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The Queen's Baby Scandal
One night at the Italian’s ball…
has permanent consequences!
Mauro Bianchi is stunned to discover the beautiful innocent who left his bed at midnight three months ago is a queen…and she’s pregnant! He’s never wanted a family, but nothing will stop this billionaire from claiming his heir.
Queen Astrid can’t forget the pleasure of Mauro’s touch, despite her scandalous royal bombshell! To protect her throne, she is determined to raise her baby alone. Only now Mauro’s back, his powerful presence a constant reminder of their chemistry. And he has a demand: “I want my child.”
has permanent consequences!
Mauro Bianchi is stunned to discover the beautiful innocent who left his bed at midnight three months ago is a queen…and she’s pregnant! He’s never wanted a family, but nothing will stop this billionaire from claiming his heir.
Queen Astrid can’t forget the pleasure of Mauro’s touch, despite her scandalous royal bombshell! To protect her throne, she is determined to raise her baby alone. Only now Mauro’s back, his powerful presence a constant reminder of their chemistry. And he has a demand: “I want my child.”
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
72 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Maisey Yates
1,161 books2,997 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 3, 2019
The brand-new consort to the queen of Bjornland used to work as a rent boy.
There was no real escaping from the truth inherent in the headline. There were some seedy details included. Though, it didn’t sound as if Mauro had been working the street so much as being passed around among bored older women. https://bookshout.com/store/books/225...
I'm not woke enough to appreciate the nuances that Maisey Yates is trying to portray in this story...
IMPORTANT NOTICE: I've got a huge personal prejudice against MC's who used to work as prostitutes. I'm so unamused by this trope that even my own mother, who loved the film Pretty Woman, would roll her eyes at me, each time I huffed and puffed at her, when I caught her watching that film for the umpteenth time 😂. Am I a self righteous, sanctimonious she-prig, who's sometimes full of bullshit ? Mostly. But I'm not gonna apologize for it. In fact, I own it like a Rottweiler with a rawhide bone ! Seriously, I'm not able to overcome the fact that this H used to be a gigolo/prostitute/rent boy whose clients were ( much ) older, rich women. Most importantly, I'm not suggesting that anyone reject this book, based on my personal peeves. Actually, I'm pretty sure that lots of readers will love this book. This isn't about hating on the author either, because Maisey Yates is one of my favourites in HPlandia. This is just one novel that failed to impress me.
I'm gonna simply list all the pros and cons.
Good Points:
1. Both MC's are gorgeous, sexy and share great sexual chemistry.
2. The heroine, Astrid, was a very strong, confident and ladylike woman. She knew what she wanted and never hesitated to go after it.
3. Mauro, the H, was a man of great conviction, who's determined to be a good father - to give his unborn child all the paternal love and support that he'd been denied.
4. There's a little Battle of the Sexes trope happening in this story. It's a bit overdone at times, with each MC trying to outdo the other. This will probably appeal to readers who enjoy the whole Women vs the Patriarchy narrative. It's not a trope that interests me, particularly, since I don't subscribe to the concept that women and men need to always battle or compete with each other. But, I understood what the author was trying to accomplish in this instance, because the heroine is a 33 year old queen whose subjects would prefer that her younger twin brother be the monarch. She's had to fight hard to earn respect and to maintain her rightful position in a masculine world.
Not so good points...
1. The author started off with a reference to the Alice in Wonderland story, where the heroine's entrance into the H's exclusive club, is compared to the titular Alice's accidental descent down the rabbit hole. In Lewis Carroll's story, Alice experiences sensory overload, feasting on food and exploring weird things to which she'd never been exposed. In Maisey Yates' novel, Astrid's exploration begins with a visual and auditory immersion into the delights of the Ice Palace club, but ends with the tactile delights she experiences, at the hand ( and mouth and penis ! 😂 ) of the H. Astrid even tells him her name's Alice. This referencing would've been totally successful if the author hadn't changed things up, after their sexual tryst, by switching to the Cinderella narrative ! It's kinda incongruous that the heroine runs off, leaving him holding her shoe. The Cinderella reference is also used at the end when he comes to grovel and kneels at her feet, holding the shoe. The transition from Alice to Cinderella, was just too contrived and I wondered if the author was perhaps trying to throw in whatever came to mind...
2. The MC's connection seemed to be basically sexual, for the major part of the story. I wasn't really feeling the love, even when the heroine blurted out the words.
3. There was too much telling and inadequate showing. The MC's inner monologues weren't entirely successful in convincing me that they shared any grand emotional connection.
4. At the end, the H only decided that he was finally in love with her, after her brother scolded him. He did make a grand public gesture of love, but it seemed more ceremonial and even a bit cheesy. But, again, maybe I'm being hypocritical, because I probably would've totally eaten up all this cheesiness if I hadn't been so biased due to the H being a former prostitute.
