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Reluctant Royals #1
Reluctant King
A demon who would be king and an angel assassin; together they will discover that Purgatory can be both Heaven and Hell.
Demon. Soldier. King.
As General of the Demon Horde of Purgatory, Abraxis was never supposed to rule. But when a hidden enemy begins to pick off the royals – Brax’s family – one by one, Brax finds himself in the position of King – albeit reluctantly. Assuming the mantel of King of Purgatory is the last thing Brax wants. He is anti-social, rough and consumed with vengeance. But as the last remaining descendant of Cerberus, Brax has no choice. With his overprotective guardian angel by his side, Brax makes a choice that could prove to be the best or worst decision of his life; hiring the beautiful and deadly Sabre.
Assassin. Mercenary. Angel.
Sabre is an assassin. Stolen as a child and trained in the most brutal assassin den in Purgatory, Sabre excelled in her schooling despite the visceral betrayal to her angelic nature. When the new king hires her to identify and assassinate the threat to the monarchy, Sabre accepts – albeit reluctantly. For truth and lies are two sides of the same coin in Purgatory and Sabre just happens to be the keeper. With the aid of her shapeshifting protégé and zombie non-best friend at her side, Sabre forges a bloody and dangerous path – even as her dead, murderous heart begins to beat again.
Demon. Soldier. King.
As General of the Demon Horde of Purgatory, Abraxis was never supposed to rule. But when a hidden enemy begins to pick off the royals – Brax’s family – one by one, Brax finds himself in the position of King – albeit reluctantly. Assuming the mantel of King of Purgatory is the last thing Brax wants. He is anti-social, rough and consumed with vengeance. But as the last remaining descendant of Cerberus, Brax has no choice. With his overprotective guardian angel by his side, Brax makes a choice that could prove to be the best or worst decision of his life; hiring the beautiful and deadly Sabre.
Assassin. Mercenary. Angel.
Sabre is an assassin. Stolen as a child and trained in the most brutal assassin den in Purgatory, Sabre excelled in her schooling despite the visceral betrayal to her angelic nature. When the new king hires her to identify and assassinate the threat to the monarchy, Sabre accepts – albeit reluctantly. For truth and lies are two sides of the same coin in Purgatory and Sabre just happens to be the keeper. With the aid of her shapeshifting protégé and zombie non-best friend at her side, Sabre forges a bloody and dangerous path – even as her dead, murderous heart begins to beat again.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2019
196 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Montana Ash
25 books550 followersMontana is a self-confessed book junkie. Although she loves reading all genres from romance to crime fiction to sci fi, her not-so-guilty pleasure is paranormal romance. Alpha men, just a little bit damaged, and Alpha women who don't seem to know they need looking after, are a favourite combination of hers. Throw in some steamy sex scenes, a touch of humour, and a little violence and she is in heaven!
Her overactive (and overindulged) imagination could only take so much before the many voices wanted out. Thus, Montana's journey into the wonderful world of writing.
She is a scientist by day, having grown up in country New South Wales, Australia. Writing about ancient knights, demons and shapeshifters is such a delicious contradiction to her day job in the laboratory, that she doesn't see the voices stopping anytime soon!
Her overactive (and overindulged) imagination could only take so much before the many voices wanted out. Thus, Montana's journey into the wonderful world of writing.
She is a scientist by day, having grown up in country New South Wales, Australia. Writing about ancient knights, demons and shapeshifters is such a delicious contradiction to her day job in the laboratory, that she doesn't see the voices stopping anytime soon!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 12, 2019
1 star for the cover
Disappointing !!! Disappointing!!!
What is with this book?! I don’t think I have ever rolled my eyes so much 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Childish characters, no storyline, no world building no steam no nothing. Just dumb conversations and 0 feeling.
The h Sabre was like an epic failure of a badass assassin , just check this:
“That’s not what I meant and you know it. This is my secret lair. My evil, secret lair. How did you find it?”
Brax didn’t even bother looking down at the instrument of death resting directly over his heart, he simply pushed it away and snorted, “Your evil lair has fairy lights.”
Oh wow!!!! EVIL secret lair with fucking pink unicorn and pugs and pixie 🧚♂️
“Uh huh, sure. Big, bad, scary assassin. I get it,” Brax acknowledged.
“I am scary,” Sabre stated. “Grown men piss their pants when they see me.”
Overconfident much?!? you are a girl with some special abilities! 🤣🤦🏼♀️ don’t get over yourself! Chill the f**k out !!
Andddd another one :
“He’s not my friend. I am an assassin. A killing machine. I don’t have friends.”
No..you are an 11 year old girl with an assassin complex !
