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Star Kingdom #5.5
Knight Protector
A sci-fi romance set in the Star Kingdom universe.
The characters from this book will be introduced in book 6 of the series.
An arranged marriage she can’t escape.
A sexy bodyguard who will protect her at all cost.
A forbidden love she can’t give in to…
As one of the sultan’s fourteen daughters, and a successful businesswoman who puts money in the family’s coffers, Princess Nalini thought she would escape an arranged marriage.
She thought wrong.
Her father insists that an alliance with the savage and ambitious Star Kingdom is the only way to avoid a war at home, and for some reason, Prince Jorg—a man she’s never met—wants to marry her.
As if that weren’t bad enough, her father believes the betrothal may make her a target and is assigning her a bodyguard, the victor of one of his odious gladiator matches. She doesn’t want some brutish stranger intruding on her privacy.
But her new protector—Tristan—is not the brute she expected. He has a quick wit, a sexy smile, and even sexier things under the smile.
Unfortunately, Nalini can't let herself fall in love with Tristan, not when she’s soon to be betrothed to another man. As her father’s daughter, it’s her duty to help her people by cementing this alliance. No matter how much she wishes otherwise...
As Tristan grew up on the streets, his father a convict and his mother a drug addict, all he ever wanted was to become one of the Star Kingdom's elite knights, something that very few commoners ever achieve. After Tristan labors for years as a squire, the king is ready to appoint him a knight... if he accomplishes one simple task. He must infiltrate the sultan’s palace, gain the trust of Princess Nalini, and make sure she doesn’t run away from her marriage with Prince Jorg.
There’s just one problem.
Nalini isn’t the spoiled rich brat he expected—she spends her days working as hard as he does—and he soon develops feelings for her. With her betrothal looming, and the career he’s worked his whole life for at stake, Tristan can’t let himself act on those feelings.
But can he stand back while a man who doesn’t deserve her claims her for his wife?
The characters from this book will be introduced in book 6 of the series.
An arranged marriage she can’t escape.
A sexy bodyguard who will protect her at all cost.
A forbidden love she can’t give in to…
As one of the sultan’s fourteen daughters, and a successful businesswoman who puts money in the family’s coffers, Princess Nalini thought she would escape an arranged marriage.
She thought wrong.
Her father insists that an alliance with the savage and ambitious Star Kingdom is the only way to avoid a war at home, and for some reason, Prince Jorg—a man she’s never met—wants to marry her.
As if that weren’t bad enough, her father believes the betrothal may make her a target and is assigning her a bodyguard, the victor of one of his odious gladiator matches. She doesn’t want some brutish stranger intruding on her privacy.
But her new protector—Tristan—is not the brute she expected. He has a quick wit, a sexy smile, and even sexier things under the smile.
Unfortunately, Nalini can't let herself fall in love with Tristan, not when she’s soon to be betrothed to another man. As her father’s daughter, it’s her duty to help her people by cementing this alliance. No matter how much she wishes otherwise...
As Tristan grew up on the streets, his father a convict and his mother a drug addict, all he ever wanted was to become one of the Star Kingdom's elite knights, something that very few commoners ever achieve. After Tristan labors for years as a squire, the king is ready to appoint him a knight... if he accomplishes one simple task. He must infiltrate the sultan’s palace, gain the trust of Princess Nalini, and make sure she doesn’t run away from her marriage with Prince Jorg.
There’s just one problem.
Nalini isn’t the spoiled rich brat he expected—she spends her days working as hard as he does—and he soon develops feelings for her. With her betrothal looming, and the career he’s worked his whole life for at stake, Tristan can’t let himself act on those feelings.
But can he stand back while a man who doesn’t deserve her claims her for his wife?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2019
308 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
198 books6,241 followersI'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
October 26, 2019
In this stand alone romance novel Princess Nalini, business oriented 14th daughter of some sultan from a mining belt, agrees to an arranged marriage to Prince Jorge from the Star Kingdom. Since some nations are not happy with this new alliance, she gets assigned a new bodyguard, fallen Star Kingdom knight Tristan.
