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Royal Secrets
Marrying the King
She's lost her memory. He's lost his heart. Can they find their happily ever after in the past?Lexi has wasted her entire college career researching a dead-end. Her thesis on the sixteenth-century Durham queen, Alexandra, is going nowhere. How can she defend her doctoral dissertation if she can't even figure out where the queen was born? When she meets Nancy, Lexi doesn't think much of it—until she wakes up in the past without her memory.King Richard's only goal is to keep Durham from war with Galia, even if it means marrying their princess whom he's never met. When his advisers bring news that the princess's ship was attacked, Richard is devastated—until he finds a beautiful girl washed up on shore and assumes she's the missing royal.Lexi has no memory of her past, but Richard's advisers urge him to press forward with wedding plans. As Lexi grows more and more enamored with the kind-hearted king, memories of her past have her questioning her present—until another Galian princess arrives in Durham to take her deceased sister's place as queen. Will Lexi fight to stay in the past with Richard, or will she be forced to return to the future without him?This heartwarming romance can be read as a stand-alone and has no cliffhangers and a guaranteed HEA. Snappy dialogue, complex characters, and laugh-out-loud scenes are sure to appeal to fans of romance. If you love time travel romances with a dash of amnesia, then you’ll love Marrying the King (previously published as The Pretend Princess as part of The Book Club Series). Grab your copy today!Don't forget Lucinda Whitney and Laura D. Bastian's contributions to the Royal Secrets series!
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2019
178 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Lindzee Armstrong
95 books609 followersLINDZEE ARMSTRONG is the USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty-five heartfelt romances. A RONE Award winner and two-time Whitney Award finalist, she writes stories filled with complex relationships, emotional depth, and playful humor. Fueled by Diet Dr. Pepper and fictional angst, she can win any Gilmore Girls trivia contest yet rarely remembers what she ate for breakfast. Lindzee believes every relationship has a story worth telling—and she's determined to write them all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 3, 2021
Ahhh, another sweet read in the Book Club series. I had fun enjoying this one. It was a pretty fast read that can be read in a couple hours. And if you haven't previously read any books in this series, no worries, you can definitely read it as a stand alone. I've read a handful of the books in the series and have enjoyed seeing Dr. Lachele in each book. She's the main character that connects them all, aside from them all being a part of the same book club.
Another thing that I've enjoyed from Lindzee's books in this series is that they have a small connection with her Royal Secrets series. Mostly that they are set in the same kingdoms but in the past. So don't worry, you don't have to read that series to enjoy this series either. Just a fun tie in for those who have read the Royal Secrets series.
Lexi has been researching the ancient Royal Family of Durham and trying to find as much information as she can about them for her final school project. She's hit a couple dead ends and is unsure where to look. Enter Dr. Lachele. She helps Lexi in a way that Lexi never dreamed of. Lexi ends up finding herself transported in time to Durham during a critical point in their history and during the time of the Royal Family she has been researching. Yet there's a major problem...her memory is gone.
This was a really fun read. If you're looking for something cute, sweet, light, with a touch of suspense thrown in, a sweet romance, time travel and just all around an enjoyable read...snag a copy of this one and dive into the kingdom of Durham with Lexi as she tries to remember what's so important about where she's at and who she's with.
I can't wait to share this one with my own daughters. I know they're going to love it and gobble it up like I did!
Content: Clean. Some kissing but nothing further. Some mild suspense.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Another thing that I've enjoyed from Lindzee's books in this series is that they have a small connection with her Royal Secrets series. Mostly that they are set in the same kingdoms but in the past. So don't worry, you don't have to read that series to enjoy this series either. Just a fun tie in for those who have read the Royal Secrets series.
Lexi has been researching the ancient Royal Family of Durham and trying to find as much information as she can about them for her final school project. She's hit a couple dead ends and is unsure where to look. Enter Dr. Lachele. She helps Lexi in a way that Lexi never dreamed of. Lexi ends up finding herself transported in time to Durham during a critical point in their history and during the time of the Royal Family she has been researching. Yet there's a major problem...her memory is gone.