5. I couldn't understand why the H would've just agreed to forego wearing a condom, the first time they had sex. She basically suggested that he not wear one and he just agreed ! They were total strangers who'd just known each other for a couple of hours, literally. She wanted to impregnate herself and had chosen him as the great virginity taker. But, she'd also lied and said that she's just another jaded global traveller, who's interested in the tourist sex pastime ! Now, why would any guy, with an iota of common sense , trust that she's not infected with an STD ? Additionally, she's aware that he's an infamous manwhore of epic proportions. She'd seen a photo of him partying with two women on his arms. Isn't it rather dumb of her not to assume that he's not infected with some kinda crotch rot disease ? 🤔🤷🙄😂
6. The epilogue was too short and even though it's sweet, and revolved around the birth of their son, it could've been better. Maisey Yates has written other epilogues that have been very enchanting.
Anyway, here are some quotes that'll underscore the reasons why I feel this way:
“No,” he said. “I intended to whore my way around the world. I intend to continue doing so when our need for total discretion is resolved.” https://bookshout.com/store/books/225...
...My clubs are all about debauchery. At what point do you suppose this would have been an interesting headline for a man famous for immoral acts? No, it’s only interesting now.” https://bookshout.com/store/books/225...
“Did you... Did it bother you? To be with women you didn’t want?”
“I could make myself want them all. And if I didn’t want them specifically, I could make myself do it for the money. A soft bed is quite arousing when the alternative is the streets.” https://bookshout.com/store/books/225...
Safety: No cheating, no OW and no OM. Both MC's are celibate during their 2 short separations.
There was no real escaping from the truth inherent in the headline. There were some seedy details included. Though, it didn’t sound as if Mauro had been working the street so much as being passed around among bored older women. https://bookshout.com/store/books/225...
I'm not woke enough to appreciate the nuances that Maisey Yates is trying to portray in this story...
IMPORTANT NOTICE: I've got a huge personal prejudice against MC's who used to work as prostitutes. I'm so unamused by this trope that even my own mother, who loved the film Pretty Woman, would roll her eyes at me, each time I huffed and puffed at her, when I caught her watching that film for the umpteenth time 😂. Am I a self righteous, sanctimonious she-prig, who's sometimes full of bullshit ? Mostly. But I'm not gonna apologize for it. In fact, I own it like a Rottweiler with a rawhide bone ! Seriously, I'm not able to overcome the fact that this H used to be a gigolo/prostitute/rent boy whose clients were ( much ) older, rich women. Most importantly, I'm not suggesting that anyone reject this book, based on my personal peeves. Actually, I'm pretty sure that lots of readers will love this book. This isn't about hating on the author either, because Maisey Yates is one of my favourites in HPlandia. This is just one novel that failed to impress me.
I'm gonna simply list all the pros and cons.
Good Points:
1. Both MC's are gorgeous, sexy and share great sexual chemistry.
2. The heroine, Astrid, was a very strong, confident and ladylike woman. She knew what she wanted and never hesitated to go after it.
3. Mauro, the H, was a man of great conviction, who's determined to be a good father - to give his unborn child all the paternal love and support that he'd been denied.
4. There's a little Battle of the Sexes trope happening in this story. It's a bit overdone at times, with each MC trying to outdo the other. This will probably appeal to readers who enjoy the whole Women vs the Patriarchy narrative. It's not a trope that interests me, particularly, since I don't subscribe to the concept that women and men need to always battle or compete with each other. But, I understood what the author was trying to accomplish in this instance, because the heroine is a 33 year old queen whose subjects would prefer that her younger twin brother be the monarch. She's had to fight hard to earn respect and to maintain her rightful position in a masculine world.
Not so good points...
1. The author started off with a reference to the Alice in Wonderland story, where the heroine's entrance into the H's exclusive club, is compared to the titular Alice's accidental descent down the rabbit hole. In Lewis Carroll's story, Alice experiences sensory overload, feasting on food and exploring weird things to which she'd never been exposed. In Maisey Yates' novel, Astrid's exploration begins with a visual and auditory immersion into the delights of the Ice Palace club, but ends with the tactile delights she experiences, at the hand ( and mouth and penis ! 😂 ) of the H. Astrid even tells him her name's Alice. This referencing would've been totally successful if the author hadn't changed things up, after their sexual tryst, by switching to the Cinderella narrative ! It's kinda incongruous that the heroine runs off, leaving him holding her shoe. The Cinderella reference is also used at the end when he comes to grovel and kneels at her feet, holding the shoe. The transition from Alice to Cinderella, was just too contrived and I wondered if the author was perhaps trying to throw in whatever came to mind...
2. The MC's connection seemed to be basically sexual, for the major part of the story. I wasn't really feeling the love, even when the heroine blurted out the words.
3. There was too much telling and inadequate showing. The MC's inner monologues weren't entirely successful in convincing me that they shared any grand emotional connection.
4. At the end, the H only decided that he was finally in love with her, after her brother scolded him. He did make a grand public gesture of love, but it seemed more ceremonial and even a bit cheesy. But, again, maybe I'm being hypocritical, because I probably would've totally eaten up all this cheesiness if I hadn't been so biased due to the H being a former prostitute.