This was something new from Buroker, and after starting to read I double checked if this book was written under her pseudonym Ruby Lionsdrake where she writes more R-rated sifi romance. Nope. This is Lindsey and - big plus - no detailed sex scenes, thank you for that!
I feel bad about the low rating, as I usually love Buroker's books, but this did not work for me at all.
It started out with the set up. Sultan daddy choosing the new bodyguard for his beloved daughter from a group of criminals. Seriously?
The male protagonist was from the beginning on a pathetic martyr, and any heroism he may showed got lost in the forced flippant dialog. I enjoy good jokes in tough situations, but this was way too much.
The bad guy was so bad, mean, and stupid, it bordered on slapstick, thus not believable at all.
And Princess Nalini ... well, nothing to say about a woman that can develop housing for millions of people, and then act so brainless.
The story was, as expected from Lindsay, well executed, yet the motivation of the bad guys was a bit thin and felt made up.
The reader was asked at the end of the book if he/she would enjoy more sifi-romances from Lindsey Buroker. Despite my dislike for this particular novel, I'd read anything she writes, so my answer is a clear: "Yes!". But I would be hoping that the stories would have a little bit more depth and concentrate less on the quirkiness of the characters. I am forever in love with Sicarius (from the The Emperor's Edge series), and having a hero like him falling for a girl ... *oh my*!
This was something new from Buroker, and after starting to read I double checked if this book was written under her pseudonym Ruby Lionsdrake where she writes more R-rated sifi romance. Nope. This is Lindsey and - big plus - no detailed sex scenes, thank you for that!
I feel bad about the low rating, as I usually love Buroker's books, but this did not work for me at all.
It started out with the set up. Sultan daddy choosing the new bodyguard for his beloved daughter from a group of criminals. Seriously?
The male protagonist was from the beginning on a pathetic martyr, and any heroism he may showed got lost in the forced flippant dialog. I enjoy good jokes in tough situations, but this was way too much.
The bad guy was so bad, mean, and stupid, it bordered on slapstick, thus not believable at all.
And Princess Nalini ... well, nothing to say about a woman that can develop housing for millions of people, and then act so brainless.
The story was, as expected from Lindsay, well executed, yet the motivation of the bad guys was a bit thin and felt made up.
The reader was asked at the end of the book if he/she would enjoy more sifi-romances from Lindsey Buroker. Despite my dislike for this particular novel, I'd read anything she writes, so my answer is a clear: "Yes!". But I would be hoping that the stories would have a little bit more depth and concentrate less on the quirkiness of the characters. I am forever in love with Sicarius (from the The Emperor's Edge series), and having a hero like him falling for a girl ... *oh my*!
August 11, 2019
A Knight-Bodyguard / Princess-Real Estate Developer Romance
There's a lot of hand to hand fighting. No spaceships ever get to fire lasers at each other.
The romance is nice I thought. They fall for each other immediately then spend the rest of the book resisting it because it wouldn't be right. There's kissing. And hand-holding.
The bad guys come in varieties. There is a really bad, psychotic one, a spoiled brat, some corrupt traitors out for money, and some that don't even seem all that bad.
I enjoyed the story and thought it was great.
There's a lot of hand to hand fighting. No spaceships ever get to fire lasers at each other.
The romance is nice I thought. They fall for each other immediately then spend the rest of the book resisting it because it wouldn't be right. There's kissing. And hand-holding.
The bad guys come in varieties. There is a really bad, psychotic one, a spoiled brat, some corrupt traitors out for money, and some that don't even seem all that bad.
I enjoyed the story and thought it was great.
May 23, 2022
An enjoyable romance within the author's Star Kingdom setting. Both the main characters are strong and have clear motivations and reasons for actions. The bad guy is probably a touch too bad for me, but I still enjoyed the book.
May 5, 2021
A princess and the Kingdom knight sent to keep an eye on her. Well, the almost-Kingdom knight. Honestly, those Kingdom nobles are kind of jerks and I wouldn't trust them to keep their word IN THE SLIGHTEST, so I'm not terribly surprised they'd send an honorable almost-knight to spy on the woman they've chosen for the prince. (Speaking of that toadstool, BARF. Jorg is just gross and I sincerely hope he gets what's coming to him.)