You know those villains in cartoons that are all “ I Am Bad !! I will destroy you! Blah blah blah ( Dracula , Hotel Transylvania) exactly like this sounded this Sabre, plus she was annoying and immature and childish and a total loser !
The H /the fucking KING / Brax , another looser, even more of a child than she is.
“He know you’re here?”
Brax crossed his arms over his chest, “He’s not the boss of me.”
“So, no then,” Sabre surmised.”
“Brax narrowed his eyes again, standing to his full height of six-foot-three, “I am the King. As well as a fully-grown demon. I come and go as I please.”
“Uh huh. You keep telling yourself that. Just don’t come crying to me when you get your arse spanked for hanging out with the wrong company,” she told him.”
“who would win in a fight; Buffy or Sabre. Sabre firmly believed it would be her of course, but Brax was on Team Buffy, stating he would have to witness it in order to know conclusively. And he would have to witness it in the rain when their clothes would be wet and torn and muddy. Who knew Brax was such a pervert?”
You are the bloody King of Purgatory for crying out loud!! Not a horny teenager!
You were supposed to be an alpha demon with a beast inside! Nah, no , just a child in a man body!
Done with this at 55% after the first sex scene ( the worst in my reading history)
Anyway , rant over.
Disappointing !!! Disappointing!!!
What is with this book?! I don’t think I have ever rolled my eyes so much 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Childish characters, no storyline, no world building no steam no nothing. Just dumb conversations and 0 feeling.
The h Sabre was like an epic failure of a badass assassin , just check this:
“That’s not what I meant and you know it. This is my secret lair. My evil, secret lair. How did you find it?”
Brax didn’t even bother looking down at the instrument of death resting directly over his heart, he simply pushed it away and snorted, “Your evil lair has fairy lights.”
Oh wow!!!! EVIL secret lair with fucking pink unicorn and pugs and pixie 🧚♂️
“Uh huh, sure. Big, bad, scary assassin. I get it,” Brax acknowledged.
“I am scary,” Sabre stated. “Grown men piss their pants when they see me.”
Overconfident much?!? you are a girl with some special abilities! 🤣🤦🏼♀️ don’t get over yourself! Chill the f**k out !!
Andddd another one :
“He’s not my friend. I am an assassin. A killing machine. I don’t have friends.”
No..you are an 11 year old girl with an assassin complex !
You know those villains in cartoons that are all “ I Am Bad !! I will destroy you! Blah blah blah ( Dracula , Hotel Transylvania) exactly like this sounded this Sabre, plus she was annoying and immature and childish and a total loser !
The H /the fucking KING / Brax , another looser, even more of a child than she is.
“He know you’re here?”
Brax crossed his arms over his chest, “He’s not the boss of me.”
“So, no then,” Sabre surmised.”
“Brax narrowed his eyes again, standing to his full height of six-foot-three, “I am the King. As well as a fully-grown demon. I come and go as I please.”
“Uh huh. You keep telling yourself that. Just don’t come crying to me when you get your arse spanked for hanging out with the wrong company,” she told him.”
“who would win in a fight; Buffy or Sabre. Sabre firmly believed it would be her of course, but Brax was on Team Buffy, stating he would have to witness it in order to know conclusively. And he would have to witness it in the rain when their clothes would be wet and torn and muddy. Who knew Brax was such a pervert?”
You are the bloody King of Purgatory for crying out loud!! Not a horny teenager!
You were supposed to be an alpha demon with a beast inside! Nah, no , just a child in a man body!
Done with this at 55% after the first sex scene ( the worst in my reading history)
Anyway , rant over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2019
I forgot to rate this book which I read months ago, but this book is amazing and I loved the heroine!! And honestly, I was actually surprised by how the book ended but I think I need to do a reread because I just loved the heroine in this book!! She was a badass bitch!
September 28, 2019
This is the best kind of Easter egg for fans (like me!) of the Elemental Paladins series by Montana Ash bec this world is the one that Max created —- this is the world of her graphic novel!!!
It’s a great read! And so refreshingly different. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
P.S. Styx, Brax’s hell hound, is adorable.
It’s a great read! And so refreshingly different. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
P.S. Styx, Brax’s hell hound, is adorable.
May 26, 2022
3/3.5 stars. I will continue the series bc well assassin guardian angel in purgatory. It’s a unique 💡 & the possibilities are intriguing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2019
After reading and loving the ‘Elemental Paladins’ series of this writer, I was very looking forward to ‘Reluctant king’. Montana Ash’s new book and the first story of a new paranormal series and the cover alone made me very excited of this book. And I was extra happy when I discovered that it would be released during my holiday because that meant that I could read it without interruptions. And I did and I loved every minute of it!!