5. I couldn't understand why the H would've just agreed to forego wearing a condom, the first time they had sex. She basically suggested that he not wear one and he just agreed ! They were total strangers who'd just known each other for a couple of hours, literally. She wanted to impregnate herself and had chosen him as the great virginity taker. But, she'd also lied and said that she's just another jaded global traveller, who's interested in the tourist sex pastime ! Now, why would any guy, with an iota of common sense , trust that she's not infected with an STD ? Additionally, she's aware that he's an infamous manwhore of epic proportions. She'd seen a photo of him partying with two women on his arms. Isn't it rather dumb of her not to assume that he's not infected with some kinda crotch rot disease ? 🤔🤷🙄😂
6. The epilogue was too short and even though it's sweet, and revolved around the birth of their son, it could've been better. Maisey Yates has written other epilogues that have been very enchanting.
Anyway, here are some quotes that'll underscore the reasons why I feel this way:
“No,” he said. “I intended to whore my way around the world. I intend to continue doing so when our need for total discretion is resolved.” https://bookshout.com/store/books/225...
...My clubs are all about debauchery. At what point do you suppose this would have been an interesting headline for a man famous for immoral acts? No, it’s only interesting now.” https://bookshout.com/store/books/225...
“Did you... Did it bother you? To be with women you didn’t want?”
“I could make myself want them all. And if I didn’t want them specifically, I could make myself do it for the money. A soft bed is quite arousing when the alternative is the streets.” https://bookshout.com/store/books/225...
Safety: No cheating, no OW and no OM. Both MC's are celibate during their 2 short separations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2019
Instead of showing us, Maisey bores us to death with endless inner monologues and minimal dialogue between the hero and heroine. I’m at 60% and ready to concede defeat. Sigh
January 27, 2020
Great heroine.
This book had one of the best heroines ever. Unfortunately the hero left a little to be desired. I was kind of disgusted by him and yet at the end, I really felt like he may have reformed but I just don't know. He was celibate after her, he didn't cheat or want to cheat but I felt that the love scenes were more about power than love. They weren't romantic to me but that's just me! I didn't like how he tried to abase her but I could be wrong. I just felt he was too debauched and raunchy to be a consort to the queen. The ending was good and I hesitantly give it four stars, but I just wish he wouldn't have had the past he did.
This book had one of the best heroines ever. Unfortunately the hero left a little to be desired. I was kind of disgusted by him and yet at the end, I really felt like he may have reformed but I just don't know. He was celibate after her, he didn't cheat or want to cheat but I felt that the love scenes were more about power than love. They weren't romantic to me but that's just me! I didn't like how he tried to abase her but I could be wrong. I just felt he was too debauched and raunchy to be a consort to the queen. The ending was good and I hesitantly give it four stars, but I just wish he wouldn't have had the past he did.
November 10, 2019
Not really a fan of prostitute heroes but it was a decent read. Romantic, cheesy and steamy. Safe: heroine is a virgin and both celibate while apart.
December 5, 2019
Well I struggled with the "hero" in this story.
His past profession, if you could even call it that. 😂 I think I could have been more "forgiving" and not had such a problem if he had been somewhat bothered by his past. But nope he was almost proud. I didn't really buy his excuse that it made him the man he was. Wasn't impressed much with who he became either. He didn't really live up to hero status in my humble opinion.
I liked the heroine. But her easy acceptance of his past didn't ring true.
I think this held some potential but didn't hit the mark for me.
His past profession, if you could even call it that. 😂 I think I could have been more "forgiving" and not had such a problem if he had been somewhat bothered by his past. But nope he was almost proud. I didn't really buy his excuse that it made him the man he was. Wasn't impressed much with who he became either. He didn't really live up to hero status in my humble opinion.
I liked the heroine. But her easy acceptance of his past didn't ring true.
I think this held some potential but didn't hit the mark for me.
November 10, 2019
The incredibles of improbables...
June 16, 2020
I Loved the beginning of this story and I was so excited to see their journey but .... Boom
The h has nothing to say but (I am a queen)!!!
And the H 🤦♀️God this man , why the hell ms. MY make him a prostitute!!!? And why the hell he was so proud of that ?🤔
The h has nothing to say but (I am a queen)!!!
And the H 🤦♀️God this man , why the hell ms. MY make him a prostitute!!!? And why the hell he was so proud of that ?🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2020
I think I am appalled by this book ...
I am all for powerful and ruthless h's ...
But we have a h who deliberately schemes to get pregnant with the H's baby ...
We have a H who lets her know he is not to be manipulated ...
The kicker ... in the heat of the moment, h gets the H to forego protection ... lets face it ... she's a random stranger who fell in bed with him in a moment ... and then later we find out he used to be some type of high class boy toy ...
If HP's do not endorse a h who starts her empire by sleeping with rich older man for money and gifts, why do they imagine a H who sleeps with bored and rich socialites for money will be any better ... IIRC Carol Marinelli also had a H who was some kind of rent boy ... ugh!