Anywho. Nalini and Tristan. She's a princess who knows her way around the real-estate market. He's a commoner on his way to knighthood who is not cut out for spy craft. The guy is just not comfortable lying. Or acting in a way that would otherwise dishonor someone he admires. And since Nalini is nominally betrothed to Prince Jorg (barf), Tristan's determined to keep his budding feelings to himself.
A kidnapping attempt, a betrayal, a jaunt through a mining facility, a very nasty prince, and a little fighting to round things out. Because assassination attempts rarely go off without a little blood being spilled.
This might not be Casmir's world we're dipping our toes into, but it's pretty darn fun to be back among the zaniness of the Star Kingdom.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Anywho. Nalini and Tristan. She's a princess who knows her way around the real-estate market. He's a commoner on his way to knighthood who is not cut out for spy craft. The guy is just not comfortable lying. Or acting in a way that would otherwise dishonor someone he admires. And since Nalini is nominally betrothed to Prince Jorg (barf), Tristan's determined to keep his budding feelings to himself.
A kidnapping attempt, a betrayal, a jaunt through a mining facility, a very nasty prince, and a little fighting to round things out. Because assassination attempts rarely go off without a little blood being spilled.
This might not be Casmir's world we're dipping our toes into, but it's pretty darn fun to be back among the zaniness of the Star Kingdom.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 22, 2020
Nalini is a wonderful heroine: smart, knows her limits and won't let anyone walk all over her. Tristan is an imperfect hero in a way that is very endearing he can come save me any day. The plot doesn't drag and the main couple don't automatically declare their love or have a Big Misunderstanding. Wonderful!
I've read some of the earlier books, I think. But the world building was very loose and everything happened just a bit too neatly. But those are minor flaws in the grand scheme of things.
Romance has been a bit of sticking point for me recently because reasons that don't belong in a book review. I also find Buroker's books very hit and miss. I always want to enjoy them, but they often never seem to work for me, so I was very pleasantly surprised by this one.
I've read some of the earlier books, I think. But the world building was very loose and everything happened just a bit too neatly. But those are minor flaws in the grand scheme of things.
Romance has been a bit of sticking point for me recently because reasons that don't belong in a book review. I also find Buroker's books very hit and miss. I always want to enjoy them, but they often never seem to work for me, so I was very pleasantly surprised by this one.
November 15, 2020
3.5
Light and romantic stand alone.
Light and romantic stand alone.
November 27, 2019
A romance
This was stated as being a side story between books.
This is but a romance if the series in itself is beginning to become one itself or at least a soap opera.
Sad.
As to the story? Stud flexes and female drools.
Exactly as expected with constant sexual innuendos.
Zero character growth or development. Zero plot.
Bad guys dumb as they come yet smart enough to fool the good guys?
Betrayals all over the place? An inept brainiac princess becomes super marksman first attempt?
Yeah right.
Worse a knight in awe of his sword. One being a squire already and a probationary knight for 11 months would have trained for years with said weapon? Uh huh. Yeppers.
Bull pucky
This was stated as being a side story between books.
This is but a romance if the series in itself is beginning to become one itself or at least a soap opera.
Sad.
As to the story? Stud flexes and female drools.
Exactly as expected with constant sexual innuendos.
Zero character growth or development. Zero plot.
Bad guys dumb as they come yet smart enough to fool the good guys?
Betrayals all over the place? An inept brainiac princess becomes super marksman first attempt?
Yeah right.
Worse a knight in awe of his sword. One being a squire already and a probationary knight for 11 months would have trained for years with said weapon? Uh huh. Yeppers.
Bull pucky
January 15, 2020
Surprisingly not mushy...
As always, Lindsay did not let me down. Although I'm not big on "romances" (as a little side party of a story, yes, but romance stories...not so much) I truly enjoyed this one.it did have the romance, the 2 main characters who feel torn between duty and their hearts, and lots of fun adventures where the female takes an active roll.
I read this so that I would know the characters Tristan and Nalini before reading the next book in the series. And I'm glad I did.
Well worth taking the time to read. Enjoy!
PS...I find it hard to give a synopsis of a story without giving away spoilers, so I just post my opinions.
But seriously....read this book...
As always, Lindsay did not let me down. Although I'm not big on "romances" (as a little side party of a story, yes, but romance stories...not so much) I truly enjoyed this one.it did have the romance, the 2 main characters who feel torn between duty and their hearts, and lots of fun adventures where the female takes an active roll.
I read this so that I would know the characters Tristan and Nalini before reading the next book in the series. And I'm glad I did.
Well worth taking the time to read. Enjoy!
PS...I find it hard to give a synopsis of a story without giving away spoilers, so I just post my opinions.
But seriously....read this book...
November 25, 2020
Predictable
I just say that I generally like Lindsay Buroker books so when this one turned up as a free offering I did not hesitate to get it. However it was just too predictable, well written, but predictable. You could tell from very early on almost exactly what was going to happen and who was going to end up where. I hate to put down a book that I have started so I did finish reading it. But as I said, no surprises at all. Not quite a waste of time, but close.
I just say that I generally like Lindsay Buroker books so when this one turned up as a free offering I did not hesitate to get it. However it was just too predictable, well written, but predictable. You could tell from very early on almost exactly what was going to happen and who was going to end up where. I hate to put down a book that I have started so I did finish reading it. But as I said, no surprises at all. Not quite a waste of time, but close.
August 21, 2019
Adorable
This is just a fun, funny action adventure romance in space. I thing too saucy. Just a smooth, easy to read story with a few lines worth repeating aloud to your book buddy.
This is just a fun, funny action adventure romance in space. I thing too saucy. Just a smooth, easy to read story with a few lines worth repeating aloud to your book buddy.
August 12, 2019
Quirky romance
Great characters giving a sweet and quirky romance amongst the stars. Interesting plot, which tied in nicely with the previous books in the series.
Great characters giving a sweet and quirky romance amongst the stars. Interesting plot, which tied in nicely with the previous books in the series.
April 20, 2021
I usually don't review books within a series because they often don't change very much; if you liked the first book, the subsequent ones are largely more of the same.
This is a parallel book, however, and has a different focus, so I thought I'd give it a mention. I really liked the book for what it was, a sci-fi themed romance. I would have given it 4.5 but that's not an option.
The reason for the 0.5 off was the setup. It was a "bam! They're in love" premise with far too little buildup for my taste, especially since this wasn't done as an excuse to get to a love scene; the book actually doesn't have any explicit sex scenes in it, something this author is actually known to do in other romance titles she's written. Given that I thought there should have been a little more getting to know you/back and forth to begin with. I don't need (and often don't believe) the "we hate each other" to "OMG soul mate" progression, especially when it's only over the course of a single book, and this one didn't do that, but I still wanted more.
The characters are rom-com stereotypical. In a modern movie this would be a mashup of the male lead of "The Bodyguard" and the female lead from "The Proposal" with the tension of the former and the hijinks of the latter toned down, though Buroker's witty dialogue is still there. Fortunately they skip contrived immature misunderstandings and people inexplicably not talking to each other about simple issues that plague many stories of that ilk.
Also some others have said this book lacks worldbuilding and I'll agree with that; there is a bit of an assumption that one has read at least some of the main series books, which can be problematic as some sites don't acknowledge this book is part of the series.
If you like basic rom-com plots and the Star Kingdom setting I think this is a good diversionary book. If you just want to stay with the main plot this is not necessary to read, I don't think.
This is a parallel book, however, and has a different focus, so I thought I'd give it a mention. I really liked the book for what it was, a sci-fi themed romance. I would have given it 4.5 but that's not an option.
The reason for the 0.5 off was the setup. It was a "bam! They're in love" premise with far too little buildup for my taste, especially since this wasn't done as an excuse to get to a love scene; the book actually doesn't have any explicit sex scenes in it, something this author is actually known to do in other romance titles she's written. Given that I thought there should have been a little more getting to know you/back and forth to begin with. I don't need (and often don't believe) the "we hate each other" to "OMG soul mate" progression, especially when it's only over the course of a single book, and this one didn't do that, but I still wanted more.