This story was everything that I hoped for and even more. I loved this new paranormal world that the writer created, filled with all sorts of paranormal creatures (from demons, angels, trolls, vampires and so many more). Just like in her other paranormal series ‘Elemental Paladins’, ‘Reluctant king’ was also filled with humour, emotions and some fighting scenes. I adored both characters very much, Sabre was this strong woman with a gentle heart (that was very good hidden) who was very protective of the people around her. And Abrasix (Brax) was this strong, alpha man that wasn’t perfect but he was perfect for Sabre. I loved that both of them had a vulnerable side.
The story was very fluent written. It had some surprises in it and I loved that as a reader! It was told from both POV’s.
One of the things that I love about this writer her writing is how she writes her female and her male characters. Brax may be an alpha demon king but he respected Sabre’s strength and her opinion. He never took over thinking that he was stronger and better then her. But he was there when she needed him. He had her back, just like she had his. I loved the chemistry and the banter between them. The second characters in this story were also great and funny.
I really enjoyed this story. I’m only sad that I now have to wait some time for the next book. Because although there is a HEA in this book, you know that the story isn’t finished. There are more secrets to uncovered in the future. I can’t wait for that!!!
(P.S. If you love Suzanne Wright her books or if you love paranormal stories filled with humour, sassy women and handsome alpha creatures, you really have to read this one too!)
This story was everything that I hoped for and even more. I loved this new paranormal world that the writer created, filled with all sorts of paranormal creatures (from demons, angels, trolls, vampires and so many more). Just like in her other paranormal series ‘Elemental Paladins’, ‘Reluctant king’ was also filled with humour, emotions and some fighting scenes. I adored both characters very much, Sabre was this strong woman with a gentle heart (that was very good hidden) who was very protective of the people around her. And Abrasix (Brax) was this strong, alpha man that wasn’t perfect but he was perfect for Sabre. I loved that both of them had a vulnerable side.
The story was very fluent written. It had some surprises in it and I loved that as a reader! It was told from both POV’s.
One of the things that I love about this writer her writing is how she writes her female and her male characters. Brax may be an alpha demon king but he respected Sabre’s strength and her opinion. He never took over thinking that he was stronger and better then her. But he was there when she needed him. He had her back, just like she had his. I loved the chemistry and the banter between them. The second characters in this story were also great and funny.
I really enjoyed this story. I’m only sad that I now have to wait some time for the next book. Because although there is a HEA in this book, you know that the story isn’t finished. There are more secrets to uncovered in the future. I can’t wait for that!!!
(P.S. If you love Suzanne Wright her books or if you love paranormal stories filled with humour, sassy women and handsome alpha creatures, you really have to read this one too!)
March 27, 2024
🔸 BANGING COVER ALERT 🔸
Quite an interesting story and I absolutely love the four different “realms”.
The world building definitely was intriguing.
It was full of wit and banter and I did highly enjoy it, but even though this book had me LOL more times than I can’t count, I do think it overshadowed a lot of other emotions, and even parts of the book I thought was going to be a lot more intense and angsty. ✨
The whole “ deadly assassin” was completely lost on me, because of all the jokes. Don’t get me wrong, Sabre was a delight. Strong, passionate, loyal and sassy. But I did not get the killer assassin vibe. Not even for a moment. Even when she killed someone she joked. 🤷🏻♀️
Brax was likeable, but yet again, got more jokes than alpha vibes from him as well. And I do love myself an alpha.
Chemistry wise, I was not sold either. All those precious moments they told us they had over the phone & texts did not hold the same meaning because we weren’t showed that. Which made their feelings for each other a bit hard to believe, and I truly wanted to.I really wanted to ship them.
What I did really love was how well all the “side-kicks” (Gage, Mercy, Jinx, Draven etc.) seem to fit so perfectly with the story. They truly did compliment the two MC’s, and I loved their bond.
As a personal preference I would have liked to see a bit more action. A bit more “sneaking” (in the act, not just appearing somewhere) I would have loved to see some of that training Sabre said she got. How she had honed her skills and used them for the job she was hired to. Even a simple talk about her weapons. I don’t know. Something to make me believe she was a feared assassin. 🤷🏻♀️
As a side note, I will say I figured out the ending rather quickly. What she was- who Hound was etc. I still really liked the story, and will most certainly continue with this series.
Plus that cover is simply stunning.
Read: 16/05/2020
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Paranormal/romance/demons/angels/shifters/Hell/Heaven/comedy/adult
Cover: 5 Stars
POV’s: Dual -3rd person (Sabre&Brax)
Will I recommend: Yes- big points for the 4 realms. Just note this one is one the funnier side.
