just posting a novella so while what is there unfortunately has been good, you are left feeling it ends to abruptly. So I couldn’t give it what I believe I’ve normally give this author which is 5 stars.
Profile Image for Robin.
464 reviews9 followers
May 7, 2019
It was so wonderful being back in this wonderfully creative world where the well developed characters have become part of a loved family. The author not only writes detailed stories but her books are a great length and allow the readers to really get transported into the world of this amazing series. Highly recommend that the series be read in order for full enjoyment although starting with Jacinda’s Challenge would be ok as well, readers though would miss out on so much background of the characters and their stories.
Wonderful story and continuation of not only Stephanie and Nick but also Jotham and Jacinda’s story. Having a cliffhanger was a bit of a shock but it’s great knowing another addition to the series will be coming , hopefully in the near future.
451 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2020
Wonderful Wonderful Book

What a great story about a wounded hero who achieved a goal she never knew she wanted found a love she was afraid to voice and a completion of the previous book plus a promise of a next book Totally Loved it
Profile Image for Manoli Seco.
18 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2019
I am a great fan of MK Eidem's books. I like the way she presents her characters, the plot, her humanity. I've read Cassandra's Challenge and Victoria's Challenge a few times. Unusual from me. I love those books. Jacinda's Challenge was very good, but I haven't had the urge to re-read it. I was really looking forward to Stephanie's Challenge and I must confess, while a good book, not what I've expected from this author. It felt normal, not extraordinary. I don't know if I am expressing myself correctly. It had the usual ingredients humanity, good plot, pearls of wisdom. But ... Let's say I didn't feel the main characters had the "life mate" feeling we were used to in MK Eidem other books.
Profile Image for Adaiah.
183 reviews15 followers
September 28, 2019
The Challenge Series gets better, and better with every new book.
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
3,372 reviews180 followers
March 17, 2020
Stephanie Michelakakis has dedicated her life to becoming a member of the Royal Guard. After a life altering injury shatters that dream she has to find a new reason to go on with her life. Nicholas Deffand is the youngest Captain of the King’s Royal Guard. He never expected to find his Life Mate and now he refuses to let her go.

I really liked this one. Stephanie was a strong, dedicated and determined woman who doesn’t let a debilitating injury stop her. Nicholas was a protective, dedicated, alpha male who was also very sweet. I really enjoyed these two. Their relationship did progress very quickly from first kiss, to ‘I Love You,” to them admitting they were life mates though. And while the beginning of their relationship was rushed, I still really enjoyed it.

I am enjoying the series more now that we are past the Kings and Queens. Seeing the children and heir’s find happiness just makes me happy. I believe it is also because this one was edited better than the previous books.

Overall, I really liked this one and I hope she writes the next story soon, especially after that ending.

This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

Profile Image for Kristine.
3,421 reviews52 followers
September 25, 2019
I don’t know what it is about this series, but I really like it. It is a series that for the most part, I initially wouldn’t think I would like. It has insta-love and sometimes just corny lines between the MC’s, but then it surprises you with in depth complex characters and plot arcs that just pull you in.

I’m invested, have read all the books in this series. I guess the next book will be Barek’s. Can’t wait......
10 reviews
June 4, 2019
Another great book from my favourite author MK Eidem. This one continues the cliff hanger at the end of Jacinda's Challenge and we meet the familiar challenge characters again. It was great to find out how their lives had moved on. It also tackled the issues of double standards for women in the work place, facing life after life altering injuries, the integration of grown up families for romance the 2nd time around.
I really enjoyed it and I am now desperately awaiting Amina's challenge. It's not really a stand alone and you do need to read Cassandra, Victoria and Jacinda's challenges first. Good long vfm books.
130 reviews
May 23, 2019
Excellent book!!

You're right, it WAS a long time coming!! And since we were left with a cliffhanger, I hope the next one is sooner rather than later!!! That said, I ADORE this series!! The world building is very in depth, and I love how she takes you back to old beloved characters from previous books. I love the references to them, even if they're not in the current book, she mentions them. It pulls it all together. The only negative I would have would be Stephanie!! She was very touchy. She took exception to almost everything!! I was pissed the way she treated Jacinda when Jacinda naturally assumed she would wear a beautiful gown to her mother's Union. One can be proud of one's position, but Stephanie took it over the line when she hurt her mother by walking out. I thought she was just being a little shit!!! And she didn't even bother to explain to her mother why she was upset. But anyway, as usual, I loved the book, loved the characters, and can't wait till the next one comes out!!
Profile Image for C. Gold.
Author 8 books21 followers
December 22, 2019
I liked the story well enough but there wasn't much struggle between the couple before they got together. The non-romance plot had two incidents that set up trouble for later but they never materialized, and the dangling bit from the last book wasn't ever mentioned (the guy who fled--did they ever catch him?). So when the end came, I was rather surprised because it felt about halfway through the story. A cliffhanger was tossed in at the last second which may be related to the prior stuff going on, but we won't know until the next book gets published. I reread all the previous books before this one and they felt satisfying, unlike this one which feels like part 1 of a two parter.
23 reviews
May 8, 2019
Love this author!

I've read all of the books written by M.K. Eidem. While my absolute favorite out of all of her books is GRIM, I also love this series. I eagerly look forward to her next book in this series and hope I won't have to wait so long for Amina's story. It also wouldn't break my heart to have more big, strong, fierce but loving heroes like GRIM in some future stories. He's worthy of book hero status.
Profile Image for Heather.
690 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2019
What a great addition to this series. I admire Stephanie's strength in overcoming her serious injury. She had worked hard for cycles (years) to meet her goals. Her path took her somewhere she didn't expect. I have liked Nickolas Deffend, Captain of the Kings Guard, since we met him in Cassandra's Challenge. I'm happy that he and Stephanie were lifemates.
It was great hearing from Peter and Cyndy and others.
I can't believe that this ended on such a cliffhanger! I'm going to speculate that Barek is up next.
Profile Image for ObsessiveReader.
1,313 reviews
April 27, 2019
Good story. Sorry it wasn’t longer. Still some loose ends that need to be explained but looking forward to more stories.
Profile Image for M Robinson .
2,422 reviews
March 14, 2025
Another great addition to this series with continuing characters.

Yes it was insta love, yes you have to overlook the similarity between earth and the homework being very very similar and how unbelievable that is.

This is just one of those stories you just have to ignore n simply enjoy the story. Which I really enjoyed. Stephanie is very much a modern day woman facing many of the same challenges we do incl misogyny and sexism.

My final point on this series given there isn't a barec book to follow is that mk's pricing is way off, 6.99 euros for this book is overpriced.

Also its 2025 fgs why aren't all her books available in ku allowing more readers to enjoy them?

I don't buy books anymore and exclusively use ku except for my absolute favourite authors and admit if I was looking at this series now rather than when I bought the 1st 3 books back in 2017, I wouldn't have read the series solely based on the price.

I've read most of mks books but there's the odd one left to read, which I won't because they're not on ku.
129 reviews
May 10, 2019
As always I enjoy reading Ms. Eidem's books. She is one of the few writers who provide excellent background and (I feel) continuity with her books. Her stories usually answer all my questions and while they set up the context for the next book, the ending is not a cliff-hanger of the storyline. (I hope that makes sense). I was expecting this story and while it did not disappoint, it wasn't surprised by the story, it was pretty much what I expected.

Having said all that, the typos and errors continue. I'm not someone who is bothered by them but I
feel that after the first few books a writer, should pay more attention to errors, particularly when the books take so long between publishing dates. I am still a fan and will continue to be. I would also like to know ahead of time when books are being released, I purchased this twice (my fault), had I known the e-book would be released within 10 days or so, I would have waited.

72 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2019
Absolutely loved this book , well worth the price

It’s so hard to write a review and not give spoilers. That being said I loved how it picked right off from Jacienda and Jothams book, but it’s not necessary to read before this . I would advise it just because it would you understand the struggles and commitment it took for Stephanie to be where she is in her life and the difficulties as she adjusts to being a princess. I waited a long time for this book, and I’m glad the wait is now over . I sincerely hope Prince Barek is coming soon :) I think this particular book is my favorite in this series, because it shows two strong independent individuals working hard to make a relationship work and be supportive of each other.
Profile Image for Yvette Nemec.
41 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2019
It was so good y’all

I limped my way through this book, and I’ll explain why in just a moment. I started this series with Wray, got like all invested and 20 pages into the book before I realized I shoulda started with Grim. Got like 30 pages into gram and went back to Wray. It gripped me, held me close—made me stay up all night til I had it all done. Then I DOVE back to Grim and again devoured it in a single sitting. Then book by book i waded my way through everything this wonderful, witty marvelous woman has written. I see her name on the book I just buy it. It’s that good. It’s one click with no worries it may not be worth it good. Get everything she writes. Everything. You won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Katrina.
270 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2020
I've read all of M.K. Eidems books and I have yet to read a bad one. This particular universe is not my favourite of those she has created and I didn't feel the need to go back and read the previous ones in the series given their length. I am happy to say that I enjoyed the book even without a series refresher.

Stephanie as a character is strong and determined. I lived her grit and determination to stick to her guns despite the sexism and poor conduct all around her. I didn't find the captain to be as strong a character, but what we knew about him and his actions in the story made him a good fit for Stephanie.

This book is not a standalone and I recommend the series to readers of sci-fi and romance. I would highly recommend any of this authors works to my friends.
66 reviews
March 26, 2020
Talk about leaving us hanging!!

Cassandra...check. Victoria...check. Jacinda...check. Stephanie...check. Amina...Amina...hmmph. She's been missing HOW long?
Look, I enjoy this series, I really do. But there is a limit to how many times I can re-read it. We need the next installment! I even have a really cool title for you....are you ready? Here goes. AMINA'S CHALLENGE. Pretty cool, huh!I Good lord, people, how long does the poor woman have to be "missing"....and has anyone checked on the whereabouts of Shosha Parjari? You KNOW she's in this up to her squinty little eyeballs.
By the way, I really want to go to Carina, where my 6'1" height is considered short, ALL of the men are taller than me, and my size 12 shoes are NORMAL. WHEEEEEeeeeeeeeeee!!
899 reviews
June 29, 2020
Great book and good addition to the Imperial Series. This is about Stephanie Michelakakis, who worked and sacrificed for her position as a Lieutenant in the Coalition. She was on track to become the first woman ever accepted into a Royal Guard then suffered a life altering injury. Now she has to figure out what she is going to do. Nicholas Deffand, the youngest man ever named as the Captain of King Jotham's Royal Guard. He finds himself attracted to Stephanie but not quite sure how to go about talking to her or to ask her out. Quite funny in spots, but also very serious matters come into play for both of them before they can make up their minds if a relationship will work. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Leyns.
3,056 reviews
May 19, 2019
Her mother’s book was better.

It was a good book, but overall I was a little underwhelmed. There was no real action or drama IMO. Not even in the main characters’ romance - there was no real angst and they went from their first kiss to saying I love you, you’re my life mate and moving in together within less than a week. I just wanted something more in this story. The writing is still good, the characters are great. The storyline was just... boring.
It seems pretty obvious from the ending that there is another book coming, I really hope it isn’t as dull as this one.
38 reviews
May 27, 2019
Awesome!

I wait for any books from M.K. Eidem.. I'm never disappointed. I love the writing style. It always draws me right in. The Characters are described in away that you understand the dynamics of each. I've read each one many times and discovered audible books. Check them out. Jucinda is one of my favorite audible books because, the person chosen to do her voice brought her to life for me. I can"t waiting to here her when she's mad at King Jotham. Read them or listen to them you'll love them.
9 reviews
June 18, 2019
Love this series!

I have really enjoyed this series and am very happy to see it continue. For the most part, I enjoyed this book. My biggest gripe is the speed of which Stephie and Nick became a couple. A couple of kisses and next thing they're life mates and living together. Next, would be the proofreading. The were words missing from sentences, or the wrong word, like 'blank' beads which should have been 'black' beads, or a few repeated sentences. Will this stop me from buying the next book? No.
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