The characters are rom-com stereotypical. In a modern movie this would be a mashup of the male lead of "The Bodyguard" and the female lead from "The Proposal" with the tension of the former and the hijinks of the latter toned down, though Buroker's witty dialogue is still there. Fortunately they skip contrived immature misunderstandings and people inexplicably not talking to each other about simple issues that plague many stories of that ilk.
Also some others have said this book lacks worldbuilding and I'll agree with that; there is a bit of an assumption that one has read at least some of the main series books, which can be problematic as some sites don't acknowledge this book is part of the series.
If you like basic rom-com plots and the Star Kingdom setting I think this is a good diversionary book. If you just want to stay with the main plot this is not necessary to read, I don't think.
June 23, 2021
Becoming a knight is all Tristan ever wanted. But when he’s offered an opportunity to achieve his dream, his doubts set in. If he assures King Jager that his son, Prince Jorg, will have a successful suit with Princess Nalini, whose father the Sultan owns a strategic space station, Jager will grant his knighthood. Soon Tristan’s pretense of being cast out from his home becomes a reality. He wins a tournament and the Sultan appoints him Nalini’s bodyguard. But instead of the spoiled princess he’d expected, she turns out to be intelligent and resourceful. Soon the pair are running for their lives from enemies bent on destroying them and preventing the marriage from taking place. But what they’re running from even more is their attraction to each other. “Knight Protector” is a fast-paced action read set in the beloved Star Kingdom universe with a star-crossed romance amid the space battles.
March 24, 2021
I must say that I have never read anything by Ms Buroker, so I was delighted by this book. I like science fiction, and the trappings of space opera (kings, princesses, swords and knights) reminded me of Star Wars. I liked most that there were no terrible wars in space with millions of deaths. I don´t like that. I enjoyed the characters, they were real and had a credible background that made them as they were. The idea of Belt Miners living within asteroids was good. All in all, I liked this story very much and I hope there are more stand alones like this in the future.
December 4, 2022
An aside and introduction to two characters in The Star Kingdom series.
I started this book on Lindsay's recommendation as it introduces two characters that come up in book six of The Star kingdom series (which I am reading now and definitely enjoying it). Also, because I like Lindsay's works anyway 🥰! The basic plot is that of a probationary Knight who gets sent off to be a bodyguard for and to spy on another kingdom. The assignation attempts, kidnapping, political hijinks and romance are highly entertaining.
I started this book on Lindsay's recommendation as it introduces two characters that come up in book six of The Star kingdom series (which I am reading now and definitely enjoying it). Also, because I like Lindsay's works anyway 🥰! The basic plot is that of a probationary Knight who gets sent off to be a bodyguard for and to spy on another kingdom. The assignation attempts, kidnapping, political hijinks and romance are highly entertaining.
March 7, 2021
Interesting insight into “Star Kingdom” Secondary Characters
I love it when an author does this kind of world building. I had a little trouble getting through the gladiators in the opening, but once Tristan and Nalini started getting a chance to reveal more of themselves, this story was a fun page-turner that gave me new insights into the world of the “Star Kingdom” series. Fun stuff!
I love it when an author does this kind of world building. I had a little trouble getting through the gladiators in the opening, but once Tristan and Nalini started getting a chance to reveal more of themselves, this story was a fun page-turner that gave me new insights into the world of the “Star Kingdom” series. Fun stuff!
October 19, 2021
A Wonderful Hero Story
I admire the writer's storytelling power. Each of her books draws me in and makes me care about the characters. I love hero stories, and Knight Protector made me happy. The universe needs more noble men like Tristan, and smart and brave princesses like Nalini. Thank you for another beautiful story.
I admire the writer's storytelling power. Each of her books draws me in and makes me care about the characters. I love hero stories, and Knight Protector made me happy. The universe needs more noble men like Tristan, and smart and brave princesses like Nalini. Thank you for another beautiful story.
October 26, 2022
I loved this side story, I enjoyed how Tristan and Nalini interacted with each other and the chemistry that built up, even if over a short time. I enjoyed Tristan's knightly tendencies, and I as amused with Nalini's real estate obsession but with a social good bent. It was a cute little short in the midst of this series.
November 30, 2022
A perfect example of the Space opera genre!
I’ve enjoyed the series a lot.
The action and anticipation build up is masterful.