Quite an interesting story and I absolutely love the four different “realms”.
The world building definitely was intriguing.
It was full of wit and banter and I did highly enjoy it, but even though this book had me LOL more times than I can’t count, I do think it overshadowed a lot of other emotions, and even parts of the book I thought was going to be a lot more intense and angsty. ✨
The whole “ deadly assassin” was completely lost on me, because of all the jokes. Don’t get me wrong, Sabre was a delight. Strong, passionate, loyal and sassy. But I did not get the killer assassin vibe. Not even for a moment. Even when she killed someone she joked. 🤷🏻♀️
Brax was likeable, but yet again, got more jokes than alpha vibes from him as well. And I do love myself an alpha.
Chemistry wise, I was not sold either. All those precious moments they told us they had over the phone & texts did not hold the same meaning because we weren’t showed that. Which made their feelings for each other a bit hard to believe, and I truly wanted to.I really wanted to ship them.
What I did really love was how well all the “side-kicks” (Gage, Mercy, Jinx, Draven etc.) seem to fit so perfectly with the story. They truly did compliment the two MC’s, and I loved their bond.
As a personal preference I would have liked to see a bit more action. A bit more “sneaking” (in the act, not just appearing somewhere) I would have loved to see some of that training Sabre said she got. How she had honed her skills and used them for the job she was hired to. Even a simple talk about her weapons. I don’t know. Something to make me believe she was a feared assassin. 🤷🏻♀️
As a side note, I will say I figured out the ending rather quickly. What she was- who Hound was etc. I still really liked the story, and will most certainly continue with this series.
Plus that cover is simply stunning.
Read: 16/05/2020
1st rating: 3 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Paranormal/romance/demons/angels/shifters/Hell/Heaven/comedy/adult
Cover: 5 Stars
POV’s: Dual -3rd person (Sabre&Brax)
Will I recommend: Yes- big points for the 4 realms. Just note this one is one the funnier side.
August 14, 2019
Demons, assassins, vampires, guardian angels and hellhounds, what more could you ask for in a PNR read.
Make sure you block off some time because I don’t know how you will be able to put it down.
The characters personalities just jumped off the pages and had me invested pretty quickly. Their names? Another winner as far as I’m concerned they were either spot on or a dichotomy that really worked.
There is no cliche characterizations that sometimes take away from the story but unique takes that support an amazing story.
This read was rich with symbolism, bits of much needed humor, amazing storytelling and a plot with a few twists that will have you questioning what you think you know.
Make sure you block off some time because I don’t know how you will be able to put it down.
The characters personalities just jumped off the pages and had me invested pretty quickly. Their names? Another winner as far as I’m concerned they were either spot on or a dichotomy that really worked.
There is no cliche characterizations that sometimes take away from the story but unique takes that support an amazing story.
This read was rich with symbolism, bits of much needed humor, amazing storytelling and a plot with a few twists that will have you questioning what you think you know.
January 17, 2020
2.5* - upgraded to 3 because I liked Elemental Paladins a lot.
What happened?
Flippancy instead of wit, farcical, juvenile characters, marginal world building, no tension.
Meh
What happened?
Flippancy instead of wit, farcical, juvenile characters, marginal world building, no tension.
Meh
August 30, 2019
Oh wow. I’ve read all of Montana’s books but this tops them.
I absolutely loved Reluctant King.
Sabre has had a tough introduction to her life. An Angel without grace because she’s been abducted and forced to live as an assassin. But boy is she good at her job. The best.
Abraxis a Demon King but not by his choosing has been searching for the killers of his brothers for over a year with no leads at all.
He decides to hire Sabre.
Sabre has secrets that she cannot divulge and doesn’t want the job.
She is coerced into accepting the job and finally gets a chance to ogle the King after years of fantasising about him.
Love the characters in this book. The chemistry between Sabre and Brax is instant.
Twists galore. Action packed. Overall an amazing start to a new series that has me begging for more.
MUST READ
I absolutely loved Reluctant King.
Sabre has had a tough introduction to her life. An Angel without grace because she’s been abducted and forced to live as an assassin. But boy is she good at her job. The best.
Abraxis a Demon King but not by his choosing has been searching for the killers of his brothers for over a year with no leads at all.
He decides to hire Sabre.
Sabre has secrets that she cannot divulge and doesn’t want the job.
She is coerced into accepting the job and finally gets a chance to ogle the King after years of fantasising about him.
Love the characters in this book. The chemistry between Sabre and Brax is instant.
Twists galore. Action packed. Overall an amazing start to a new series that has me begging for more.
MUST READ
April 18, 2020
This is a modern fairy tale. The story is real good, really interesting and I particularly loved all the characters especially Sabre. Witty banter, funny, sarcastic heroine...oh what a treasure!
The concepts of hell, heaven and purgatory are painted in 21st century perspective...I can't say I have ever read about angels and demons without them being after each other's blood and all the ageold rivalry and serious, grim faces. It was fun to read this :)
The side characters are so cool! Can't help smiling wide...there is mystery, secrets, action, ploys and of course romance in this. But somewhere I felt a bit disappointed.. its on me. There could have been more depth..I think. Especially to Brax's character.
The secret of the Hound truly blew me! Going to jump to the next book soon ;)
Hope y'all njoy it <3
The concepts of hell, heaven and purgatory are painted in 21st century perspective...I can't say I have ever read about angels and demons without them being after each other's blood and all the ageold rivalry and serious, grim faces. It was fun to read this :)
The side characters are so cool! Can't help smiling wide...there is mystery, secrets, action, ploys and of course romance in this. But somewhere I felt a bit disappointed.. its on me. There could have been more depth..I think. Especially to Brax's character.
The secret of the Hound truly blew me! Going to jump to the next book soon ;)
Hope y'all njoy it <3
March 17, 2020
I am literally screaming with joy! What a fun and exhilirating book this was. I enjoyed every morsel of it. The hoops and loops in the story was very riveting. I never thought a fantasy book of 200-plus-pages can satisfy me beyond belief but hell, it defied my picky taste. Before, I believed that a fantasy book less than 300 pages will have a plot that’s a little bit rushed and unpolished, it feels good to have encountered a book that negates my beliefs once in a while.
Then let’s talk about Sabre.
I was so damn inlove with the heroine! I wanne be her when I grow up. Sabre was the perfect example of badassery in true form. Nothing and noone can break her, she is unflapabble. Which is a trait I really love in my heroines. And don’t get me started with her quick-wit and humour. I was rolling on the floor with her sarcastic comebacks. I died laughing everytime she gets on with Draven. Lol.
This book is the literal best I’ve had this year.
More than 5 stars for this....
Then let’s talk about Sabre.
I was so damn inlove with the heroine! I wanne be her when I grow up. Sabre was the perfect example of badassery in true form. Nothing and noone can break her, she is unflapabble. Which is a trait I really love in my heroines. And don’t get me started with her quick-wit and humour. I was rolling on the floor with her sarcastic comebacks. I died laughing everytime she gets on with Draven. Lol.
This book is the literal best I’ve had this year.
More than 5 stars for this....
April 23, 2020
An amazing read by Montana Ash one of many, love this author and her amazing books. Sabre is an Angel who is also the most feared assassin in all of Purgatory. Brax is the Reluctant Demon King whose has ascended to the throne after having losing most of his Family to a string of Murders who seem hell bent on destroying the Cerberus Line. Brax hires the Female assassin to discover who is killing his Family but the couples deadly chemistry is Explosive and a whole lot of wonderful and the hidden secrets and revelations towards the end just make me love the characters more. Brillant story and cant wait for more.
June 13, 2020
A nice enough read. This wasn't the most memorable book but it wasn't the worst.
I liked the banter and it was an easy read.
I wasn't expecting a masterpiece but I got my entertainment and I will give book two a try when it comes out.
I liked the banter and it was an easy read.
I wasn't expecting a masterpiece but I got my entertainment and I will give book two a try when it comes out.
Read
January 11, 2020Dnf. Didn't grab me immediately. Ain't nobody got time for that
September 1, 2019
OHHHMYGAWD!!!!
I saved this story for my road trip and lord am I glad I did!!. But this review may not make a lick of sense after a 9hour car journey so I'll revisit it tomorrow to edit shit!.
There is just something so freaking special about how this author writes her books. Seriously!.
Reluctant King, book one in Montana Ash's Reluctant Royals series and holy hell does it start with a bang. Abraxis is well, a very reluctant king to be fair. His rise to the thrown wasn't an easy one but instead one filled with heartbreak and resentment. Lord that demon is all kinds of yum with a side of sweet. Sabre is my favourite kind of heroine. Actually... she's one of my top favourite heroines already and I just know we haven't even got half of her yet. The most feared assassin there is comes in the shape of a pissed off fallen angel who kills quicker than you can blink. She's been molded for this since the age of 8 and despite her youth had risen better than most. She is a lethal combination of hilarious and deadly and I am all here for it!.