This was a really fun read. If you're looking for something cute, sweet, light, with a touch of suspense thrown in, a sweet romance, time travel and just all around an enjoyable read...snag a copy of this one and dive into the kingdom of Durham with Lexi as she tries to remember what's so important about where she's at and who she's with.
I can't wait to share this one with my own daughters. I know they're going to love it and gobble it up like I did!
Content: Clean. Some kissing but nothing further. Some mild suspense.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 10, 2020
I previously read this when it was titled The Pretend Princess: A Lindzee's Royal Secrets Romance and was part of a multi-author series. It's now part of the author's Royal Secrets series and has been reworked a little bit. I listened to the audiobook this afternoon.
Lexi has hit a dead-end in her research for 16th century Queen Alexandra, and the outline for her dissertation is due in a month! After her book club meeting Lexi has a conversation with a new book club member, who tells her she needs a vacation where she can meet a handsome young man. Lexi jokes "Can you make him a king? I'd love to ask King Richard about his bride." Suddenly the world is spinning and Lexi's gasping for air but taking in salt water! Then she's found unconscious on the beach in Durham by King Richard with no memory of her past, where she's from or how she got to the place she was found.
King Richard wants to avoid going to war with Galia. He's agreed to marry a princess he's never met to help unite the two countries. When word arrives that pirates attacked the ship carrying his soon-to-be-bride, he's not sure how he's going to keep her father, Galia's King Philip, from attacking Durham. Out for a ride to clear his head Richard finds Lexi washed up on the shore dressed in the finery of a princess and with a pendant bearing the the Galian royal crest. He assumes it's Princess Alexis because of the Galian royal crest.
Things get complicated when the deceased princess' sister arrives to marry King Richard in the place of her sister who died at the hands of the pirates. Everyone assumes she'll be overjoyed to find out her sister didn't die, but Lexi isn't her sister! How can Lexi and Richard find a way to be together without causing Galia and Durham to go to war?
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say I liked Lexi and Richard together. They're both great characters and had immediate chemistry. Since I also read the author's Royal Secrets series it was nice to get a little background on the countries of Durham and Galia, but you definitely don't have to read that series to enjoy this book. It was funny when Lexi used modern words and had to try to explain them.
This was a fun read. It can be read in an afternoon so if you're looking for a short sweet romance with royals with some time travel thrown into the mix you'll enjoy this latest book in the Royal Secrets series. This is a clean romance with just kissing.
Lexi has hit a dead-end in her research for 16th century Queen Alexandra, and the outline for her dissertation is due in a month! After her book club meeting Lexi has a conversation with a new book club member, who tells her she needs a vacation where she can meet a handsome young man. Lexi jokes "Can you make him a king? I'd love to ask King Richard about his bride." Suddenly the world is spinning and Lexi's gasping for air but taking in salt water! Then she's found unconscious on the beach in Durham by King Richard with no memory of her past, where she's from or how she got to the place she was found.
King Richard wants to avoid going to war with Galia. He's agreed to marry a princess he's never met to help unite the two countries. When word arrives that pirates attacked the ship carrying his soon-to-be-bride, he's not sure how he's going to keep her father, Galia's King Philip, from attacking Durham. Out for a ride to clear his head Richard finds Lexi washed up on the shore dressed in the finery of a princess and with a pendant bearing the the Galian royal crest. He assumes it's Princess Alexis because of the Galian royal crest.
Things get complicated when the deceased princess' sister arrives to marry King Richard in the place of her sister who died at the hands of the pirates. Everyone assumes she'll be overjoyed to find out her sister didn't die, but Lexi isn't her sister! How can Lexi and Richard find a way to be together without causing Galia and Durham to go to war?
I don't want to give anything away, but I will say I liked Lexi and Richard together. They're both great characters and had immediate chemistry. Since I also read the author's Royal Secrets series it was nice to get a little background on the countries of Durham and Galia, but you definitely don't have to read that series to enjoy this book. It was funny when Lexi used modern words and had to try to explain them.