The 1 star is for h's sheer ruthlessness ...
I am all for powerful and ruthless h's ...
But we have a h who deliberately schemes to get pregnant with the H's baby ...
We have a H who lets her know he is not to be manipulated ...
The kicker ... in the heat of the moment, h gets the H to forego protection ... lets face it ... she's a random stranger who fell in bed with him in a moment ... and then later we find out he used to be some type of high class boy toy ...
If HP's do not endorse a h who starts her empire by sleeping with rich older man for money and gifts, why do they imagine a H who sleeps with bored and rich socialites for money will be any better ... IIRC Carol Marinelli also had a H who was some kind of rent boy ... ugh!
The 1 star is for h's sheer ruthlessness ...
November 20, 2019
I did not find this book as bad as the other reviewers did! In fact, I enjoyed watching the story develop. We see two strong willed people having to come to terms with their lives changing due to baby. Even if they are from two entirely different classes and upbringings one in luxury and the other one in the slums they both have never had true love or the need for it now they do. Give it a shot in the end it’s worth it!
December 1, 2019
I do love Maisey Yates’ writing. Her prose is poetic and descriptive and above all - intelligent. Her books involve strong, feisty women with fabulous alpha male heroes who have an enormous soft centre underneath all that harsh, antagonistic and almost aggressive posturing. Unlike some other reviewers, I liked the way the characters’ internal thinking was revealed. I always think Maisey does this really well. I also enjoyed the dialogue - it sparkled.
Mauro was a child of poverty and discrimination: brought up in the slums, rejected by his father and having to make the world work for him. He has been a young man, who for a brief period was willing to trade his body for a warm bed, food and even money. He’s now an incredibly successful billionaire who enjoys a life of apparent debauchery although quite frankly I’m not sure how much of that was real and how much was manufactured for the press. He certainly gave it all up pretty fast!
Astrid, the virgin Queen who decides pregnancy is the only way for her to beat her council of misogynistic men is a fabulous heroine. She eases her way into Mauro’s Club and they seduce each other and then she leaves. However, he finds her and turns all her plans upside down.
I loved their story, and the way their relationship developed. Astrid owned her sexuality rather than retreating from it and Mauro revealed his determination to give his child what he had never had as well the fantastic connection between he and Astrid.
I’ve seen some reviews which are very negative which puzzles me - but then we are all so different that it’s inevitable that we won’t always have the same tastes and preferences. I thoroughly recommend this one and the only reason it’s 4 stars rather than 5 is that I would have liked a much longer epilogue than the brief taster we were given.
Mauro was a child of poverty and discrimination: brought up in the slums, rejected by his father and having to make the world work for him. He has been a young man, who for a brief period was willing to trade his body for a warm bed, food and even money. He’s now an incredibly successful billionaire who enjoys a life of apparent debauchery although quite frankly I’m not sure how much of that was real and how much was manufactured for the press. He certainly gave it all up pretty fast!
Astrid, the virgin Queen who decides pregnancy is the only way for her to beat her council of misogynistic men is a fabulous heroine. She eases her way into Mauro’s Club and they seduce each other and then she leaves. However, he finds her and turns all her plans upside down.
I loved their story, and the way their relationship developed. Astrid owned her sexuality rather than retreating from it and Mauro revealed his determination to give his child what he had never had as well the fantastic connection between he and Astrid.
I’ve seen some reviews which are very negative which puzzles me - but then we are all so different that it’s inevitable that we won’t always have the same tastes and preferences. I thoroughly recommend this one and the only reason it’s 4 stars rather than 5 is that I would have liked a much longer epilogue than the brief taster we were given.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2020
I enjoy books about royalty, then add a baby and I'm all in. But when the queen tricked a man into getting her pregnant, I didn't like her very much. She had chosen an Italian playboy to impregnate her presuming he wouldn't want anything to do with a child. Imagine her surprise when he showed up on her doorstep to claim it. This appeared to be an opposites attract story with Queen Astrid growing up in wealth at the palace and Mauro Bianchi growing up poor in the slums (though he is a billionaire now). However, when they met at one of his clubs, she was pretending to be just another one of the young, sexy women who frequent the place. Since she had picked him out and had made herself look like the type of woman he would be attracted to - not opposites at all.
I liked the plot but I can't say I loved the characters. The queen was selfish planning to get pregnant without considering how it might affect anyone else. Mauro had a "poor me" attitude because of his childhood. Even with the ending being very fast, it did leave me with a smile. If you enjoy stories about royalty, you should give this book a try.
I liked the plot but I can't say I loved the characters. The queen was selfish planning to get pregnant without considering how it might affect anyone else. Mauro had a "poor me" attitude because of his childhood. Even with the ending being very fast, it did leave me with a smile. If you enjoy stories about royalty, you should give this book a try.
December 15, 2019
Need a quickie to bring me out of my reading slump. Thought this was going to be about queenie's wild night where she ACCIDENTALLY got pregnant, but NOPE! She fully planned out this SEXUAL ASSAULT to trick H to unknowingly have a kid with her. Maybe people will disagree with my usage of "sexual asssult" but that is what it is. This is equivalent to a dude lying about wearing a condom during sex. Like GROSS! But j already bought the darn book, might as well finish it.
How does this plan supposed to give her more control? I don't know. How is getting marry a better choice AFTER she announcing this child as fatherless? Bc she doesn't want to ruin her reputation by being an unwed mother? But the plan???
How does this plan supposed to give her more control? I don't know. How is getting marry a better choice AFTER she announcing this child as fatherless? Bc she doesn't want to ruin her reputation by being an unwed mother? But the plan???
September 7, 2020
Queen Astid von Bjornland found Mauro Bianchi to help secure her destiny. While queen of her country, she is restricted by the council her father had put in place. Men that felt that only men could really rule. Thwarted by the fact her brother is only five minutes younger, they had plans for her future until she used playboy Mauro and decided she would raise her child on her own.
Mauro had more than a bit of a rough childhood. Bastard son and all, he used his good looks to help him get a leg up. When he finds the mystery woman that had bolted in and out of his life is not only a queen, but the mother of his child, he sets about proving he is not a man to let his child go.
Both had major issues to work through to get to the family and love they deserve.
Very nice.
Mauro had more than a bit of a rough childhood. Bastard son and all, he used his good looks to help him get a leg up. When he finds the mystery woman that had bolted in and out of his life is not only a queen, but the mother of his child, he sets about proving he is not a man to let his child go.
Both had major issues to work through to get to the family and love they deserve.
Very nice.
December 18, 2019
The Queen’s Baby Scandal by Maisey Yates is a passionate royal romance for a Queen looking to secure her reign with an heir and the unwitting accomplice to her plan.
Queen Astrid von Bjornland is tired of her advisory council who want to see her married off to a suitable (to them) husband or to abdicate the throne to her younger (by a few minutes) twin brother. Deciding to take fate into her own hands, she plans to get pregnant and use an old and mostly forgotten law to ensure her reign will be secure and her progeny will become the next heir. The tricky part is finding a suitable man who can supply the genetic material for her quest.
Mauro Bianchi is a wealthy billionaire playboy with a number of highly exclusive clubs in his empire. It’s in one of these clubs that he encounter a beautiful woman who seduces him, leaving him with only memories and no idea who she really is. But when he finds out that she’s a Queen, and pregnant, he’s got no intention of letting her get away with her plans to go through the pregnancy alone. Confronting her, he offers a marriage of convenience or a scandal – her choice. Can this couple with a baby on the way discover that love doesn’t just happen in fairy tales?
This is an interesting take on a royal romance! Queen Astrid is strong, capable, and determined, something she’s had to be from the start to protect her place as the rightful heir to the throne. When she thinks up her pregnancy plan she does some research and with the help of her assistant figures that Mauro would be a prime candidate based on his reputation. She also thinks he won’t be interested in claiming his heir, but she’s very wrong.
Having been shunned by his own father, Mauro has no intention of letting a child of his grow up without him. He’ll do whatever is necessary to keep his child with him, including marriage. There is a definite struggle for control between Astrid and Mauro, but one thing they can both agree on is how attracted they are to each other, resulting in some steamy love scenes. As befits a fairy tale romance, there are elements of Alice in Wonderland (Astrid’s entry into the Ice Palace, Mauro’s club is like falling down the rabbit hole of debauchery) and Cinderella (she leaves behind a shoe in her rush to get out of the club after their tryst). But there’s also the real world intrusion of the paparazzi digging into Mauro’s past and using his history as a male escort to try to damage Astrid’s and by proxy her country’s reputation.
Astrid isn’t perfect, and she soon comes to understand that she took away Mauro’s choice to become a parent with her actions and is remorseful. While Mauro wouldn’t have chosen this path, he can understand her choice as he’s made his own difficult decisions in the past. And he comes to be quite protective and possessive of both her and the baby. While their marriage didn’t start out ideally, as they learn more about each other they find their way to a happy ending, complete with a sweet epilogue. It’s an enjoyable, sexy romance.
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-th...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Queen Astrid von Bjornland is tired of her advisory council who want to see her married off to a suitable (to them) husband or to abdicate the throne to her younger (by a few minutes) twin brother. Deciding to take fate into her own hands, she plans to get pregnant and use an old and mostly forgotten law to ensure her reign will be secure and her progeny will become the next heir. The tricky part is finding a suitable man who can supply the genetic material for her quest.
Mauro Bianchi is a wealthy billionaire playboy with a number of highly exclusive clubs in his empire. It’s in one of these clubs that he encounter a beautiful woman who seduces him, leaving him with only memories and no idea who she really is. But when he finds out that she’s a Queen, and pregnant, he’s got no intention of letting her get away with her plans to go through the pregnancy alone. Confronting her, he offers a marriage of convenience or a scandal – her choice. Can this couple with a baby on the way discover that love doesn’t just happen in fairy tales?
This is an interesting take on a royal romance! Queen Astrid is strong, capable, and determined, something she’s had to be from the start to protect her place as the rightful heir to the throne. When she thinks up her pregnancy plan she does some research and with the help of her assistant figures that Mauro would be a prime candidate based on his reputation. She also thinks he won’t be interested in claiming his heir, but she’s very wrong.
Having been shunned by his own father, Mauro has no intention of letting a child of his grow up without him. He’ll do whatever is necessary to keep his child with him, including marriage. There is a definite struggle for control between Astrid and Mauro, but one thing they can both agree on is how attracted they are to each other, resulting in some steamy love scenes. As befits a fairy tale romance, there are elements of Alice in Wonderland (Astrid’s entry into the Ice Palace, Mauro’s club is like falling down the rabbit hole of debauchery) and Cinderella (she leaves behind a shoe in her rush to get out of the club after their tryst). But there’s also the real world intrusion of the paparazzi digging into Mauro’s past and using his history as a male escort to try to damage Astrid’s and by proxy her country’s reputation.
Astrid isn’t perfect, and she soon comes to understand that she took away Mauro’s choice to become a parent with her actions and is remorseful. While Mauro wouldn’t have chosen this path, he can understand her choice as he’s made his own difficult decisions in the past. And he comes to be quite protective and possessive of both her and the baby. While their marriage didn’t start out ideally, as they learn more about each other they find their way to a happy ending, complete with a sweet epilogue. It’s an enjoyable, sexy romance.
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-th...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
abandoned
June 17, 2020found out the H was a gigolo/escort so mehhhh nope
November 2, 2019
One night at the Italian’s ball…
has permanent consequences!
Mauro Bianchi is stunned to discover the beautiful innocent who left his bed at midnight three months ago is a queen…and she’s pregnant! He’s never wanted a family, but nothing will stop this billionaire from claiming his heir.
Queen Astrid can’t forget the pleasure of Mauro’s touch, despite her scandalous royal bombshell! To protect her throne, she is determined to raise her baby alone. Only now Mauro’s back, his powerful presence a constant reminder of their chemistry. And he has a demand: “I want my child.” (less)
has permanent consequences!
Mauro Bianchi is stunned to discover the beautiful innocent who left his bed at midnight three months ago is a queen…and she’s pregnant! He’s never wanted a family, but nothing will stop this billionaire from claiming his heir.
Queen Astrid can’t forget the pleasure of Mauro’s touch, despite her scandalous royal bombshell! To protect her throne, she is determined to raise her baby alone. Only now Mauro’s back, his powerful presence a constant reminder of their chemistry. And he has a demand: “I want my child.” (less)
January 8, 2025
Quick Summary: A rags to riches royal romance
My Review: The Queen's Baby Scandal by Maisey Yates is a 2019 Harlequin Presents novel.
About the Book: "One night at the Italian's ball ... has permanent consequences Mauro Bianchi is stunned to discover the beautiful innocent who left his bed at midnight three months ago is a queen ... and she's pregnant He's never wanted a family, but nothing will stop this billionaire from claiming his heir.
Queen Astrid can't forget the pleasure of Mauro's touch, despite her scandalous royal bombshell To protect her throne, she is determined to raise her baby alone. Only now, Mauro's back, his powerful presence a constant reminder of their chemistry. And he has a demand: "I want my child."
In My Own Words: Two people from different upbringings meet and marry, only to find love after they make a baby.
About the Narration: This book was narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown. The male accent proved to be challenging for me. His speech sounded more Romanian than Italian, in my opinion. With that said, the narrator did well with tones and rhythm.
My Final Say: Mauro and Astrid both had such difficult home lives as they grew up. It's no wonder they were both searching for something to call their own. Their story of coming together was certainly not dull. In the end, the fact that they were willing to humble themselves to one another spoke of what they were willing to do for their relationship and their future.
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harlequin Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful for the opportunity.
My Review: The Queen's Baby Scandal by Maisey Yates is a 2019 Harlequin Presents novel.
About the Book: "One night at the Italian's ball ... has permanent consequences Mauro Bianchi is stunned to discover the beautiful innocent who left his bed at midnight three months ago is a queen ... and she's pregnant He's never wanted a family, but nothing will stop this billionaire from claiming his heir.
Queen Astrid can't forget the pleasure of Mauro's touch, despite her scandalous royal bombshell To protect her throne, she is determined to raise her baby alone. Only now, Mauro's back, his powerful presence a constant reminder of their chemistry. And he has a demand: "I want my child."
In My Own Words: Two people from different upbringings meet and marry, only to find love after they make a baby.
About the Narration: This book was narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown. The male accent proved to be challenging for me. His speech sounded more Romanian than Italian, in my opinion. With that said, the narrator did well with tones and rhythm.
My Final Say: Mauro and Astrid both had such difficult home lives as they grew up. It's no wonder they were both searching for something to call their own. Their story of coming together was certainly not dull. In the end, the fact that they were willing to humble themselves to one another spoke of what they were willing to do for their relationship and their future.
Rating: 3.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook: Yes
Narration: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harlequin Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful for the opportunity.
May 8, 2021
Hej. My problems with this book is not so much the plot but the background. This book is just a American wet dream of a nonexistent Europe. All the countries in Scandinavia Sweden, Norway and Denmark where ‘Viking’ countries but no more not for a thousand years every book with a Scandinavian they always think of themselves as vikings which is just laughable. Like we go around thinking of ourselves like omg I’m a foking Viking I’m so strong that’s the only thing in Scandinavia plus woods, fjords and pale people. Also inventing a new random country in Europe/Scandinavia doesn’t work just because there’s like 47 one more will not go unnoticed (so many questions where is this supposed country, what language, history and more).
One last thing every monarchy in swe, nor and den is a constitutional monarchy which means no real power and and a female on the throne is not a big deal Denmark has a queen and Sweden has a crown princess so the female throne bad problem is not really a thing. But I guess realism isn’t really a thing in these books and who cares about learning about other cultures and shit like that.
Also the audiobook the Italian gets an accent but the Scandinavians(we have really strong accents) gets a perfect English one yä i dont tink så.
Sorry this is the only things I can think about while reading these kinds of books, it was alrite.
Jaha det var det tack för mig ha det bra och fortsätt vara en viking drottning mina vänner. Hej då
One last thing every monarchy in swe, nor and den is a constitutional monarchy which means no real power and and a female on the throne is not a big deal Denmark has a queen and Sweden has a crown princess so the female throne bad problem is not really a thing. But I guess realism isn’t really a thing in these books and who cares about learning about other cultures and shit like that.
Also the audiobook the Italian gets an accent but the Scandinavians(we have really strong accents) gets a perfect English one yä i dont tink så.
Sorry this is the only things I can think about while reading these kinds of books, it was alrite.
Jaha det var det tack för mig ha det bra och fortsätt vara en viking drottning mina vänner. Hej då
April 4, 2022
This book confused me so much. It started with I thought the queen was trying to avoid an arranged marriage. Next thing you know, she’s at a club planning to seduce someone that she refers to as “the king.” So I spent way more time than I care to admit trying to figure out 1) why it was bad for her to want to marry another ruler. That happens (happened?) all the time. 2) figure out how a “street urchin” type character became a king. 3) why he was still so despised because he’s a king.
It wasn’t until much later that I finally realized that one phrase wasn’t a “literal” king, but a figurative description.
The story as a whole is what you’d expect. Girl seduces boy, boy falls in love but can’t have her, ultimately boy chases down girl, girl ends up falling in love with boy but this isn’t acceptable all of a sudden to boy so he chases her off. Ultimately comes to terms and all is happy in the end. It’s what I was looking for, something light and nonsense after some heavier reads before going into some more heavy reads.
I have to say, much as I liked the narrator for another book I listened to, her “Italian accent” for the male character was jarring. Literally every time he “spoke” it made me think of a “Transylvanian vampire.”
Anyway, the book is what you would expect. 🤷🏼♀️
It wasn’t until much later that I finally realized that one phrase wasn’t a “literal” king, but a figurative description.
The story as a whole is what you’d expect. Girl seduces boy, boy falls in love but can’t have her, ultimately boy chases down girl, girl ends up falling in love with boy but this isn’t acceptable all of a sudden to boy so he chases her off. Ultimately comes to terms and all is happy in the end. It’s what I was looking for, something light and nonsense after some heavier reads before going into some more heavy reads.
I have to say, much as I liked the narrator for another book I listened to, her “Italian accent” for the male character was jarring. Literally every time he “spoke” it made me think of a “Transylvanian vampire.”
Anyway, the book is what you would expect. 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2020
It was ok and I did like the connection between heroine and hero. However I personally find that the hero being a prostitute in the past gross (I know he was poor and had little options considering who his mom was and that it was what he knew but it bothers me). I Liked that heroine was strong and that she didn't run from problems (excluding running from Hero after first having sex). However the scene where she told him she loved him and lay naked on the floor for him (it made me gag with distaste), for not only a queen but for any woman to do that for a man who is rejecting her love it just felt like she was demeaning herself. P.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2020
So she is a Queen............big deal.................what she did was the worst kind of theft ever. She had no right to use him like that. She stole something very precious from him and then she was going to deny him his child. If she had her way he and the child would never have known each other. SELFISH. She wanted what she wanted and she took it. There was too much emphasis on the prostitution and whoring etc, it got a bit annoying (to say the least). HE WAS NOT A "RENT BOY". The best part of the story was actually the side plot with Gunnar and Latika.
March 10, 2021
J'ai passé un excellent moment en lisant cette romance, elle s'inscrit parfaitement à la collection Azur. Hélas, ce n'est pas un coup de cœur mais presque.
Maisey Yates reste fidèle à sa plume avec sa légèreté et sa fluidité. Je ne sais pas pourquoi mais ce coup-ci, il manquait l'intensité de l'amour. Ce qui explique pourquoi la note et le presque coup de cœur.
Une intrigue très très classique mais les thèmes abordés sont intéressants surtout sur la différence sociale mais aussi sur l'être et le paraître. Par ailleurs, l'intrigue est crédible et cohérente même s'il y a une accélération d'un point de vue rythmique. Attention, cela n'entraîne aucune répercussion sur l'histoire.
Nous avons des protagonistes qui n'ont pas vécu la même vie, n'ont pas eu les mêmes problèmes mais ils se ressemblent tellement dans leur solitude et leur carapace. Ils vont devoir s'ouvrir et se laisser aller pour vivre leur propre conte de fées avec leur enfant.
Pour conclure, j'ai passé un agréable moment en lisant cette romance. Maisey Yates reste fidèle à sa plume si légère et si fluide. Or, je ne sais pas pourquoi mais je trouve qu'il manquait de l'intensité dans l'amour des protagonistes. Ces derniers sont touchants et ils apportent quelque chose de touchant avec leur histoire. On a l'impression d'avoir un conte de fées en face de nous. Enfin, l'intrigue bien qu'elle soit très classique est intéressante pour ses thèmes.
Je recommande ce livre pour un moment d'évasion sans chichis.
Maisey Yates reste fidèle à sa plume avec sa légèreté et sa fluidité. Je ne sais pas pourquoi mais ce coup-ci, il manquait l'intensité de l'amour. Ce qui explique pourquoi la note et le presque coup de cœur.
Une intrigue très très classique mais les thèmes abordés sont intéressants surtout sur la différence sociale mais aussi sur l'être et le paraître. Par ailleurs, l'intrigue est crédible et cohérente même s'il y a une accélération d'un point de vue rythmique. Attention, cela n'entraîne aucune répercussion sur l'histoire.
Nous avons des protagonistes qui n'ont pas vécu la même vie, n'ont pas eu les mêmes problèmes mais ils se ressemblent tellement dans leur solitude et leur carapace. Ils vont devoir s'ouvrir et se laisser aller pour vivre leur propre conte de fées avec leur enfant.
Pour conclure, j'ai passé un agréable moment en lisant cette romance. Maisey Yates reste fidèle à sa plume si légère et si fluide. Or, je ne sais pas pourquoi mais je trouve qu'il manquait de l'intensité dans l'amour des protagonistes. Ces derniers sont touchants et ils apportent quelque chose de touchant avec leur histoire. On a l'impression d'avoir un conte de fées en face de nous. Enfin, l'intrigue bien qu'elle soit très classique est intéressante pour ses thèmes.
Je recommande ce livre pour un moment d'évasion sans chichis.
February 2, 2020
I usually love the street rat turned billionaire story but Mauro prostituting himself wasn't enjoyable to read and Astrid was incredibly annoying and full of arrogance and self interest.
I found their 'love story' and HEA hard to believe.
Head's up- one can easily guess Yates' next novel as there was enough focus on the chemistry between Astrid's brother and PA.
I found their 'love story' and HEA hard to believe.
Head's up- one can easily guess Yates' next novel as there was enough focus on the chemistry between Astrid's brother and PA.
April 1, 2020
My friend gave me this as a gag gift for Christmas. I am not into these cliche romance novels, so my opinion doesn't mean much, but I thought it was AWFUL. It was so boring! My friend has given me some of these books before and at least the other one I read had enough going on that I could at least make fun of it. This book was so shallow and lame. I couldn't even make fun of it.
August 1, 2020
This book is not a romance. It’s awful! The hero, a former prostitute, the heroine, the queen of a fake country, who targeted the hero just to get pregnant…I was not expecting this kind of story from Harlequin…Don’t waste your time reading it. In addition, the audiobook is also awful! I hated all the voices! Wanted to stop reading this book so many times but forced myself to finish it…
January 14, 2025
Cinderella with a steamy twist!
An enjoyable escape from reality with great narration. Astrid is a determined young woman, fighting for what she wants in life, even knowing she's queen. Mauro had a rough upbringing, abandoned by his father, but I love how he is with Astrid through the ups and downs they face.
An enjoyable escape from reality with great narration. Astrid is a determined young woman, fighting for what she wants in life, even knowing she's queen. Mauro had a rough upbringing, abandoned by his father, but I love how he is with Astrid through the ups and downs they face.
December 2, 2019
It was pretty good for a one time only read.
I felt the characters had depth to a point, but ultimately the ending lacked. The story builds builds builds and then... unfortunately -- unlike the characters spicy sex life that was very enjoy able to read -- it leaves you unfinished.
I felt the characters had depth to a point, but ultimately the ending lacked. The story builds builds builds and then... unfortunately -- unlike the characters spicy sex life that was very enjoy able to read -- it leaves you unfinished.
November 21, 2019
Love it
Read
December 1, 2019Categories
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
One Night With Consequences
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
One Night With Consequences
Read
December 1, 2019Categories
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
One Night With Consequences
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
One Night With Consequences
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