I loved there story hard!!. The best part is that sabre is the ultimate leading lady!. Strong, independent and full of fire she was exactly what our reluctant king Brax needed. He's a strong tough guy who leads army's and fights to protect his people, the General. It's what he was born for and leading purgatory was not what he wanted.. especially at the expense of his family. There is far more than meets the eye of these characters and their journey. As the story progressed and layers got peeled back I became so invested in them and their journey. With every chapter came new revelations and more secrets which only served to suck me in deeper. THE CHARACTERS!!! Fuck yes for awesome side characters that leaving you wanting more!!.
Everything about this story just ticked all my boxes. The characters are phenomenal!! So much depth and so many hidden layers. The kind of personalities that you can't help but love and definitely leave you wanting more. The story is captivating! Action packed, hilariously dysfunctional, at times sweet and most definitely surprising. I can't even with all the emotions.
There will definitely be more to this review but I'm going to read it again first!! Yes, it was that good.
I saved this story for my road trip and lord am I glad I did!!. But this review may not make a lick of sense after a 9hour car journey so I'll revisit it tomorrow to edit shit!.
There is just something so freaking special about how this author writes her books. Seriously!.
Reluctant King, book one in Montana Ash's Reluctant Royals series and holy hell does it start with a bang. Abraxis is well, a very reluctant king to be fair. His rise to the thrown wasn't an easy one but instead one filled with heartbreak and resentment. Lord that demon is all kinds of yum with a side of sweet. Sabre is my favourite kind of heroine. Actually... she's one of my top favourite heroines already and I just know we haven't even got half of her yet. The most feared assassin there is comes in the shape of a pissed off fallen angel who kills quicker than you can blink. She's been molded for this since the age of 8 and despite her youth had risen better than most. She is a lethal combination of hilarious and deadly and I am all here for it!.
I loved there story hard!!. The best part is that sabre is the ultimate leading lady!. Strong, independent and full of fire she was exactly what our reluctant king Brax needed. He's a strong tough guy who leads army's and fights to protect his people, the General. It's what he was born for and leading purgatory was not what he wanted.. especially at the expense of his family. There is far more than meets the eye of these characters and their journey. As the story progressed and layers got peeled back I became so invested in them and their journey. With every chapter came new revelations and more secrets which only served to suck me in deeper. THE CHARACTERS!!! Fuck yes for awesome side characters that leaving you wanting more!!.
Everything about this story just ticked all my boxes. The characters are phenomenal!! So much depth and so many hidden layers. The kind of personalities that you can't help but love and definitely leave you wanting more. The story is captivating! Action packed, hilariously dysfunctional, at times sweet and most definitely surprising. I can't even with all the emotions.
There will definitely be more to this review but I'm going to read it again first!! Yes, it was that good.
August 26, 2019
Who would have thought that reading about a graphic novel written by a character in another book would come to life but it does! If you have read Montana Ash's series The Elemental Paladins you would recognise this as the Graphic Novel that Max writes and illustrates. She also has Sabre tattooed on her back as her guardian Angel! Having this morph into hits own book is surreal and so well done. Sabre is a kick arse, take no prisoners (literally) kinda of .... well, you need to find out what she is exactly! Abraxis or Brax to all who know him has ascended the throne of Purgertory through the assassination of his family and is the reluctant king. From the start the chemistry of off the charts. This is one PRN that is worth the read. There is so many twists and turns.. so much passion and subterfuge that you just cannot put this book down.
Thank you MOntana for writing such another fantastic read
Thank you MOntana for writing such another fantastic read
September 3, 2019
DAMN so good! this has one of my fave trope ever! (bit of a spoiler) lol idk what that says about me but I love it and I stayed up till 1:30 am on a work night to finish reading because I couldnt put it down and I'm super annoyed because I'm SO damn tired this morning but it was so worth it. ONLY I should have waited till at least one more book is out so I could just jump right in and continue but also glad its not because I really need sleep tonight...
August 26, 2019
Wow what can I say but a truly amazing book that sends the reader into another world full of amazing characters and a fantastic story.. The characters draw you in and I was unable to put the book down...I love Sabre , she is strong gorgeous and totally kick-arse.
Brax besides being sexy as hell is a hard nosed Warrior and together Wow .....Thank you for the Brilliant book Montana Ash
Brax besides being sexy as hell is a hard nosed Warrior and together Wow .....Thank you for the Brilliant book Montana Ash
October 15, 2019
One of the best books I’ve read this year. Love when a book can still surprise me. Bravo!
September 5, 2019
3.5/5 stars
November 29, 2021
Oh my! What a brilliant story!
I bought this when it was first released but only just read it. Silly me, I missed out on a corker read. Until now!
Brax is brilliant. Sabre is so blood thirsty and capable, well it's what you'd expect from an assassin, but so feminine at the same time. They really were just made for one another! Chemistry was there from the get go and so was the humour.
Brax's "pet" just had me in fits of laughter! And don't get me started on all the secondary characters!
Excellent first book in a new series. I shall look forward to more to come.
I bought this when it was first released but only just read it. Silly me, I missed out on a corker read. Until now!
Brax is brilliant. Sabre is so blood thirsty and capable, well it's what you'd expect from an assassin, but so feminine at the same time. They really were just made for one another! Chemistry was there from the get go and so was the humour.
Brax's "pet" just had me in fits of laughter! And don't get me started on all the secondary characters!
Excellent first book in a new series. I shall look forward to more to come.
Read
May 17, 2022I wanted to love
I loved Mac's storyline and this had a really good start along with an awesome mfc! However, the leading man? Meh. Not well developed as a character. Yes, he's not and yes, he's a king but really not alot of insight into what makes him great. The tertiary characters were more interesting. Disappointing but I'll probs my buy the next book to see if he man's up a little.
I loved Mac's storyline and this had a really good start along with an awesome mfc! However, the leading man? Meh. Not well developed as a character. Yes, he's not and yes, he's a king but really not alot of insight into what makes him great. The tertiary characters were more interesting. Disappointing but I'll probs my buy the next book to see if he man's up a little.
May 3, 2022
Great start!!
I'm loving the back story on the differences between hell, purgatory and heaven. It gave me a visual picture as the story progressed.
Sable our FH, is bad ass! She takes no prisoners and no BS. Brax is strong but soft enough to where it counts. Spice level was like a 3.5 out of 5, but seeing as this is a series, I know it will go up from here.
I'm loving the back story on the differences between hell, purgatory and heaven. It gave me a visual picture as the story progressed.
Sable our FH, is bad ass! She takes no prisoners and no BS. Brax is strong but soft enough to where it counts. Spice level was like a 3.5 out of 5, but seeing as this is a series, I know it will go up from here.
January 14, 2020
Brilliant book and it made me laugh
The characters are well thought out and make you want to laugh and cry.
The story line was well paced out and the comedy was well written.
Would definitely recommend
The characters are well thought out and make you want to laugh and cry.
The story line was well paced out and the comedy was well written.
Would definitely recommend
April 6, 2020
A+
Well i didn't see that coming that's one a hell of a secret to keep and the unveiling was awesome and so not what I was thinking while reading
Spot on ♡'ed it thanks Montana can't wait for book 2
Well i didn't see that coming that's one a hell of a secret to keep and the unveiling was awesome and so not what I was thinking while reading
Spot on ♡'ed it thanks Montana can't wait for book 2
May 20, 2022
Great read
Loved this book, humour, action, romance, intrigue , what’s not to like.
The main characters were believable and though the romance was quick, it was still believable.
Loved this book, humour, action, romance, intrigue , what’s not to like.
The main characters were believable and though the romance was quick, it was still believable.
April 9, 2024
Smashed the second half but took 1.5yrs to read!
February 23, 2025
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline flows and I really like the characters. Going now to read the next book!
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline flows and I really like the characters. Going now to read the next book!
September 29, 2019
HIGH 4 STARS! MAYBE I SHOULD GIVE IT A 5? Hmmmm
Oh, this little nugget of stress-free lit was a total pleasure to read. The title really is fitting because Brax is 'Reluctant' everything. Well, unless it's something to do with a particular assassin, then yes, yes, Brax is anything but 'Reluctant'.
I adore Sabre. She's totally unapologetic of who she is and what she's had to become. You have your moments of "f*&^ this life of mine" but very few, scattered throughout the book, and so very short. Like, maybe 5 words every time, short. The absolute crap she has to put up with is frustrating to read but somehow you just, keep reading because Sabre just has the best reactions to everything. Every. Thing.
Brax, on the other hand, is perfect for her. He's in a very down & dark place when the book begins but you see things falling into place the more time he spends with Sabre.
But don't get me wrong, folks. You guess all the way to the end. Sure, hints are here and there but do you know? Do you really know? No. You don't really know. You don't really know until you reach the last few pages of the book.
Setting; Reluctant King is set in Purgatory. Which in this case is not the Dante version of things but more of another world type of thing. Earth is a realm; Purgatory is another; Hell is one, and Heaven is the first-ever one. So, they're the only ones who really know the nitty-gritty of things. When humans die, their souls either go to Heaven or Hell (unclear on whether it's by choice). Their souls can also just roam and get lost; that's when zombies become a thing. The bodies just do what the soul's doing. Anyway, I like that it was explained this way. Simple. Just like Earth, the other 3 have their good and bad apples. Except for Heaven. Heaven's all about Grace. Because they're just created that way. With the need to do good. No Grace? Disgraceful.