This was a fun read. It can be read in an afternoon so if you're looking for a short sweet romance with royals with some time travel thrown into the mix you'll enjoy this latest book in the Royal Secrets series. This is a clean romance with just kissing.
February 16, 2021
Insta romance and no real “meat “ to the story. Just a quick fluff book.
March 9, 2020
Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrator-Azalea Blau: 5 stars
What I liked about this book:
• I always like a time travel romance and this was a fun one with some intrigue.
• This was a romance between Lexie, from the future, and King Richard, from the past, who were very kind people with admirable qualities. Their romance was enjoyable.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The pacing of the story was neither too slow nor too fast.
• There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book. The author's writing style was concise and clear.
• This story had a satisfying ending.
• This novel was a clean read and I appreciate that.
• The narrator did an excellent job and brought this story to life and gave me many hours of listening enjoyment.
At my request, I was given a free copy of this audiobook from the author. I have voluntarily left my review and my opinions were my own.
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrator-Azalea Blau: 5 stars
What I liked about this book:
• I always like a time travel romance and this was a fun one with some intrigue.
• This was a romance between Lexie, from the future, and King Richard, from the past, who were very kind people with admirable qualities. Their romance was enjoyable.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The pacing of the story was neither too slow nor too fast.
• There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book. The author's writing style was concise and clear.
• This story had a satisfying ending.
• This novel was a clean read and I appreciate that.
• The narrator did an excellent job and brought this story to life and gave me many hours of listening enjoyment.
At my request, I was given a free copy of this audiobook from the author. I have voluntarily left my review and my opinions were my own.
March 8, 2020
A new take on history. Lexi was studying historical records for her thesis to earn her PhD but was up against a brick wall. She was finding very few records relating to the time period she had decided on. It is at this point, Lindzee Armstrong deftly incorporates many twists and turns and surprises. This is a very clever and unique love story. And, of course, there is a wonderful HEA at the end. I enjoyed reading this little bit of history whether it be authentic or not, it was very well written. I’ve enjoyed many of Ms Armstrong’s books and they never disappoint. I know that if her name is attached to the book as an author then I will never go wrong getting it and reading it.
April 26, 2021
Adventure
She is a frustrated historian. He is a desperate King. Over 500 years separate them. Impossible, right. Or is it...
She is a frustrated historian. He is a desperate King. Over 500 years separate them. Impossible, right. Or is it...
September 19, 2021
This book is very different from other books by Lindzee Armstrong, specifically because it was based in the 1500s. Because this genre is new to her I'll forgive her for not quite getting the historical feel right. I love history like Lexi and wish the story had been more historically accurate and would have pulled me into the 16th century better, but I still enjoyed the story. I was also fun that the countries that were discussed are part of another one of Armstrong's series. I enjoyed that connection. Lexi and Richard are very sweet together. I loved how attentive Richard was to her and so loving and caring. It's a beautiful love story.
January 11, 2021
I guess this could qualify as a historic romance with a twist. There is a time travel/fairy godmother element that reminded me of a movie I can't remember the name of. (It was a long time ago and my searches have come up empty). Anyway another example would be A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.
Lexi has studied this time period and king for a long time. All she really wants is to learn about his mysterious queen. When she's sent back in time by a fairy godmother, she ends up with amnesia. The story was nice. There were many times though that I felt the story was rushed. There was a great opportunity to add a lot of depth and emotion, but it all went so fast. And as soon as Lexi's memory returned, the bad guy was dispatched, her heart broken, then mended all nice and tidy in a few pages.
It was a good read, but I wanted more. So, I give this a 3.5 rounded up because I did enjoy the time spent in the pages. And it has a CLEAN rating.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no sex on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, sex is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to sex), more talk about sex, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but sex is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen sex
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen” sex, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the sex and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
Lexi has studied this time period and king for a long time. All she really wants is to learn about his mysterious queen. When she's sent back in time by a fairy godmother, she ends up with amnesia. The story was nice. There were many times though that I felt the story was rushed. There was a great opportunity to add a lot of depth and emotion, but it all went so fast. And as soon as Lexi's memory returned, the bad guy was dispatched, her heart broken, then mended all nice and tidy in a few pages.
It was a good read, but I wanted more. So, I give this a 3.5 rounded up because I did enjoy the time spent in the pages. And it has a CLEAN rating.
1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure
Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no sex on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, sex is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to sex), more talk about sex, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but sex is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen sex
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen” sex, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the sex and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
June 24, 2023
An interesting story. Alexandra, Lexi, is a Ph.D. student studying a sixteenth-century Queen Alexandra (their shared name is what enamors her). She's having a great deal of difficulty finding anything about her. In frustration, she wishes to fall in love with King Richard, the Queen's husband. Nancy, her previously unknown fairy godmother, grants the wish. When she arrives, her memories are gone. Romance, political intrigue (his advisers and the neighboring kingdom's ruler), and Lexi's flashbacks of memory make for some delightful reading. A story is well worth reading.
Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
Entertaining. Great world building. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
May 3, 2021
Needed more
I love time travel romance and I wanted to love this book but it just fell short. This may contain spoilers. I just felt like the King was super accepting of her and they fell in love in 3 days with minimum hesitation. Also he would use modern phrases even though he’s from the past. I felt like the conflict was resolved rather easily. I think she could have wrote more about her adjusting to being in the past. The whole point of time travel romance is that it’s a different world than what you’re used to. For example there were no toilets during that time that’d be a funny adjustment. I was just expecting more so I was disappointed
I love time travel romance and I wanted to love this book but it just fell short. This may contain spoilers. I just felt like the King was super accepting of her and they fell in love in 3 days with minimum hesitation. Also he would use modern phrases even though he’s from the past. I felt like the conflict was resolved rather easily. I think she could have wrote more about her adjusting to being in the past. The whole point of time travel romance is that it’s a different world than what you’re used to. For example there were no toilets during that time that’d be a funny adjustment. I was just expecting more so I was disappointed
June 22, 2022
Marrying the King
I normally do not care for time travel books but I thought this one sounded interesting. I was not disappointed. It starts out in the 21st century with Lexi who is a historian working on getting her PHD. She is thrown back over 500 years to the time of King Richard. When she washes ashore having no memory of her past, there is a case of mistaken identity. What happens when she finally realizes she is from the future? What becomes of a modern day woman during that time period?
I normally do not care for time travel books but I thought this one sounded interesting. I was not disappointed. It starts out in the 21st century with Lexi who is a historian working on getting her PHD. She is thrown back over 500 years to the time of King Richard. When she washes ashore having no memory of her past, there is a case of mistaken identity. What happens when she finally realizes she is from the future? What becomes of a modern day woman during that time period?
April 14, 2021
We really enjoyed Lindzee's No Match for Love Series, so picking up this was an easy choice. The story is fun, if a little rushed. Lindzee handles the time travel and amnesia in unique way, giving the story a more youthful fanciful feel.
Though the characters are sweet with good back stories, they lack depth. If you keep in mind that the story is short, it can be an entertaining quick read. However it could be an excellent story had the development not be rushed.
Though the characters are sweet with good back stories, they lack depth. If you keep in mind that the story is short, it can be an entertaining quick read. However it could be an excellent story had the development not be rushed.
April 26, 2020
The description had me at time travel romance with a promised HEA. But the execution lacked depth and character development. Sadly the romance felt forced and not very authentic. The plot line had a lot of promise. It was a quick read, and I finished it. I didn’t hate it, I just expected more substance and intrigue.
April 2, 2021
This story isn't quite what I expected. I really enjoyed getting to learn about Lexi with Lexi and Richard. I also enjoyed these two finding love even when it seems impossible. This is a really sweet and romantic read and well worth coming back to again. Azalea did a great job narrating and bringing out the different personalities from the different characters.
April 3, 2021
Marrying the King
When Lexi couldn’t find what happened to Queen Alexandra she closed the books and went to her book club. There she met her fairy godmother. When asked where she wanted to go Lexi decided to see King Richard. Maybe she can find out things from him. She didn’t know she would fall in love with him.
When Lexi couldn’t find what happened to Queen Alexandra she closed the books and went to her book club. There she met her fairy godmother. When asked where she wanted to go Lexi decided to see King Richard. Maybe she can find out things from him. She didn’t know she would fall in love with him.
March 12, 2020
It's a short read or listen. I liked it but wasn't completely wowed. I think they're were some missed opportunities for character development and the relationship didn't have a lot of substance to it. I think the time travel concept is fun and I love the time period selected.
April 16, 2020
Absolutely loved this one!
This was a royal romance wrapped into a fairy tale. I loved this book in the series. It probably was my favorite! Lexi was a love able character and I enjoyed her story very much. I highly recommend this sweet romance book!
This was a royal romance wrapped into a fairy tale. I loved this book in the series. It probably was my favorite! Lexi was a love able character and I enjoyed her story very much. I highly recommend this sweet romance book!
April 24, 2020
Great book!
This is the first book by Lindzee I have read and I really enjoyed it. I loved the time travel aspect and loved how the story and romance developed. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
This is the first book by Lindzee I have read and I really enjoyed it. I loved the time travel aspect and loved how the story and romance developed. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
April 2, 2021
It was a fairly well written sweet story, but some of the biggest problems in the plot didn't get addressed, and the ending came all at once in a rush - we didn't even get time to enjoy the happily ever after it built up to. I need to take a break from reading these free e-book downloads lol
April 3, 2021
She is a great author. I’ve read all of her matched books. I was thinking this might not be up to my expectations considering it’s a time travel book. But I was so wrong. This book was well written as her others it’s 1:30 am. After such a great. Read, I’m saying a very good night
April 6, 2021
Great story
I usually don't read stories where people go back in time, but this one caught my eye and made me interested and I an so glad I read it. There is mystery and so much going on you don't want to put it down.
I usually don't read stories where people go back in time, but this one caught my eye and made me interested and I an so glad I read it. There is mystery and so much going on you don't want to put it down.
April 22, 2021
Nice and fun
Completely predictable but a good read, nonetheless. I'm not a fan of Lexi's lexicon, and there are many plot holes, but this was meant to be a nice little happily ever after and that it is 😊
Completely predictable but a good read, nonetheless. I'm not a fan of Lexi's lexicon, and there are many plot holes, but this was meant to be a nice little happily ever after and that it is 😊
April 27, 2021
Great Book!
I love this book. The characters jumped right off of the page and became "friends" that I wanted to know more about. The storyline was fascinating and unique. Great job!
I love this book. The characters jumped right off of the page and became "friends" that I wanted to know more about. The storyline was fascinating and unique. Great job!
May 21, 2021
Time travel fantasy
What a lovely time travel story. How appropriate that a historian travels back in time to meet up with King Richard, fall in love with him and marry him and live happily ever after.
What a lovely time travel story. How appropriate that a historian travels back in time to meet up with King Richard, fall in love with him and marry him and live happily ever after.
May 27, 2021
Such a cute story
This was such a fun story. I liked that because of Lexi’s amnesia, she doesn’t immediately have conflict with all the time travel. Her and Richard were cute together and I thought it was a short and sweet book.
This was such a fun story. I liked that because of Lexi’s amnesia, she doesn’t immediately have conflict with all the time travel. Her and Richard were cute together and I thought it was a short and sweet book.
April 24, 2022
Sweet Story
Enjoyed reading this sweet time travel romance. A tale of a twenty first century historian who makes a request of her godmother to send her back in time to meet the king of her studies. Fun and entertaining with delightful characters. Good reading.
Enjoyed reading this sweet time travel romance. A tale of a twenty first century historian who makes a request of her godmother to send her back in time to meet the king of her studies. Fun and entertaining with delightful characters. Good reading.
January 7, 2020
A fun romance with a great time travel twist.
February 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this short, time travel romance.
February 28, 2020
This is a time travel story that I didn't realize at the beginning. It has mystery along with love. The ending is very different but I loved it. I loved it!!
April 23, 2020
I love a good historical fiction and then throwing in time travel just make an it better. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the narrator did a great job with the characters!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews