Cross Me

Royal World #1

by Geneva Lee

We met. We kissed. We fought for our happily ever after, but true love stories never end...

I promised her protection. I promised to keep her safe. I thought I could until an attack reminds me that our lives will never be simple. But while I try to shield her, Clara refuses to be intimidated by me or anyone else. She thinks hosting the Sovereign Games will bring us all together—as a nation and a family—but someone is working against us. Someone who wants to see my secrets exposed to the world—and to her.

Because the only thing my family has ever buried is its secrets and when she discovers the truth, I might lose everything.

Scandal, betrayal, romance—welcome to the Royal World.
Geneva Lee, the New York Times bestselling author of The Royals Saga returns with Cross Me a new tale of seduction, secrets, and the world’s most watched family.


(formerly Wild King)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Erotic Romance, New Adult, German Literature, Dark Romance

Unknown Binding

First published January 22, 2019

About the author

Geneva Lee is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of over thirty novels. Her bestselling Royals Saga has sold nearly four million copies worldwide. She's shamelessly addicted to recovering alpha males, headstrong heroines, and drop-your-jaw plot twists. People Magazine calls Geneva's books "convincing with fluid writing that's full of drama." When she isn't writing or reading, you might find her on another adventure with her real-life hero and their three kids.

Reviews

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often I get to read a series where the couple is already married. I find that I actually really like that because we get a full book seeing them working together against the world. Their love is already proclaimed. They are no parts where one of them are wondering if their love is one sided.

Now, I'll admit they didn't work well together all the time. Cross Me was a good look at a new marriage that is still navigating the ups and downs as they learn to work as a couple instead of solo. You really see them make these mistakes, like keeping things from each other, and then learning from those mistakes. Add in the pressure of being newly crowned made this harder for them than any other couple.

I have to quote a part from the book. It really relays how much these two mean to each other but also shows their love has not been an easy path.

"He was what mattered. Every danger we faced, whatever issues we had, we'd battle them together. I had promised him that. I hadn't chosen the life or him blindly. It wasn't going to be easy. But easy love was for the weak. Easy love gave up. Easy love didn't last. Us? We were forever. It didn't matter if it was harder. I saw past his rough edges to the man he was in his soul. It was a fierce love-a hard love-that had brought us together. That love was worth fighting for."

Despite all the mine fields they navigated, I never worried about them as a couple. Another quote that showed how much these two were invested.

"Love stories never really end. There are no happily ever afters. Love is fighting and compromising and choosing one person over and over again. No matter what."

Both qoutes were a powerful statement to their love. To their marriage. I loved seeing this kind of dedication despite all the trials they are put through.

I don't normally speak about the sex in books but these two were volatile when they got together. Alexander couldn't keep his hands off of her. That man devoured her any chance he got, and let me tell you that was hot!

A part of me is kicking myself for not reading Command Me, the beginning of the first series that shows how Alexandra and Cara began. Another part of me likes that I don't know what all they went through before the marriage. That doesn't mean I won't read their beginning, because I will. This just solidified how much more I will want to read everything about them I can.

This does end on a cliffhanger. Another rough spot they need to get through together and it was pretty vague. I'm going to immediately start book 2 cause I just need to see where else these two are taking us.

[Debra Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross Me by Geneva Lee
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
4.25 Stars ~ I expect it to be a very high rating! See ⚡ below for why....

🎶💃🏼😃 ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions 😃💃🏼🎶

⚡I read Command Me back in October 2014.
It was (and still is) free on Amazon.
It blew me away. I had to read the next, then the next etc. I fell in love with the 'Royals Saga'. While I am not a big fan of 'To Be Continued' books, these I became obsessed with. The way each one ended satisfied me completely.

So...... I have very high expectations for this new spinoff!
I am grinning the 'Cat Cream That Got The Cream' 😸

I rate & review books a lot tougher then I did in 2014 when I read my 1st Geneva Lee book. I've gotten a lot pickier in my old age and it shows in my reviews.

I wish I could give this one a full 5 stars but 2 things stopped me from doing that.

My main problem, and what cost this book points is repetition.
Clara & Alex both have repetitive thoughts. A lot of them and often.
I will also state that repetition is one of my biggest 'pet peeves'.
I am hypersensitive to it and when it happens to often, no matter how much I love an author's work, I get annoyed.
There are also 4 or 5 instances of editing errors.
These are so minor they had no affect on my enjoyment of the story, nor on its rating.

The flow of the story is mostly fluid and fast paced.
Things have changed a lot since X and Clara married & Alex became king.
Both are having trouble fitting into their new responsibilities and trusting each other.
Both are trying to protect the other. Both are going through some growing pains.

There is a lot of intrigue. Someone or some group is trying to bring the realm down.
That means they are out to harm Alex, Clara and their family.
Alex is trying to find out who is behind this threat to the crown while still trying to find his way with all the responsibilities that comes with being king.

He is also keeping secrets from Clara.

There is a lot of drama and angst.
It seems like everytime you turn a page there is a new secret or danger revealed.
Which all leads to a hefty dose of suspense.
In these areas Geneva Lee did not disappoint!
Nor did she disappoint in the adult romance departement 😉🥰

X and Clara's relationship has changed a lot. Yet the heat is still high octane.
The intimate scenes are steamy and swoon worthy.
You can feel the love they have for each other pour off the pages.
Great sex is definitely not a problem for them and....
No Room Is Off Limits!
You never know when they are going to tear off clothes and... as the British say...
Shag!

🔺 Warning.
This does end on a cliffhanger in the suspense/angst department.
It is a continuation of Clara finding out a huge secret of Alex's.

I am so going to read the next book in this series.
And, YES!
I definitely recommend this to all my friends that love a
Great Adult & Very Mature Romance.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so excited to be back in Alexander and Clara's world again as just when you think all the drama is over, there are new riveting secrets and lies to keep us on our toes. I thought this story was intense and sexy and could not get enough!

Without giving away any spoilers, I loved that we got more of my favorite royal couple. It was riveting to see how both X and Clara loved one another despite keeping secrets from one another. Gah!! The angst and the drama was off the charts amazing! I can't wait for more from this sexy couple! Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really am not into royals...real or in fiction...
glad I gave this author a chance but it wasn't for me...

[hugsandcookies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love this series.

Just when I didn’t know what was going to happen and really Clara and Alexander were really doing my head in until this cliffhanger and now I’m like HUH!! more secrets to unravel and it’s just getting more interesting.

[Brigid Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Geneva Lee's Royal Saga and hated when it came to an end. I was so excited when I found out that those characters were speaking to her again and the Sovereign series was coming, with Wild King being the first book of the series. I wondered though if it would be as good, would the same magic still be there? The answer is YES!!!! Gah!!! Alexander is just as alpha, if not more alpha, then he was previously. All he wants to do is protect what means the most to him....Clara and their daughter Elizabeth. Clara really doesn't let him get away with his controlling ways! While they might have been going through some rough times, their arguments usually end with some seriously hot AF sexy times. I just so throughly enjoy book!

[Heather Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

QueenZany 5 Star Review
Wild King
Geneva Lee


Wild King is blazing hot perfect! No, hold bar Geneva Lee’s best work to date and I have been a die hard fan of hers for years. But she has come back with a vengeance with new spin ln her Royals series! Hold on Loves because Geneva is going to rock your world and you're going to be on pins and needles begging for more!

[Eva Hechenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die ersten Bücher der Royal Saga fand ich ziemlich toll und habe ich verschlungen, so war ich nun gespannt, wie es mit Clara und Alexander weitergeht.

Alexander ist ja mittlerweile der König und zeigt sich kontrollierend gegenüber Clara. Im Prinzip meint er es ja gut, aber sie hat mir seiner Art so ihre Schwierigkeiten. Natürlich ist dies nicht genug, denn es gibt noch so ein paar Dramen, die auf keinen Fall an die Öffentlichkeit kommen sollten, sonst wäre das Königshaus wahrscheinlich zerstört, ebenso seine Liebe zu Clara.

Ich fand den mittlerweile achten Teil der Reihe klasse. Es war irgendwie spannend, denn es gibt Intrigen, Lügen und Dramen, aber ebenso würde ich die Geschichte auch als emotional bezeichnen, denn mit der Liebe von Clara und Alexander gibt eine es eine regelrechte Achterbahn der Gefühle. Eine wirklich gelungene Mischung würde ich sagen. Die Autorin beschreibt die komplizierten Verhältnisse zwischen den Protagonisten durch viele Details und so behält man definitiv den Überblick. Vielleicht gab es etwas mitunter zu viele Details, aber ich fand es im großen und ganzen recht interessant.

Zu meiner Freude gab es auch diverse erotische Abschnitte, die es in sich hatten, denn es war nicht immer nur einfacher Blümchensex, wirkte aber auch nicht billig.

Als besonders fies würde ich den Cliffhanger bezeichnen, denn ich muss jetzt unbedingt weiterlesen und glücklicherweise ist die Wartezeit auf die Fortsetzung nicht wirklich lange. Fies, aber gelungen, denn so wird man als Leser bei der Stange gehalten.

Die Protagonisten waren toll. Gerade Clara und Alexander haben mich absolut überzeugt und begeistert. Ich würde beide als authentisch bezeichnen und ich konnte der Handlungen wirklich gut nachvollziehen. Clara war mir persönlich etwas sympathischer, denn sie hat noch so eine Art Stärke, die es in ihrer Position braucht.

Der Schreibstil war flott und modern, sodass das Buch richtig gut zu lesen war. Die Dialoge waren amüsant und spritzig. Die Handlung wird aus wechselnder Perspektive der beiden Hauptprotagonisten erzählt, was schön abwechslungsreich ist. Die Geschichte war gut verständlich, denn alles war plausibel.

Das Cover gefällt mir gut.



Fazit:
Geniale Fortsetzung der Reihe. Viele Geheimnisse und Überraschungen. Ich bin verzückt und kann das Buch weiterempfehlen.
5 von 5 Sterne

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as Geneva Lee introduced readers to Alexander at the beginning of her Royals Saga series, I, like many others, was completely smitten and captivated by this controlling and infuriating man - one who owns every room he walks into, whether it’s a private sex club or a meeting room with the King.

Clara is someone X never expected, but after he’s had her in every imaginable way, he’ll be damned if he’ll give her up, even if it’s from his own ill-doings. And by the time Lee brought readers, what we thought was the final part of their story in Complete Me, I was content to leave King Alexander and his Queen ruling their people with the love and support of their friends and family.

But as soon as I started reading Wild King, the first book in The Sovereign Series and the next chapter in X and Clara’s life together, I was reminded of just how much I loved this royal world and the characters within it. I will admit, though, that I was a bit worried about where Lee planned to take X and Clara; I didn’t want the story line to simply be recycled, just in a grander way due to X’s royal position, and while some of that does exist in Wild King, the plot does veer onto new paths, indicating that things are amped up due to X’s secrets and possible threats that they never considered.

Alex’s stubbornness and inability to be completely open with his wife are still points of contention in their marriage and even though it’s beyond clear that X loves Clara with every part of his heart and soul, until he’s willing to hold nothing back from her, it will always leave a divide between them, and in this new installment, it just might be too much for them to overcome, but readers will have to wait and see what damage is done in the next part of their story.

As much as I adore Alex and his love for Clara and his devotion to his family and his people, he’s extremely frustrating when it comes to his unwillingness to be honest with those closest to him because even if that information could unequivocally alter his relationship with his wife, not shedding light on pertinent details can lead to a much deadlier and dangerous situation, and I feel like that’s where X and Clara are headed, and I’m not happy about it one bit. But I guess I’ll reserve total judgment until I see how the cliffhanger plays out in book two.

4 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[Ceej Chargualaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild King is my first Geneva Lee and my first Royals novel and I’m wondering what took me so long! It’s packed with heat, angst, drama, secrets, lies, and love, and I need more!

I loved Alexander and Clara! They are so perfectly matched!! I’ve never been into Royals and these two were definitely worth going against my usual rule for. I couldn’t read fast enough, and I need more! It hurt my heart knowing that they had secrets from one another and how it affected the other. I guess that just shows how much I loved them. There’s this need for them to have that HEA and secrets and lies won’t guarantee that. Maybe being King and Queen it’s necessary? We’ll see.

Geneva!!! I need the next book!!!

[Tracey Vuolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geneva Lee this story is Wild and being King is no joke! I could not put this book down. I loved Clara’s feisty nature and her stubborn streak. It is necessary when being married to a man like X or you will be swallowed whole. He needs to be consumed by his wife or the darkness will ruin him.
Secrets are definitely poison and this family has more than you can even imagine. I kept turning the pages because I had to know and I couldn’t tell where one lie was ending and another was beginning. This book is a must read for so many reasons but the love and raw passion between these two are one of my favorites. Protecting the ones you love comes at a price, but is that price too big even for a King?

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of Cross Me. This has in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased.*

3.5 stars

Cross Me is a spin-off from another Geneva Lee series, and I might have enjoyed this even more if I already knew Alexander and Clara before I met them in this story.
A royal couple, with a lot of pressure from the outside world, their relationship is not an easy one. However, there is a lot of love between them - only not enough conversations and openness at time.
There is a lot of hotness here, and there is also intrigue, secrets, and a little darkness. The political intrigue caught my eyes, and I can't wait to see how Clara and Alexander deal with everything they're up against.

[Michaela's Büchertraum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vielen Dank an das Bloggerportal Randomhouse für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionsexemplares.

Ich liebe die Royals Saga und bin eher durch Zufall darauf aufmerksam geworden, dass es eine Fortsetzung gibt. Die neuen Cover sind wirklich ein wahrer Blickfang, aber ich finde es schade, dass sie nun nicht mehr zu den alten Ausgaben passen, aber naja. So ist es eben nun.... Irgendwie hatte ich die Hoffnung, dass Band 8 bis 10 sich um eine neue Reihe von den Royals handeln, nämlich um Edward. Aber so ist es (leider) nicht. Ich hoffe, dass er noch seine Reihe bekommt, denn ich liebe seine Figur einfach.

Meine Erwartungen an dieses Buch waren sehr hoch, da ich die ersten sechs Bände geliebt habe. Der siebte Band war für mich eine richtige Enttäuschung.... Aber Band 8 ist genau so wie der Anfang der Reihe. Einfach genial. Es war zwar etwas schwer in die Geschichte einzufinden, da es schon länger her ist, dass ich die anderen Teile gelesen habe. Aber nach ein paar Seiten und nach starken Nachdenken konnte ich mich in die Geschichte fallen lassen. Und ich habe es geliebt. Da hätte ich es besser gefunden wenn die Autorin einen kleinen Rückblick eingebaut hätte.

Das Buch wird aus den Sichten von Clara und Alexander erzählt. Ich finde diese Weise immer wieder gut. Denn so haben wir als Leser einen besseren Einblick in die Charaktere und deren Emotionen. Wieder einmal gibt es hier ein Auf und ab, was mir wirklich sehr gut gefallen hat. Clara und Alexander sind beide so tolle Personen die ich direkt in mein Herz geschlossen habe. Ich habe mich so auf die neuen Abenteuer der beiden gefreut. Schade ist es, dass sie immer noch Geheimnisse voreinander haben - insbesondere Alexander. Ich hoffe er macht seine Beziehung zu Clara dadurch nicht kaputt. Das ganze Hin und Her kann einem schon mal auf die Nerven gehen, aber ich kannte das schon aus den vorherigen Bänden. Aber es wäre für beide - und auch für die Leser - einfacher wenn es dieses ewige Katz und Maus Spiel nicht geben würde, bzw. nicht so heftig ausfallen würde wie bei Clara und Alexander.

Der Schreibstil von Geneva Lee ist locker, leicht und erotisch. Was mich ein wenig gestört hat waren die vielen Sexszenen zwischen Clara und Alexander. Sie hatten irgendwie gefühlt in jedem Kapitel Sex, das war mir dann doch zu viel des Guten. Aber nichts desto trotz hatte ich wirklich schöne und spannende Lesestunden mit den beiden und ihren Freunden. Das Setting war dieses Mal echt hammer und auch das Thema fand ich toll. Durch den miesen Cliffhanger bin ich nun umso mehr gespannt auf die Fortsetzungen und hoffe, dass die Zeit bis dahin schnell vergehen wird.

Fazit: "Royal Games" ist eine tolle Fortsetzung meiner Lieblingsreihe der "Royal Saga". Nachdem Band 7 enttäuschend war, konnte mich dieser Teil der Reihe wieder auf voller Länge überzeugen. Man konnte mit Clara und Alexander von der ersten Seite an mit fiebern und mit fühlen. Ich liebe diese Charaktere einfach so, und freue mich sehr auf die Fortsetzungen. Ich kann diesem Buch nur eine klare Leseempfehlung geben und es gehört jetzt schon zu meinen Highlights 2020.

[Hannah (Sakurahan or ForeverBooks18) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope you’re all doing well :). I’ve just finished “Wild King: Sovereign: Book One” (“Wild King”) by Geneva Lee. You all know how much I love my adult romances and this one did not disappoint.

4.5 Stars!

I read “Wild King” for a few readathons...

Popsugar 2019 Reading Challenge - A book with multiple character POV’s. I go into this in the review itself but briefly it’s told from both Clara and Alexander’s perspectives.

Reading Rivalry - I didn’t finish it within the specified time for this to count, unfortunately but I got page count points.

Litwits - again, I didn’t finish it for this unfortunately.

“Wild King” chronicles the events after Geneva Lee’s first series, “The Royals Saga.” You don’t necessarily HAVE to read this but I suggest it as it lets you know the characters from the beginning! There will be spoilers for the Royals Saga in my review!

In “The Royals Saga,” we met Clara, an American girl who’d just graduated university in England. At her graduation, she literally met and fell in love with a prince. Prince Alexander Of England (obviously a fictional prince) and her have a tumultuous start to their relationship but they obviously get through it all, as this book wouldn’t exist otherwise. Are all the secrets uncovered, though? Does Clara really know what being a Royal amounts to. You’ll have to read to find out!

“Wild King” is told from both Clara and Alexander’s perspectives. The original trilogy of Royals books are only told from just Clara’s POV so it was nice to see Alexander’s thoughts throughout this book. It also changed up the pace a little. The other 3 books of the Royals series (it’s six books long) are told from Belle’s (Clara’s best girl friend’s) perspective, as she has her own romance with Smith, a character that isn’t in “Wild King” much. Belle has a role to play in “Wild King.” I’m hoping that the next books will expand and focus a little more on her character, as she has her own story progression in “Wild King” too.

NOTE: “Wild King” is an ADULT romance book so there are a few sex scenes described. Not as many as I thought there would have been, actually but still a few! There’s also swearing.

*I read the ARC copy, where all of the spellings are Americanised, even for the British King! I believe that in the published version all of Alexander’s speech/thoughts as well as those of the other English characters too (there are a lot of them) have been anglicised. Alexander says “faucet” in the arc, whereas in England we’d (yes - I’m English) say tap, for example.

Spoilers below:

“Now, despite being pregnant again, she was determined to finally rise to her public responsibilities as Queen. No amount of charm could dissuade her.”

This is Alexander seeing that Clara wants to prove that she CAN be Queen! “Wild King” has a lot of Clara wanting to prove herself. The author got the point across that Clara doesn’t think she’s good enough to be royalty because she wasn’t born into it, as Alexander was.
However, that’s until Henry and Mary, Alexander’s uncle and grandmother come and tell him that he’s got to host the Sovereign Games after the Prime Minister brings it up to him. The games were something his father wanted before he was killed in the Royals Saga.

“So, this has become her baby.”
“I suppose in a way. She feels strongly that Albert’s memory should be kept alive.”
“Doesn’t everyone?”

Alexander didn’t get on with his father at all in “The Royals Saga.” They had a bad relationship at best. Alexander didn’t agree that what what Albert wanted was right for the country. He was more focused on the duty of the job of being King, rather than the heart of it. When Alexander remarks that “this has become her baby,” he means the Sovereign Games have fallen to his grandmother Mary’s responsibility. Clara and Alexander agree to take on the role of the games, much to Alexander’s distaste. He’s being sarcastic by saying “doesn’t everyone,” as he doesn’t.

“I grimaced. That had not been on my agenda. “That was my father’s pet project.”

Alexander doesn’t want anything to do with his father’s “pet project,” or his grandmother, who he also doesn’t get on with, either. Clara therefore agrees to take on the role of the lead Royal in the Sovereign Games, much to Mary’s disapproval. Clara doesn’t like Mary either, but that’s more because Mary doesn’t think she’s worthy of being Queen. This is one reason as to why Clara wants to prove her and everyone else with that view wrong.

“Originally, Mary had wanted to start the games in March. I’d argued it would be a signal of our family’s unity to begin on Alexander’s birthday, February 26, and end on Albert’s, the 25th of May.”

Clara thinks the Sovereign Games should coincide with the family birthdays. This I believe is Clara trying to assert herself within the family, and make a difference about how things are done. Yes, Mary was in charge a long time ago but now it’s Clara’s turn and she’s not going to be told she’s in the wrong by someone who only wants to see her fail.

“I see you’re pregnant again.” Mary didn’t bother to hide her disapproval.”

The fact that Mary doesn’t think Clara is worthy of Alexander is again bought up here. Mary disapproves of Clara doing anything with her grandson, it seems, even loving him.

“There had been a time when Alexander couldn’t use the word love—a time when I’d thought a future with him was a fantasy. No matter what trials we faced, I remembered that we had chosen each other.”

This is Clara later in the novel telling us that long ago she thought her future with Alexander was a fantasy, and that nothing would come of her dreams. No matter the tests that are put in front of them they’d chosen each other at every turn. That’s what Clara believes true love is, I believe. In “The Royals Saga”, Clara had been the first to say “I love you.” Alexander was scared to put his feelings into words. He didn’t want Clara to have the life of a Royal, even if it was by marriage only. He wanted and still wants for her to be free. Here, Clara is also comparing her love life to that of Brex and Georgia, her bodyguards. This romance isn’t really expanded on at all in “Wild King.” It hopefully will be expanded on in the next novel, “Wicked Queen.”

“Love is fighting and compromising and choosing one person over and over again. No matter what.”

This is what Clara believes makes up love. This is what Clara and Alexander did throughout “The Royals Saga.” They chose each other again and again, even though their parents and friends weren’t sure it was what was right. It was what was right for them. That’s what love truly is, I believe. It’s different for everyone. No one will experience exactly the same love story as anyone else.

“I love you. I wish I could go back and tell you as soon as I realized it. I wish I could go back and tell you every time I’ve thought it since. Your love is a gift I’ve never deserved. I’m honored to love you.”

This is one of my favourite quotes in “Wild King” because it shows the love that Alexander has for Clara and how significant that love is. Above I quoted how Alexander couldn’t say that he loved Clara in the previous series. He didn’t think their relationship would work. Here, however he plain as day tells Clara that he loves her and that no matter what, he always will. He says it’s an honour to love her. I don’t know about any of you but I’d like my future husband to tell me that.

“You deserve to feel nothing but love and peace. Our children deserve that. If I have to spend every day of my life fighting for it, I will.”

Alexander is reinforcing how strongly in love with Clara he is. He only wants love and peace for his wife and children, which for me is pretty much perfect husband material. Yes, there are parts to Alexander’s character that are bad or that need to be changed as there is to anyone in reality, but he loves and wants what’s best for those most important to him. I think that because of those things Alexander makes it somewhere near the top of my ideal fictional boyfriend list!

A lot of Alexander’s lines have a comic edge to them.

“Once the baby was born, I was going to have to institute monthly pregnancy tests. This was the second surprise baby we’d been blessed with, and, in the future, I wanted to worship for every second of her pregnancy.”

Here, he’s partly joking and partly thinking what he’d really wish to happen, I believe. Both him and Clara have a lot of sex so it would make sense to have monthly pregnancy tests, even if the idea is a little extreme. Clara has issues that I don’t want to spoil more later on in the story, though so there may not be any need for more pregnancy tests.

“he couldn’t keep me here forever,” is what Clara thinks about feeling trapped in her marriage. She loves Alexander but at the same time she doesn’t want to be ordered around. She’s her own person. This demonstrates and no one has rule over her life except her. She’s not going to play sitting duck. She’s going to do what she wants to do as an independent young woman. I appreciated this. Being a young woman myself, it’s good to see representation for women or people, I guess who don’t want to be told what to do or who to be. In this day and age there shouldn’t be any of that.

“I was as committed to Alexander as ever. I loved him and nothing would change that. But things weren’t exactly smooth sailing.”

This is what Clara is thinking as she discusses her marital relationship with Belle and Edward, her two best friends. Edward is also Alexander’s brother and so knows him better than anyone, except maybe Clara. Clara knows that her marriage is in trouble at this point. She loves Alexander but is that enough? You’ll need to read to find out!

“Alexander and Edward were the best men I knew, and if she couldn’t see that, I wanted nothing to do with her.”

This is Clara’s view on Mary, Alexander and Edward’s grandmother. Mary is the main antagonist of “Wild King,” I’d say. She doesn’t want Clara as a part of the Royal Family. She thinks that while Alexander and Edward are surrounded by Clara they won’t make the right decisions and they’ll lead the monarchy into disrepute. Can Clara prove her wrong? You’ll have to read to find out!

Lastly, I quickly feel I need to mention Anders, a new character. I don’t want to exactly reveal his role but there’s a love triangle that I didn’t love or hate. It was pretty much just there to rial the characters up.

“Meanwhile, my daughter was throwing her body toward Anderson. “I think she likes you.”
“She just misses her daddy,” he said.”

Elizabeth likes Anders and wants to play with him. This of course makes Alexander angry because he feels he should be the only man in his baby girls life. Is there a connection between Anders and Elizabeth? You’ll have to read to find out!

“Anderson Stone was falling in love with my wife...I wasn’t blind. Anyone could see it.”

The love triangle didn’t really do anything to further the plot but it wasn’t boring to read, either. Alexander isn’t happy about this love triangle, obviously. I find that adult love triangles are much more interesting to read than YA ones because an author can go anywhere with an adult book. There aren’t any filters, like there is with YA. An author can write how annoyed a character is without having to limit the level of vulgarity. For example in “Wild King,”

“Did he just go around oozing sex appeal and charming women and children.”

When Anders coos at Elizabeth and calls her a “beautiful girl” it makes Alexander cross. That’s his daughter that Anders just said that to. Clara just thinks it’s a part of his character. She’s unaware of the secret that Alexander is keeping about Anders at this point. Is Clara attracted to Anders? You’ll have to read to find out!

At the end of the novel, things take a turn and we see that things could go drastically wrong for Clara.

“I don’t have any secrets from Clara.”
“Not anymore”

shows that Alexander has made a decision, to include his wife on all future decisions. Will she be safe until the next novel, though? That is the cliffhanger we’re faced with.

Well, after all that I can tell you that I really enjoyed “Wild King.” The reason I’m only giving the first book in this new series 4.5 Stars, which is still a great rating, is that I think I need to read more of the story to fully be able to judge this book. That might not make sense but I just thought that there were a few too many open endings. Other than that though, I loved this new book and I really hope I can have “Wicked Queen” very soon!

[Vi ~ Inkvotary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

Clara and Alexander are often not really on the same side. While Clara does everything to be a real Queen for England Alexander often steps beyond an invisible line Clara has drawn. His lies threaten their love and when she finally finds out that he was hiding one big secret all along from her, she´s done.

This story is an up and down between the two main characters Clara and Alexander. I don´t remember if their relationship has always been that exhausting but I am sure that the way how he treated her, in the beginning, was very different from the way he is treating her now. For me, it seemed as if Alexander does everything to make it impossible for Clara to breathe. Something that shouldn´t happen between two people who are deeply in love with each other. But the fact, that the author had to tell the reader over and over again that Alexander had his problem trusting Clara or that he needed to be reminded that she had chosen him kind of annoyed me after a while.

Sure, I liked to read how the relationship was going on between them and how they would live their marriage. How they would be as King and Queen. But I didn´t expect it to happen the way it did. Was it necessary to bring some drama into the plot? Did the author need a certain kind of darkness to give the story some spice? On the other hand, I saw scenes and dialogues that were so shallow and foreseeable that I was literally wondering why the author had changed her writing style.

Good, it has been a while that I´ve read the first three books of this series but I guess I still remember how Alexander and Clara were acting back then. Clara never allowed Alexander to treat her as if she had no will of her own. And she never allowed him to use her for anything he intended to do, except for extensive passionate sex. But his dark side was something she did everything to overcome. And as far as I remember, she was successful. Sure, they never had a relationship that was just flower sex or just holding hands. But for me, it was a great sign that Clara was able to stand beside Alexander without losing herself. When I started reading this book, I was surprised to see that the marriage they have looked more like a constant fight. A fight in which Clara has to prove day by day that she is not only madly in love with her husband but also that she is willing to have sex with him whenever he needs it.

Either I am absolutely grown out of this type of series or this book is one of the weakest of the Royals Saga so far. To be honest, I had my troubles reading it. Therefore, I cannot share the general enthusiasm for this novel. Sure, the plot has some good moments, and if you want to read about passionate sex repeatedly, this story is exactly what you want. But I missed something. Alexander seemed to me to be more of an immature toddler in terms of behavior than a grown man. Clara on the other hand was in some scenes great to watch. Sad to say but I fear my expectations were way too high here. Or has the author changed her style? However, judge for yourself. For me, I hope that the next volume will be better and that I can enjoy the story again.

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series starts after another one that explains how Alexander and Cara get together. Should you read the first series, probably it will give you more insight in to the world. Do you have to, no you do not and I did not feel lost while reading it at all! Alexander is the freaking King of England and you find out that Cara is the American that stole his heart and they were married.

Even while the public and parliament likes to judge every single action that the royal couple make, they are still trying their best to navigate through the world. Alexander has a freaky side and the passion that he has for his feisty wife is intoxicating.

There are SO FREAKING MANY secrets though! Seriously, I want to slap X a couple of times because he feels like he is protecting Clara, but he is really just digging himself in to so many holes.

This was a great read though and even though it ends with a cliffhanger, it was an enjoyable read and I am looking forward to the rest of the series!

PS: I received this book for free, but am voluntarily and honestly reviewing it!

[The Smutbrarians · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels 4
Storyline 5
Steam 5+
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Lindsey

I was sooooo excited when I saw that Lee was coming out with more X and Clara. I mean, these books are some of my absolute favorites ever. Getting to see how X has matured as a King in some ways is refreshing but in other ways I still want to throat punch the fine man occasionally for being silly about things. Clara is still a force to be reckoned with. I love her sass. I love how when something means something to her there's no backing down. Getting to know them and other side characters more is always a plus. But wow, the surprises in this book kept me on my toes. So many twists and turns that I was reeling at the end. I cant wait for the next book. I'm sure it will be just as perfect as this one!

[Michell Hall casper · Rating 5 out of 5]

When this series ended a couple years ago I thought we weren't going to see the Royal family again. So when I heard Geneva Lee was bringing back the Royal family and all the other characters and new ones. I was so excited! I didn't realize how much I missed these characters and this world until I started reading again and immersed myself back into their lives.

This book was so good. It had me on the edge of my seat. It was filled with angst, secrets, passion and so much love. X is back full force and he is not going to let anything stand in the way of his LOVE for his family. Not even the Crown and his responsibility to the people. But will it ruin him and his family? This is a MUST READ!!!! I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander and Clara are still trying to adjust to all the changes in their lives. They never had a honeymoon and could still be considered newlyweds. Elizabeth is growing by leaps and bounds. While they both adore her, it is difficult to balance their lives as Royals with the demands of parenting and their desire to be a normal family.

Clara is again pregnant. Breaking the new to X and trying to impress upon him she is not fragile is harder than she thought. His possessiveness and overbearing need to protect her keeps her fighting him for some liberty. This is fine and well until again her life is threatened. Prepare yourselves for Royal fights!

The Games must go on and Alexander is not willing to host them. If the public is to embrace their new King, Alexander mus realize he must bend a little. It is not just the memories of the Games and his father. There are participants involved that will drive Alexander to obsession and jealousy. Poor Clara!

Captivating and steamy, this book continues the story of Alexander, Clara and all their friends. It will keep you entertained while their lives keep getting more and more complex by the minute.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing a copy with me.

[Jessica Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow. What can I say. If you loved X and Clara in the Royals Saga then you will still love them. You don't have to read the Royals Saga but to get the full effect of their love story I highly recommend it. Hes still highly protective and fiercely in love with Clara. And Clara still in love with X heart and soul. But when it comes to keeping secrets has X truly learned his lesson? The way this ended has me begging and needing more. This is truly a great addition to the stroy of X and Clara. Cant wait for more!

[Pnina Azar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book I read from Geneva Lee. I never read her books. And I had not met Alexander and Clara before.
It's true that I was a bit scared because I did not know the characters. But when I delved into the book, it did not hurt the quality of reading and I was just amazed to meet a couple with so much love and devotion. How deep and special love there is in this couple.
And no doubt, I'm going to read her previous books, just to get to know this amazing couple more deeply and to know the other equally interesting characters.
Highly recommended.

[Bookish Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild ride with a wild king.


As usual, X and Clara take us on a rollercoaster ride. It seems like there is a neverending supply of secrets in X's life and his family's. Now is no different.

I loved going back to this couple they were one of my favorites when I got back into reading. I've also missed Geneva's writing. She never disappoints. The tension here is more emotional than sexual, but we still get some awesome sexy times.

[endlessbookworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

KLAPPENTEXT:

Vom Bad Boy zum König von England. Nach dem tödlichen Anschlag auf seinen Vater hat Alexander die Krone übernommen. Mit Clara an seiner Seite will er die Interessen seines Landes wahren. Doch noch immer hat die königliche Familie Feinde, und die Medien warten nur auf eine skandalöse Schlagzeile. Tatsächlich gibt es in der Vergangenheit seines Vaters ein Geheimnis, das unter keinen Umständen ans Licht kommen darf. Während Alexander um jeden Preis seine geliebte Ehefrau Clara vor all dem schützen möchte, taucht schon der nächste Skandal auf. Einer, den er nicht hat kommen sehen und der nicht nur das Königshaus, sondern auch seine Liebe zerstören könnte …

MEINE MEINUNG:
Ich habe die ersten Bände der Royal Saga von Geneva Lee wirklich sehr gerne gelesen und auch die weiteren drei Bände über Belle haben mir wirklich sehr gefallen. Deshalb habe ich mich gefreut zu sehen, dass Claras und Alexanders Geschichte noch nicht zu Ende ist. Man kann es zwar bei dem Ende der ersten Bände belassen aber ich war natürlich viel zu neugierig und musste das Buch sofort lesen.
Die Autorin hat auch hier wie gewohnt einen flüssigen und angenehm zu lesenden Schreibstil, bei dem man sehr gut durch das Buch durchkommt.
Clara mag ich in diesen Bänden tatsächlich noch mehr als vorher, weil man gut erkennen kann dass sie sich weiterentwickelt hat und reifer geworden ist. Dabei muss ich aber auch sagen, dass sie in Bezug auf ihre eigene Sicherheit doch eher naiv ist.
Alexander war schon immer der verschlossenere Typ und das ist er auch geblieben, auch wenn man im Gegensatz zum Anfang nun durch seine Perspektive viel mehr über ihn weiß. An manchen Stellen konnte ich über ihn echt nur den Kopf schütteln und im nächsten konnte man seine Beweggründe aber dann doch sehr gut nachvollziehen.
Die Handlung an sich war nie langweilig auch wenn die vielen expliziten Szenen manchmal nervig sein können. Ansonsten haben sich hier aber Geheimnisse und Intrigen aufgedeckt, die ich so niemals erwartet hätte und die mich geschockt zurückgelassen haben. Nichts ist mehr wie es war und nach diesem Ende kann ich den nächsten Band kaum erwarten.

FAZIT:
Ich bin positiv überrascht von der Fortsetzung! Denjenigen, den die Hauptbände gefallen haben, kann ich nur empfehlen weiterzulesen. Ich freue mich auf die nächsten Bände.

[Kassandra Van Dyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am new to these characters and did not know what to expect. I have been blown away by X and Clara love. It is a push pull kind of love that no one expects. People think marriage is easy this story lets you know it’s hard work. I will be reading the other books. I give it five stars!

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dammit, Alexander!!!

[Nadine]

DNF at 15% - hence no rating

Just NO. I read the first 2 books because I wanted to know how Alex and Clara's story ends and I thought after the 3rd book I want more. But reading the first bit of this book showed me, I had enough and I really don't want to know what happened after their happy for now in the 3 book

[sarah.booksanddreams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mit „Royal Games“ von Geneva Lee geht es zurück ins englische Königshaus,
wo Alexander und seine Clara mit ihrer kleinen Familie eigentlich glücklich sein sollten …
Doch nach dem tödlichen Anschlag auf seinen Vater bangt Alexander um den Schutz seiner Frau.
Um diesen zu gewährleisten, tut er das was er am besten kann:
seinen Kopf durchsetzen, Clara auf Abstand halten und wieder einmal Dinge vor ihr geheim halten.
Doch Clara hat gelernt mit ihrem sturen und herrischen Mann umzugehen.
Und wenn er eben wieder einmal Geheimnisse hat, kann auch sie eines hüten …

Mit den Royal von Geneva Lee habe ich schon so einige fesselnde Lesestunden verbracht.
Umso größer war auch meine Vorfreude, erneut in ihre Welt einzutauchen!
Die Fortsetzung setzt das Kennen der Bände 1-7 voraus.

Das Cover finde ich einfach unglaublich schön (und bin gleichzeitig ein bisschen traurig,
dass es durch das komplette Neudesign der Reihe leider nicht zu den Büchern in meinem Regal passt ...).
Der Klappentext schürte meine Neugierde, wie es bei der königlichen Familie weitergeht!


Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und locker.
Man erlebt die Geschichte aus den Perspektiven von Clara und Alexander.

Einmal mit dem Lesen angefangen, konnte ich gar nicht mehr aufhören!
Es war sofort wieder packend, leidenschaftlich, fesselnd und geheimnisumwoben.

Im Vordergrund steht das Familienleben von Clara und Alexander,
sowie die royalen Abgründe.
Alexander ist gewohnt herrisch und dominant,
zeigt sich aber gefühl- und liebevoller im Umgang mit seiner Frau.
Clara findet sich in ihrer Rolle als Königin ein,
und zeigt sich dabei jetzt sehr willensstark und beharrlich.
Natürlich gibt es aber auch ein Wiedersehen mit anderen bereits lieb gewonnen Charakteren, wie Belle und Edward.

Ich habe diesen Teil von Anfang bis Ende verschlungen!
Die Liebesgeschichte war gewohnt leidenschaftlich und prickelnd.
Mit den Geheimnissen, einer neuen Erkenntnis und den Familienszenen
war es sehr abwechslungsreich und verheißungsvoll!
Die Story endet mit einem Cliffhanger, der mich den nächsten Teil schon jetzt sehnsüchtig erwarten lässt!

Von mir gibt es eine ganz klare Leseempfehlung für alle Liebhaber der Reihe
und 5 von 5 Sterne.

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geneva Lee has left me speechless and breathless in Cross Me! This story has captured my heart with the brilliant writing and captivating story line.

Alexander and Clara are trying to adjust with the burdens of the royal duties. But it is not easy. Conspiracies and mysterious threats are smothering their relationship. Secrets are refusing to stay in closet and they are struggling. Clara's need of being herself and Alexander's need to protect her at any cost are creating distance between them. Will they survive the ordeal?

I was hooked to the story right from the start and I could not leave them even for a moment. Their burning passion and soul deep bonding was surreal and amazing! I can't believe she left me with that cliffhanger! The wait will be pure torture.

Geneva Lee's writing was beautiful, intense and sharp. I was lost in the maze of royal world and am yet to find a way out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[juviasft · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I finished it. When I started I first thought I read them in the wrong order, but no, turns out there's like three other books telling Alexander and Clara's story, which I don't feel like reading, I believe reading 6 books about the same couple it's a little too much.

So I continued and although I did feel a little out of contex sometimes, there was nothing too hard for me to figure out or imagine how their story went.

I just want to say that I didn't really like this book, it felt like a real toxic relationship were Alex keeps all this secrets to himself and Clara finds out, they fight and make up with sex. Rinse and repeat on every chapter.

I read worst books, so I might give the second one a chance to redeem the series, but as soon as I notice nothing chances I'm out.

[Naughty Girl Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first time I read the series, I could deal with Clara but in this book she is sooooo annoying and weak. You are a grown woman and Queen!!! Act like it, not a spoiled child. I understand X is the alpha male so his behavior makes sense in character but I cant stand a weak woman who makes dumb decisions for the sake of being "independent".