The fact that I was guessing, and my eyebrows were bobbing up and down like a boat at sea during a storm all throughout this book is why I will be upping my rating to a 5. This is no Jane Eyre. This is no Angels' Blood either. But the content, the characters, and the humour? BOOK TWO, WHERE AAARE YOOOOU?
This book was really a stress-free escape for me. Don't get me wrong; there are stressful things in here but do they leave you hanging for the entirety of this book? Nope. You have a good time reading it. You'll laugh, cringe, and do the 'woop woop' with your hands; I'm telling you, pick up this book. IF this is your kind of jam. I totally recommend this.
Hoping book 2 would be out soon. I'm desperate. Hope you pick this up, and give it a whirl, readers. I'm off to find another stress-free one.
Adios & Happy Reading, folks! x
Oh, this little nugget of stress-free lit was a total pleasure to read. The title really is fitting because Brax is 'Reluctant' everything. Well, unless it's something to do with a particular assassin, then yes, yes, Brax is anything but 'Reluctant'.
I adore Sabre. She's totally unapologetic of who she is and what she's had to become. You have your moments of "f*&^ this life of mine" but very few, scattered throughout the book, and so very short. Like, maybe 5 words every time, short. The absolute crap she has to put up with is frustrating to read but somehow you just, keep reading because Sabre just has the best reactions to everything. Every. Thing.
Brax, on the other hand, is perfect for her. He's in a very down & dark place when the book begins but you see things falling into place the more time he spends with Sabre.
But don't get me wrong, folks. You guess all the way to the end. Sure, hints are here and there but do you know? Do you really know? No. You don't really know. You don't really know until you reach the last few pages of the book.
Setting; Reluctant King is set in Purgatory. Which in this case is not the Dante version of things but more of another world type of thing. Earth is a realm; Purgatory is another; Hell is one, and Heaven is the first-ever one. So, they're the only ones who really know the nitty-gritty of things. When humans die, their souls either go to Heaven or Hell (unclear on whether it's by choice). Their souls can also just roam and get lost; that's when zombies become a thing. The bodies just do what the soul's doing. Anyway, I like that it was explained this way. Simple. Just like Earth, the other 3 have their good and bad apples. Except for Heaven. Heaven's all about Grace. Because they're just created that way. With the need to do good. No Grace? Disgraceful.
The fact that I was guessing, and my eyebrows were bobbing up and down like a boat at sea during a storm all throughout this book is why I will be upping my rating to a 5. This is no Jane Eyre. This is no Angels' Blood either. But the content, the characters, and the humour? BOOK TWO, WHERE AAARE YOOOOU?
This book was really a stress-free escape for me. Don't get me wrong; there are stressful things in here but do they leave you hanging for the entirety of this book? Nope. You have a good time reading it. You'll laugh, cringe, and do the 'woop woop' with your hands; I'm telling you, pick up this book. IF this is your kind of jam. I totally recommend this.
Hoping book 2 would be out soon. I'm desperate. Hope you pick this up, and give it a whirl, readers. I'm off to find another stress-free one.
Adios & Happy Reading, folks! x
January 17, 2021
Splendid Beginning!
In this first book of her new series, Montana Ash introduces us to the world of Purgatory and it’s diverse inhabitant supernaturals. Someone is killing the royal family. Brax, the heir apparent to the throne, decides after a year or more of fruitless investigation, to hire the best Assassin in the realm to track down the culprit or culprits. What he didn’t plan on was Sabre. She is a badass with lots of snark and unmatched in skill. But all is not as it seems.
There is a happy ending with a lead in to the next book following the overall story arc regarding the killing of the royals. Someone has been orchestrating this bloody coup for nearly 50 years.
I really enjoyed the book. I read it straight through in 8 hours today. I loved Montana’s “Elemental Paladins” series and was not disappointed with the beginning of this new series.
In this first book of her new series, Montana Ash introduces us to the world of Purgatory and it’s diverse inhabitant supernaturals. Someone is killing the royal family. Brax, the heir apparent to the throne, decides after a year or more of fruitless investigation, to hire the best Assassin in the realm to track down the culprit or culprits. What he didn’t plan on was Sabre. She is a badass with lots of snark and unmatched in skill. But all is not as it seems.
There is a happy ending with a lead in to the next book following the overall story arc regarding the killing of the royals. Someone has been orchestrating this bloody coup for nearly 50 years.
I really enjoyed the book. I read it straight through in 8 hours today. I loved Montana’s “Elemental Paladins” series and was not disappointed with the beginning of this new series.
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