The characters are relatable, non-perfect, multidimensional, human, humane, funny and sarcastic.
No senseless violence or sex to ‘spice it up’.
Very well written and a real pleasure to read.
I’ve enjoyed the series a lot.
The action and anticipation build up is masterful.
The characters are relatable, non-perfect, multidimensional, human, humane, funny and sarcastic.
No senseless violence or sex to ‘spice it up’.
Very well written and a real pleasure to read.
March 25, 2025
This novella is related to the Star Kingdom books and can be read as a standalone. I have read it twice. Once before reading the Star Kingdom books and the other while reading the series. I liked it both ways but was glad to read it as part of the Star Kingdom series.
It was a quick read. The main characters were a little naïve.
Lindsay Buroker is an auto-buy for me.
It was a quick read. The main characters were a little naïve.
Lindsay Buroker is an auto-buy for me.
May 4, 2020
A fun read
It's good to get to know Tristan and Nalin's back story. It's been hints l hinted at in the main series but Tristan's chatter are hasn't been fleshed out. It will be interesting to see how these two contribute to the upcoming strife in System Lion.
It's good to get to know Tristan and Nalin's back story. It's been hints l hinted at in the main series but Tristan's chatter are hasn't been fleshed out. It will be interesting to see how these two contribute to the upcoming strife in System Lion.
May 15, 2020
Loved Knight Protector
Loved this. I loved how the Tristin and Nalini were perfect for each other. I took a break from the Star kingdom series to read this and it was totally worth it. Hoping that more stand alone books with heroes and heroines from these worlds are out there.
Loved this. I loved how the Tristin and Nalini were perfect for each other. I took a break from the Star kingdom series to read this and it was totally worth it. Hoping that more stand alone books with heroes and heroines from these worlds are out there.
May 20, 2020
Great Star Kingdom side story.
Another great book from a favorite author. I really like the pace, the quirky heros, the turn of events. Looking forward to integration into the rest of the series.
Another great book from a favorite author. I really like the pace, the quirky heros, the turn of events. Looking forward to integration into the rest of the series.
May 25, 2020
A fun, romantic adventure!
This was such a fun story to read even though I knew how it ended. Turns out, my idea how the story would go was wrong. I love it when I can't predict what will happen! The characters are great, and the pace is deliciously fast.
This was such a fun story to read even though I knew how it ended. Turns out, my idea how the story would go was wrong. I love it when I can't predict what will happen! The characters are great, and the pace is deliciously fast.
May 30, 2020
I love this book that takes place in the Star Kingdom universe. I like getting the back story for other characters from the main series, and getting to know more about them. I hope she writes more in this universe!
August 14, 2020
Read this great book before starting book 6 in the kingdom series
It was bit hard to switch years from the 5th book in the kingdom series but once you get into it you can't put it down.
It was bit hard to switch years from the 5th book in the kingdom series but once you get into it you can't put it down.
August 16, 2020
Excellent story telling!
So this book filled in the holes in Tristian's past. I always liked him as a side character and now he has come into his own. Great reading if you're enjoying the main story. Definitely worth 5 stars.
So this book filled in the holes in Tristian's past. I always liked him as a side character and now he has come into his own. Great reading if you're enjoying the main story. Definitely worth 5 stars.
November 13, 2020
As always with Lindsey Buroker books, this is a lot of fun. I love the characters and the story premise. It had a bit too much filler for my taste, though. But, it was a short story within the series, so I understand it needed a bit of filler to become a complete book.
December 25, 2020
Delightful
As is usual for Lindsay Buroker, she has written a space opera romance full of humanly flawed characters to love, & dastardly villains to hate. Thoroughly enjoyable & easy to read!
As is usual for Lindsay Buroker, she has written a space opera romance full of humanly flawed characters to love, & dastardly villains to hate. Thoroughly enjoyable & easy to read!
May 17, 2021
Is That Your Pertundo or Are You Just Glad to See Me?
A little background story that adds more depth to the Star Kingdom series. Not that it needs it but still a good story, well written, as always. It would be nice to explore this relationship further.
A little background story that adds more depth to the Star Kingdom series. Not that it needs it but still a good story, well written, as always. It would be nice to explore this relationship further.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews