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Thorne Monarchs #2
Royal Rebel
SUBJECT: I’m sorry (Marked Confidential)
From the Desk of His Royal Highness Prince Robert
Aly—
I can’t stop thinking about tonight. Why is it that the sex is so good even though we hate each other so much? We say it will never happen again. Still, I can’t resist having you against the wall in our office every time I see you. But tonight I sense that you are serious about us NEVER. HAPPENING. AGAIN.
You have your new bloke. And I’m…me. The playboy prince. The one not expected to settle down. But staying away from you is already killing me.
I’m not a good man. But for the first time, I wish I were. Maybe then I’d deserve you.
You’re gorgeous. Clever. You call me out on my bulls**t. No one treats me the way you do.
I adore you, sweetheart.
I’m sorry I never had the balls to tell you this to your face. But tonight, it’s the whiskey talking...as they say, a drunk man’s words are a sober man’s thoughts.
Xx, Rob
The books in the THORNE MONARCHS series are STANDALONE stories and can be read in any order!
ROYAL RUIN: Kit & Emily’s book
ROYAL REBEL: Rob & Aly’s book
ROYAL ROGUE: Charlie & Jane’s book
From the Desk of His Royal Highness Prince Robert
Aly—
I can’t stop thinking about tonight. Why is it that the sex is so good even though we hate each other so much? We say it will never happen again. Still, I can’t resist having you against the wall in our office every time I see you. But tonight I sense that you are serious about us NEVER. HAPPENING. AGAIN.
You have your new bloke. And I’m…me. The playboy prince. The one not expected to settle down. But staying away from you is already killing me.
I’m not a good man. But for the first time, I wish I were. Maybe then I’d deserve you.
You’re gorgeous. Clever. You call me out on my bulls**t. No one treats me the way you do.
I adore you, sweetheart.
I’m sorry I never had the balls to tell you this to your face. But tonight, it’s the whiskey talking...as they say, a drunk man’s words are a sober man’s thoughts.
Xx, Rob
The books in the THORNE MONARCHS series are STANDALONE stories and can be read in any order!
ROYAL RUIN: Kit & Emily’s book
ROYAL REBEL: Rob & Aly’s book
ROYAL ROGUE: Charlie & Jane’s book
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2018
About the author
Jessica Peterson
40 books6,165 followersJessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughters Gracie and Madeline, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
March 20, 2018
So I think that I have a new favorite series by Jessica Peterson! This series is getting better and better! No way did I think that Rob and Aly's story was going to trump the rollercoaster that was Kit and Em's, but holy smokes. I loved it.
So if you read Royal Ruin, then you already know the level headed and determined Aly Mason and the playboy Prince Rob. As soon as Peterson alluded to their relationship, I couldn't wait to see these two drive each other crazy!
Aly is ready to move on to the next stage of life. She's meeting all her goals. She's an independent woman, running her own business. She's living the dream, the fairytale. The only thing missing is her real life Prince Charming.
Rob is a Prince, but he is no Prince Charming. Oh, he's charming alright. He'll charm the pants right off you, literally! But Rob isn't made for commitment. He avoids relationships because he knows that they will lead to nothing good. He wasn't made that way, and he's damned sure of it.
ROB, you guys, Rob. His inner dialogue just made me fly through the pages! I love a broken hero, especially one that doesn't realize that he's broken until his worst nightmare comes true in the form of steadfast woman that becomes his kryptonite! And that's exactly what Aly is to him. She's different. She see's the real man behind the title. And trying to figure out Rob's past that leads him to this intense self-loathing keeps the pacing up beautifully in this book. I was trying to balance between savoring the story and flying through it because I needed answers!
I hope that this isn't your first book by Peterson, because if there's one thing that you can count on in her novels, it's the hot and steamy scenes. Damn. Aly an Rob are like a match to gasoline. Hot, hot hawt!
I can't quite put my finger on what it was about their story that made me fall in love with them so hard. All I can say is that this story was so endearing. The sweet and tender moments that Rob showed his feelings for Aly in the most innocent ways just made my heart swoon!
It'd been like something out of a fairy tale. Only better, because it was real.
So if you read Royal Ruin, then you already know the level headed and determined Aly Mason and the playboy Prince Rob. As soon as Peterson alluded to their relationship, I couldn't wait to see these two drive each other crazy!
Aly is ready to move on to the next stage of life. She's meeting all her goals. She's an independent woman, running her own business. She's living the dream, the fairytale. The only thing missing is her real life Prince Charming.
Rob is a Prince, but he is no Prince Charming. Oh, he's charming alright. He'll charm the pants right off you, literally! But Rob isn't made for commitment. He avoids relationships because he knows that they will lead to nothing good. He wasn't made that way, and he's damned sure of it.
ROB, you guys, Rob. His inner dialogue just made me fly through the pages! I love a broken hero, especially one that doesn't realize that he's broken until his worst nightmare comes true in the form of steadfast woman that becomes his kryptonite! And that's exactly what Aly is to him. She's different. She see's the real man behind the title. And trying to figure out Rob's past that leads him to this intense self-loathing keeps the pacing up beautifully in this book. I was trying to balance between savoring the story and flying through it because I needed answers!
I hope that this isn't your first book by Peterson, because if there's one thing that you can count on in her novels, it's the hot and steamy scenes. Damn. Aly an Rob are like a match to gasoline. Hot, hot hawt!
I can't quite put my finger on what it was about their story that made me fall in love with them so hard. All I can say is that this story was so endearing. The sweet and tender moments that Rob showed his feelings for Aly in the most innocent ways just made my heart swoon!
It'd been like something out of a fairy tale. Only better, because it was real.
March 29, 2018
2.75 Stars
Aly Mason (early thirties) is an American working in England for a design company. There she meets Prince Robert, an irresponsible playboy, hung up on his grandfather’s faults. Convinced he’s too much like him, Rob has vowed against monogamy until he can’t get Aly out of his system.
This book begins after Rob and Ally have been carrying on a no-strings fling for 5-6 months so the reader misses out on the early relationship development. Honestly, it felt like the book was starting in the middle rather than the beginning. Opening a story by summarizing so much background is never a good writing technique. Now, some of which is a brief recap of book one (Rob’s brother’s story) which is fine; the problem arises in paraphrasing the beginnings of Rob and Ally’s “enemies to lovers romance.” As a result, I just couldn’t get invested in them, and it didn’t help that the first described sexual encounter comes off cold rather than hot.
While their relationship evolves over the planning of Rob’s brother’s wedding, the book is filled with a lot of push/pull. There’s a rinse/repeat of Rob lamenting he can’t be the one for Ally, and Ally fretting about being lonely and wanting to settle down on top of trying to date someone else. Oh and the absolute worst scene— Rob’s disgusting puking date. That was just plain gross! (Really, it almost lost me there. *eyes DNF pile*)
Seriously, the H & h cleaning up vomit is NOT a romantic bonding moment!
While there are decent developed sexy times between Robert and Aly, the romance suffered with the inclusion of other pointless scenes that went nowhere. Even the blurb message which initially intrigued me about the story is a dropped plot point.
To make a connection with Rob and Aly as a couple, the plot should have started from the beginning with scenes, not recaps, of the time when Aly arrived and Rob was dealing with his grandfather’s death and family secrets. The “enemies” angle was very weak. Confirmation that Rob had been celibate the whole time they’d known each other would have gone a long way too. Sorely needed were more scenes where Rob shined instead of faltered, including omission of that silly, contrived drama at 80%. From there, the timeline skipped around way too much, dragging things out. While I believed that deep down Rob sensed that Ally was the “real deal” for him, a bigger wow factor was necessary in the ending to make up for all his missteps.
Told via Rob and Ally’s alternating first person POV, I think this story had the potential to be greater, but stumbled on plotting and execution.
Safety Recap:
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
Aly Mason (early thirties) is an American working in England for a design company. There she meets Prince Robert, an irresponsible playboy, hung up on his grandfather’s faults. Convinced he’s too much like him, Rob has vowed against monogamy until he can’t get Aly out of his system.
This book begins after Rob and Ally have been carrying on a no-strings fling for 5-6 months so the reader misses out on the early relationship development. Honestly, it felt like the book was starting in the middle rather than the beginning. Opening a story by summarizing so much background is never a good writing technique. Now, some of which is a brief recap of book one (Rob’s brother’s story) which is fine; the problem arises in paraphrasing the beginnings of Rob and Ally’s “enemies to lovers romance.” As a result, I just couldn’t get invested in them, and it didn’t help that the first described sexual encounter comes off cold rather than hot.
While their relationship evolves over the planning of Rob’s brother’s wedding, the book is filled with a lot of push/pull. There’s a rinse/repeat of Rob lamenting he can’t be the one for Ally, and Ally fretting about being lonely and wanting to settle down on top of trying to date someone else. Oh and the absolute worst scene— Rob’s disgusting puking date. That was just plain gross! (Really, it almost lost me there. *eyes DNF pile*)
Seriously, the H & h cleaning up vomit is NOT a romantic bonding moment!
While there are decent developed sexy times between Robert and Aly, the romance suffered with the inclusion of other pointless scenes that went nowhere. Even the blurb message which initially intrigued me about the story is a dropped plot point.
To make a connection with Rob and Aly as a couple, the plot should have started from the beginning with scenes, not recaps, of the time when Aly arrived and Rob was dealing with his grandfather’s death and family secrets. The “enemies” angle was very weak. Confirmation that Rob had been celibate the whole time they’d known each other would have gone a long way too. Sorely needed were more scenes where Rob shined instead of faltered, including omission of that silly, contrived drama at 80%. From there, the timeline skipped around way too much, dragging things out. While I believed that deep down Rob sensed that Ally was the “real deal” for him, a bigger wow factor was necessary in the ending to make up for all his missteps.
Told via Rob and Ally’s alternating first person POV, I think this story had the potential to be greater, but stumbled on plotting and execution.
Safety Recap:
*I volunteered to review this ARC. All reviews written by Book-Bosomed Book Blog are honest opinions. In the interest of providing unbiased book reviews and to avoid misleading other readers, it is the blog’s policy not to withhold or delay any reviews no matter the star rating. To the best of my knowledge, this title was presented to the blog without any conditions or stipulations.
March 28, 2018
I’ve been a fan of Jessica Peterson since I picked up Spanish Lessons, the first book in her Study Abroad series. In fact, I was more than a little bit obsessed with the series and would dive into each new book as soon as I had it sitting on my Kindle. Having enjoyed her new adult romance, I was more than eager to dive into her adult romance. With Royal Ruin, Jessica Peterson guaranteed I would have a new obsession to replace the emptiness that appeared in my life when the Study Abroad series came to an end. Thus, it should come as no surprise to hear I was more than willing to dive into Royal Rebel.
Royal Rebel is the second book in the Flings With Kings series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. I would recommend reading the prior book – it’s a wonderful book, one you should certainly go and read simply because of how good it is – but it is not necessary to understand this one. If you do read the prior book, however, you will get to appreciate the side characters and certain events a lot more with this one. Whether you read the prior book or jump straight into this one is entirely up to you.
At present there are a lot of royal books on the market, due to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle having a decent proportion of the world obsessed with their relationship. As I sated in my review of Royal Ruin, though, I’m not overly interested like some people. That being said, I can appreciate a good royal romance read. Especially with how much I enjoyed Royal Ruin, and how I wanted more of the family Jessica Peterson had introduced us to.
I went into this one with high hopes, and I was not disappointed. It took me a couple of chapters before I was completely sucked in and obsessed, but once the story got moving I was lost. It quickly became a book I was finishing in a short period of time, turning the pages at a rapid pace, and growing annoyed when someone tried to interrupt my reading.
While Royal Ruin was a second chance romance, Royal Rebel offers us the enemies-to-lovers trope instead. I’ll be completely honest and say this wasn’t quite the enemies-to-lovers story I had expected – I’m a fan of deeper dislike than was apparent in this story, preferring the blood boiling disgust to the kind of enemies we saw in this one – I did enjoy the way the characters played off each other. There was so much emotion to be felt throughout, so many wonderful interactions to watch. The couple from the first book are my favourite from the series thus far, but these guys were a great couple too.
Honestly, this was such an addictive read. Jessica Peterson always offers up fun romances, and this was no different. It sucks you in from the very start and leaves you wanting more. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, as I cannot wait to get more of this family.
Another winner from Jessica Peterson.
Royal Rebel is the second book in the Flings With Kings series, but it can be read as a standalone novel. I would recommend reading the prior book – it’s a wonderful book, one you should certainly go and read simply because of how good it is – but it is not necessary to understand this one. If you do read the prior book, however, you will get to appreciate the side characters and certain events a lot more with this one. Whether you read the prior book or jump straight into this one is entirely up to you.
At present there are a lot of royal books on the market, due to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle having a decent proportion of the world obsessed with their relationship. As I sated in my review of Royal Ruin, though, I’m not overly interested like some people. That being said, I can appreciate a good royal romance read. Especially with how much I enjoyed Royal Ruin, and how I wanted more of the family Jessica Peterson had introduced us to.
I went into this one with high hopes, and I was not disappointed. It took me a couple of chapters before I was completely sucked in and obsessed, but once the story got moving I was lost. It quickly became a book I was finishing in a short period of time, turning the pages at a rapid pace, and growing annoyed when someone tried to interrupt my reading.
While Royal Ruin was a second chance romance, Royal Rebel offers us the enemies-to-lovers trope instead. I’ll be completely honest and say this wasn’t quite the enemies-to-lovers story I had expected – I’m a fan of deeper dislike than was apparent in this story, preferring the blood boiling disgust to the kind of enemies we saw in this one – I did enjoy the way the characters played off each other. There was so much emotion to be felt throughout, so many wonderful interactions to watch. The couple from the first book are my favourite from the series thus far, but these guys were a great couple too.
Honestly, this was such an addictive read. Jessica Peterson always offers up fun romances, and this was no different. It sucks you in from the very start and leaves you wanting more. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, as I cannot wait to get more of this family.
Another winner from Jessica Peterson.
March 22, 2018
The first Jessica Peterson book that I read was Royal Ruin, Kit and Emily's story. I really enjoyed their story, and I was looking forward to reading bad boy Rob's love affair with Emily's best friend, Aly. I knew it was going to have a lot of heat and drama. What I wasn't sure of was how much heart. Honestly, this book took me by surprise because I was afraid it would be a typical bad boy changes his ways miraculously just because the right woman came along.
Rob was not so much a bad boy as a disillusioned boy who's world was shattered when what he believed to be true of his mentor and role model turned out to be false. He always saw himself as a carbon copy of his mentor, because that's what everyone told him, and he hadn't yet realized that he was more. Aly brought out the best in him not by trying to change him, but by helping him realize that is already more.
The love and heartbreak and ache in this book is just right. Aly and Rob both need to help each other, and they do. I loved this book even more than Royal Ruin, and I loved Royal Ruin. I highly recommend this one.
Rob was not so much a bad boy as a disillusioned boy who's world was shattered when what he believed to be true of his mentor and role model turned out to be false. He always saw himself as a carbon copy of his mentor, because that's what everyone told him, and he hadn't yet realized that he was more. Aly brought out the best in him not by trying to change him, but by helping him realize that is already more.
The love and heartbreak and ache in this book is just right. Aly and Rob both need to help each other, and they do. I loved this book even more than Royal Ruin, and I loved Royal Ruin. I highly recommend this one.
March 29, 2018
4.5/5.0 stars: When I started reading this last night, I thought I'd read a fourth or so of the book and finish it today. But I read it all last night. Sleep is overrated. The story never stopped, so there was nowhere for me to put it down.
I loved Kit and Em's story so much, to be honest, I didn't know if Jessica could provide that kind of intensity again, but she did. I knew Rob was a bad boy, but he really proves it. However, no matter how bad he was, I kept rooting for him and Aly to figure it all out.
Bring on Jane's story! I can't wait!
I was given an ARC copy of this book, but my review is based on my own opinion of the book.
I loved Kit and Em's story so much, to be honest, I didn't know if Jessica could provide that kind of intensity again, but she did. I knew Rob was a bad boy, but he really proves it. However, no matter how bad he was, I kept rooting for him and Aly to figure it all out.
Bring on Jane's story! I can't wait!
I was given an ARC copy of this book, but my review is based on my own opinion of the book.
March 28, 2018
Royal Rebel starts right where Royal Ruin ends. I can honestly say I wouldn't read this book unless you've read Royal Ruin. Besides.....Royal Ruin was a fantastic read so you'd be missing out if you don't read it.
Ok....onto my review! Rob and Aly really....I mean really don't like each other. Rob is the Playboy Prince and Aly is the responsible American business woman working on growing her design firm in London. Despite hating each other Rob and Aly have an undeniable sexual chemistry. So what should they do about it? Well, why not scratch that itch and be each others booty call when needed.
Aly is on a deadline. She has everything mapped out for her life. Run a successful business. Find her life partner that's dependable, hard working and kind then settle down in a house with a white picket fence. Have a few kids and buy a Volvo. The Playboy Prince is just a distraction. He's not the forever kind of guy. But why can't she stop thinking about him? Why is she so attuned to him every time he is near her? She can't want him!! He's a jerk!!!
Rob is just like his grandfather. A playboy. He can't be faithful to anyone so why bother breaking someone's heart. He can have his fun but won't commit because he doesn't want to hurt anyone. As soon as he met Aly he knew he wanted her. You know....in bed....not anything permanent. But why is he so off the charts jealous when he sees her dating another man? Nobody should have Aly but him! All of these feeling are so confusing and frustrating to Rob. He knows he's poison to anyone. He's his grandfather all over again....right?
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. The intense feelings and push and pull of the relationship is what I love. Jessica Peterson captured these complex emotions perfectly. I absolutely loved this book.
Ok....onto my review! Rob and Aly really....I mean really don't like each other. Rob is the Playboy Prince and Aly is the responsible American business woman working on growing her design firm in London. Despite hating each other Rob and Aly have an undeniable sexual chemistry. So what should they do about it? Well, why not scratch that itch and be each others booty call when needed.
Aly is on a deadline. She has everything mapped out for her life. Run a successful business. Find her life partner that's dependable, hard working and kind then settle down in a house with a white picket fence. Have a few kids and buy a Volvo. The Playboy Prince is just a distraction. He's not the forever kind of guy. But why can't she stop thinking about him? Why is she so attuned to him every time he is near her? She can't want him!! He's a jerk!!!
Rob is just like his grandfather. A playboy. He can't be faithful to anyone so why bother breaking someone's heart. He can have his fun but won't commit because he doesn't want to hurt anyone. As soon as he met Aly he knew he wanted her. You know....in bed....not anything permanent. But why is he so off the charts jealous when he sees her dating another man? Nobody should have Aly but him! All of these feeling are so confusing and frustrating to Rob. He knows he's poison to anyone. He's his grandfather all over again....right?
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. The intense feelings and push and pull of the relationship is what I love. Jessica Peterson captured these complex emotions perfectly. I absolutely loved this book.
March 25, 2018
Talk about a timely book! I immediately thought of a certain British Prince who was once a rogue. Maybe this author has some inside information we’re not privy to. I’m only joking. I don’t think this is actually based on that handsome guy but the playboy part of the story did make me think of him.
I don’t do spoilers that’s what blurbs are for and other reviews. I just tell you how the book affected me. So if you find the blurb interesting and like the reviews you read you should buy the book. However, what I will say is that I thought this was a charming story. It made me smile and swoon. It was a story about people and their growth or lack thereof and expectations we put on people as well as expectations we put on ourselves and others. It deals with judgments by ourselves and others and misconceptions.
I didn’t read the first book of the series so I had to fill in a few blanks but it can stand alone.
Rob is certainly swoon worthy, misguided, and a playboy but he’s also charming and sensitive and just cocky enough. Aly is smart, seems a little intractable, adorable, and knows what she wants, or does she?
Watching their story play out brings heat, romance, angst, growth and self discovery. It lives up to the saying,”Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
This is my first book by this author. I look forward to reading more of her work.
I don’t do spoilers that’s what blurbs are for and other reviews. I just tell you how the book affected me. So if you find the blurb interesting and like the reviews you read you should buy the book. However, what I will say is that I thought this was a charming story. It made me smile and swoon. It was a story about people and their growth or lack thereof and expectations we put on people as well as expectations we put on ourselves and others. It deals with judgments by ourselves and others and misconceptions.
I didn’t read the first book of the series so I had to fill in a few blanks but it can stand alone.
Rob is certainly swoon worthy, misguided, and a playboy but he’s also charming and sensitive and just cocky enough. Aly is smart, seems a little intractable, adorable, and knows what she wants, or does she?
Watching their story play out brings heat, romance, angst, growth and self discovery. It lives up to the saying,”Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
This is my first book by this author. I look forward to reading more of her work.
March 21, 2018
This enemies to lovers story showed how people can really change, grow, and be the best person they can be when they set their minds to it.
Aly is Emily’s best friend, and she has just taken over as CEO of their company they started in London. She feels her biological clock ticking and is wanting the happily ever after like all of her friends have found. However, the only thing she is doing right now is hooking up with the rebel prince in the back of cars and pub bathrooms. She hates him so letting him go to find Mr. Perfect should be easy, right?
Rob is the playboy prince who lives up to his reputation. He never wants to settle down and knows no-strings attached hook-ups will be his life. He has secrets to explain his reasoning and isn’t willing to budge for any girl.
When these two are paired up as maid of honor and best man during the wedding planning, they have to spend more time with each other than they were bargaining for. Will Aly find her forever guy or will Rob do everything in his power to ruin her for all future men?
Aly’s character is quick witted and stubborn. She gives as good as she gets and doesn’t back down when going after something she wants.
Rob is outgoing and the life of the party. However, he has self-esteem issues that prevent him from moving forward. When he shows his thoughtful, romantic side, it is impossible not to fall in love with him.
This book is the 2nd book in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
-An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
Aly is Emily’s best friend, and she has just taken over as CEO of their company they started in London. She feels her biological clock ticking and is wanting the happily ever after like all of her friends have found. However, the only thing she is doing right now is hooking up with the rebel prince in the back of cars and pub bathrooms. She hates him so letting him go to find Mr. Perfect should be easy, right?
Rob is the playboy prince who lives up to his reputation. He never wants to settle down and knows no-strings attached hook-ups will be his life. He has secrets to explain his reasoning and isn’t willing to budge for any girl.
When these two are paired up as maid of honor and best man during the wedding planning, they have to spend more time with each other than they were bargaining for. Will Aly find her forever guy or will Rob do everything in his power to ruin her for all future men?
Aly’s character is quick witted and stubborn. She gives as good as she gets and doesn’t back down when going after something she wants.
Rob is outgoing and the life of the party. However, he has self-esteem issues that prevent him from moving forward. When he shows his thoughtful, romantic side, it is impossible not to fall in love with him.
This book is the 2nd book in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
-An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
March 18, 2018
Ahhh!! I've been so excited for Aly and Rob's story since I read Kit and Emily's. I was not disappointed! Aly and Rob have been hooking up for the past few months. Aly decides she wants her happily ever after, and starts searching for it elsewhere. Rob is our royal rebel, manwhore extraordinaire, carefree prince. Yet he hides a lot behind his cockiness and flirtatious behavior. Aly and Rob completely get each other. They see in each other what they are hiding. All their fears, disappointments, and dreams. I love them together so much.
Once again Jessica Peterson makes us feel like princesses all throughout the story. The writing kept me glued to the pages. The characters and banter had me laughing and swooning. The sex was spectacularly hot. Rob is every bit of a sexy prince. Aly is every bit of a sassy, blunt American. Royal books are pretty hit and miss for me, Royal Rebel is a definite hit and I can't wait for more of this family. I'm so hooked on this series that it makes me want to go and find a prince of my own! I loved seeing more of Kit and Emily! I also can't wait for Jane's book! I'm just all around excited to read more from this author!
Once again Jessica Peterson makes us feel like princesses all throughout the story. The writing kept me glued to the pages. The characters and banter had me laughing and swooning. The sex was spectacularly hot. Rob is every bit of a sexy prince. Aly is every bit of a sassy, blunt American. Royal books are pretty hit and miss for me, Royal Rebel is a definite hit and I can't wait for more of this family. I'm so hooked on this series that it makes me want to go and find a prince of my own! I loved seeing more of Kit and Emily! I also can't wait for Jane's book! I'm just all around excited to read more from this author!
March 19, 2018
I enjoyed this next chapter in the Flings with Kings series. Brother Rob to the King is a total douche bag and shags everything in a skirt. He meets Aly, who is the best friend of the girl who is going to marry the Prince (Royal Ruin, book 1). They get along like fire and oil, but for some reason they hooked up and the sex is fantastic, but it's only quickies and not really anything meaningful. They both won't admit that they want more than meaningless sex, and they don't believe in themselves. Rob has illusions that he is like his grandfather, but Aly shows him that he is not like his grandfather and it takes time for them to figure things out, including many misunderstandings. The characters are spot on and the dialogue is great.
I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2018
This is the second book in the Thorne series. I don’t even know where to start except to say that I absolutely loved this book. Rob is a bad boy prince, but he’s hiding some pain, and it’s true that words can hurt people and cause them to be undermined. This story is a journey of a relationship that will keep you biting your nails because, at times, I thought things weren’t going to work out, and the author has you on the edge a bit with this...wondering how something that happened was redeemable. I loved Aly; a smart, kick ass woman who knows what she wants. There is also a lot of hot and sexy times in this story too! I happily give it 5 stars and anxiously await the next book in the series!
March 17, 2018
Wow.....I knew that Rob & Aly's story was going to be amazing, but Royal Rebel was even better than I could have hoped for. I just adored everything about this story - it was perfect for these characters!
From the beginning, I absolutely loved the connection between Rob & Aly. Yes, it may have started out as something purely physical to satisfy needs, but deep down there was always something more between them. There was always that fire, a spark between them that just continued to grow whenever they were around each other. While Rob may not have thought he deserved the same things out of life that Aly wanted & deserved, she always knew there was more to Rob than what he portrayed to the public. Sometimes it just takes a special person to show you that who you thought you were and what you think you are destined to be, is not who you truly are. Mistakes of the past don't have to haunt you and control your future - you have the power to decide who and what you want out of life.
**I received an ARC of this book**
From the beginning, I absolutely loved the connection between Rob & Aly. Yes, it may have started out as something purely physical to satisfy needs, but deep down there was always something more between them. There was always that fire, a spark between them that just continued to grow whenever they were around each other. While Rob may not have thought he deserved the same things out of life that Aly wanted & deserved, she always knew there was more to Rob than what he portrayed to the public. Sometimes it just takes a special person to show you that who you thought you were and what you think you are destined to be, is not who you truly are. Mistakes of the past don't have to haunt you and control your future - you have the power to decide who and what you want out of life.
**I received an ARC of this book**
March 28, 2018
God save my soul! I thought I loved Kit and Em but then I met Rob and Aly and I’m simply BLOWN away! They are so different from one another! Rob is still finding his way and wants to have fun while Aly has her life planned out and knows what she wants! Yet when these two come together it’s a mix that combusts right off the pages!
Rob and Aly will not disappoint and as they find their ways you will find yourself laughing, crying and down right swooning with love! I can’t wait for Jane’s story and to see what comes next for this amazing family!
Rob and Aly will not disappoint and as they find their ways you will find yourself laughing, crying and down right swooning with love! I can’t wait for Jane’s story and to see what comes next for this amazing family!
March 19, 2018
So bloody romantic.
This book made me yearn and ache, itchy with need.
Rob and Aly are two of the most engaging couples I’ve ever read. Both smart, sexy, successful and troubled. Both wanting things they think they can’t have. There is a lot of back and forth and push and pull, but when the stars align for this pair, it’s magic.
This couple. This book. All the superlatives in the world wouldn’t be enough to describe how much I loved this couple, and this book.
This book made me yearn and ache, itchy with need.
Rob and Aly are two of the most engaging couples I’ve ever read. Both smart, sexy, successful and troubled. Both wanting things they think they can’t have. There is a lot of back and forth and push and pull, but when the stars align for this pair, it’s magic.
This couple. This book. All the superlatives in the world wouldn’t be enough to describe how much I loved this couple, and this book.
March 28, 2018
Royal Rebel starts right where Royal Ruin ends. I can honestly say I wouldn't read this book unless you've read Royal Ruin. Besides.....Royal Ruin was a fantastic read so you'd be missing out if you don't read it.
Ok....onto my review! Rob and Aly really....I mean really don't like each other. Rob is the Playboy Prince and Aly is the responsible American business woman working on growing her design firm in London. Despite hating each other Rob and Aly have an undeniable sexual chemistry. So what should they do about it? Well, why not scratch that itch and be each others booty call when needed.
Aly is on a deadline. She has everything mapped out for her life. Run a successful business. Find her life partner that's dependable, hard working and kind then settle down in a house with a white picket fence. Have a few kids and buy a Volvo. The Playboy Prince is just a distraction. He's not the forever kind of guy. But why can't she stop thinking about him? Why is she so attuned to him every time he is near her? She can't want him!! He's a jerk!!!
Rob is just like his grandfather. A playboy. He can't be faithful to anyone so why bother breaking someone's heart. He can have his fun but won't commit because he doesn't want to hurt anyone. As soon as he met Aly he knew he wanted her. You know....in bed....not anything permanent. But why is he so off the charts jealous when he sees her dating another man? Nobody should have Aly but him! All of these feeling are so confusing and frustrating to Rob. He knows he's poison to anyone. He's his grandfather all over again....right?
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. The intense feelings and push and pull of the relationship is what I love. Jessica Peterson captured these complex emotions perfectly. I absolutely loved this book.
Reviewed by: Heather S.
Ok....onto my review! Rob and Aly really....I mean really don't like each other. Rob is the Playboy Prince and Aly is the responsible American business woman working on growing her design firm in London. Despite hating each other Rob and Aly have an undeniable sexual chemistry. So what should they do about it? Well, why not scratch that itch and be each others booty call when needed.
Aly is on a deadline. She has everything mapped out for her life. Run a successful business. Find her life partner that's dependable, hard working and kind then settle down in a house with a white picket fence. Have a few kids and buy a Volvo. The Playboy Prince is just a distraction. He's not the forever kind of guy. But why can't she stop thinking about him? Why is she so attuned to him every time he is near her? She can't want him!! He's a jerk!!!
Rob is just like his grandfather. A playboy. He can't be faithful to anyone so why bother breaking someone's heart. He can have his fun but won't commit because he doesn't want to hurt anyone. As soon as he met Aly he knew he wanted her. You know....in bed....not anything permanent. But why is he so off the charts jealous when he sees her dating another man? Nobody should have Aly but him! All of these feeling are so confusing and frustrating to Rob. He knows he's poison to anyone. He's his grandfather all over again....right?
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. The intense feelings and push and pull of the relationship is what I love. Jessica Peterson captured these complex emotions perfectly. I absolutely loved this book.
Reviewed by: Heather S.
March 26, 2018
Was given an ARC by the author Jessica Peterson
I really do still love Kit and Em but Rob and Aly are barrowing by heart for a while! Seriously, this book, is so delicious you won’t want Rob and Aly’s story to end! I loved everything about this enemies to lovers their chemistry flowed straight form the end of Kit and Em’s story and right into their own. In true Peterson fashion the story starts HOT HOT HOT! Then Aly decides to cut the royal rebel prince Robert Thorne right off and out of her pants. After her big promotion she decides a fling with the third in line to the throne of England was not going to get her to her dreams of a white picket fence, a family playing in the yard and a Volvo parked in the drive and the perfect happily ever after. Her entire life has been about checking off the big life boxes and even though she is working hard to check off the final boxes she just can’t get a certain prince out of her head.
Robert has some series commitment issues. Having been compared to his perfect Grandfather his entire life his world comes crashing around him when not only does he lose his second father figure, but he finds that he is not what everyone thinks. Aly and Rob’s story show just how much people can change and be better then what they believe. Rob teaches Aly that life isn’t about checking off boxes but about living. Aly teaches Rob that he is so much more than what everyone tells him he is or should be. The tender moments between Rob and Aly will have you swooning and the steamy moment will have you hot and bothered for sure! This is 100% a reread for me!
I really do still love Kit and Em but Rob and Aly are barrowing by heart for a while! Seriously, this book, is so delicious you won’t want Rob and Aly’s story to end! I loved everything about this enemies to lovers their chemistry flowed straight form the end of Kit and Em’s story and right into their own. In true Peterson fashion the story starts HOT HOT HOT! Then Aly decides to cut the royal rebel prince Robert Thorne right off and out of her pants. After her big promotion she decides a fling with the third in line to the throne of England was not going to get her to her dreams of a white picket fence, a family playing in the yard and a Volvo parked in the drive and the perfect happily ever after. Her entire life has been about checking off the big life boxes and even though she is working hard to check off the final boxes she just can’t get a certain prince out of her head.
Robert has some series commitment issues. Having been compared to his perfect Grandfather his entire life his world comes crashing around him when not only does he lose his second father figure, but he finds that he is not what everyone thinks. Aly and Rob’s story show just how much people can change and be better then what they believe. Rob teaches Aly that life isn’t about checking off boxes but about living. Aly teaches Rob that he is so much more than what everyone tells him he is or should be. The tender moments between Rob and Aly will have you swooning and the steamy moment will have you hot and bothered for sure! This is 100% a reread for me!
July 12, 2018
-Kacie, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just like with the first book, I was sucked in by this story and I fell in love with these characters. Jessica Peterson set the scene for this book in Royal Ruin (I recommend reading them in order) and she did so beautifully. This story picks up where the last one left off.
Aly is Emily’s best friend. She’s a sharp, driven, overachiever, with a great work ethic. She’s come to realize that she’s lonely and ready to settle down. She wants more. She can’t get more from her current arrangement with the royal rebel. Rob is Kit’s younger brother and the royal rebel and bad boy. His grandfather put awful lies and junk in Rob's head that keeps him from getting serious (or wanting to get serious) with anyone. It’s good the grandfather was already dead!
I love Aly and Rob! They had a connection when their relationship was just physical but you could see it grow as they got to know each other. One of the best things I liked about Aly was how she treated Rob like a real person instead of a prince. She didn’t try to impress him or be different, and she called him out on his crap. I liked seeing how Rob matured during the progression of the story. He claimed to be one way because that was what he was told but his actions proved the complete opposite of it.
Just like with the first book, I was sucked in by this story and I fell in love with these characters. Jessica Peterson set the scene for this book in Royal Ruin (I recommend reading them in order) and she did so beautifully. This story picks up where the last one left off.
Aly is Emily’s best friend. She’s a sharp, driven, overachiever, with a great work ethic. She’s come to realize that she’s lonely and ready to settle down. She wants more. She can’t get more from her current arrangement with the royal rebel. Rob is Kit’s younger brother and the royal rebel and bad boy. His grandfather put awful lies and junk in Rob's head that keeps him from getting serious (or wanting to get serious) with anyone. It’s good the grandfather was already dead!
I love Aly and Rob! They had a connection when their relationship was just physical but you could see it grow as they got to know each other. One of the best things I liked about Aly was how she treated Rob like a real person instead of a prince. She didn’t try to impress him or be different, and she called him out on his crap. I liked seeing how Rob matured during the progression of the story. He claimed to be one way because that was what he was told but his actions proved the complete opposite of it.
March 23, 2018
A solid 3.5 Star book for me. The story is about Aly, an American working in London who meets the playboy prince Robert. They immediately start a no strings relationship with very specific rules: sex only and no kissing. This arrangement goes on for months. After a while they begin struggle - she wants to settle down and knows he’s not the type. He struggles as he has feelings for her but doesn’t believe he can have more as he’s just like his philandering grandfather. She ends their arrangement and starts trying to find her HEA with other people.
After their split, Rob and Aly are tagged to be the attendants for his brother the Crown Prince and her best friend’s wedding. Through the planning of the engagement party and a joint bachelor and bachelorette party, they get to know each other better and realize they like each other as people. Their chemistry is still off the charts and they fall back into a physical relationship. Unfortunately their differences still exist, and Rob’s reaction to a misunderstanding sinks their rekindled relationship. They split again right before the wedding.
During their time apart, Aly resumes her search for forever by dating people she meets on her various apps. They both do some growing. Rob’s brother gets him to realize he’s not his grandfather and that he could be more. He starts to believe this and makes changes for the better. She realizes she misses him and needs him in her life. She decides to take a leap of faith and goes after what she wants - Rob.
There were aspects of the story I didn’t care for such as the feeling of being dropped into a story after it started. There were many parts in the book where months had passed and we got recaps of the events. In fact, the book starts out that way. Also, while they were apart after the wedding, not much was said about what Rob was doing. She was dating others; what was he up to?
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. Thanks to the author for providing an ARC for my review.
After their split, Rob and Aly are tagged to be the attendants for his brother the Crown Prince and her best friend’s wedding. Through the planning of the engagement party and a joint bachelor and bachelorette party, they get to know each other better and realize they like each other as people. Their chemistry is still off the charts and they fall back into a physical relationship. Unfortunately their differences still exist, and Rob’s reaction to a misunderstanding sinks their rekindled relationship. They split again right before the wedding.
During their time apart, Aly resumes her search for forever by dating people she meets on her various apps. They both do some growing. Rob’s brother gets him to realize he’s not his grandfather and that he could be more. He starts to believe this and makes changes for the better. She realizes she misses him and needs him in her life. She decides to take a leap of faith and goes after what she wants - Rob.
There were aspects of the story I didn’t care for such as the feeling of being dropped into a story after it started. There were many parts in the book where months had passed and we got recaps of the events. In fact, the book starts out that way. Also, while they were apart after the wedding, not much was said about what Rob was doing. She was dating others; what was he up to?
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others. Thanks to the author for providing an ARC for my review.
March 26, 2018
I love enemies to lovers stories so much: the passion, the fireworks, the undeniable attraction.
Rob is the Playboy Prince. He loves fast cars and faster women and he's not looking to settle down. Aly is the opposite of Rob. She's commitment personified: the newly named CEO of the design company she works for, looking for her HEA. When these two are forced to work together, sparks fly, even though Aly doesn't like Rob very much. Since his brother and her best friend are getting married, they keep getting pushed together and the sparks keep flying, even though neither of them are looking for what the other is offering.
I am usually a believer that once a player, always a player but Rob is the exception to the rule. Just like his brother, Kit, Rob is all swoon. Granted, he makes mistakes, a lot of them, but once he gets it together, he nails it every time. I loved Aly. She might be one of my favorite characters this year. She's smart, funny, a fantastic friend. I am hardcore in love with this series and can't wait to see what comes next for these Royals!!!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
Rob is the Playboy Prince. He loves fast cars and faster women and he's not looking to settle down. Aly is the opposite of Rob. She's commitment personified: the newly named CEO of the design company she works for, looking for her HEA. When these two are forced to work together, sparks fly, even though Aly doesn't like Rob very much. Since his brother and her best friend are getting married, they keep getting pushed together and the sparks keep flying, even though neither of them are looking for what the other is offering.
I am usually a believer that once a player, always a player but Rob is the exception to the rule. Just like his brother, Kit, Rob is all swoon. Granted, he makes mistakes, a lot of them, but once he gets it together, he nails it every time. I loved Aly. She might be one of my favorite characters this year. She's smart, funny, a fantastic friend. I am hardcore in love with this series and can't wait to see what comes next for these Royals!!!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
April 1, 2018
I won this book as an arc and here is my honest review.
I loved it. Aly meets Rob at her friends home her bf is engaged to his brother a prince. They hit it off in the wrong way but the sexual chemistry is off the charts following her rules they book up for sex in secret never to spend quality with getting to know each other, after 6 months aly decides she had enough of meaningless sex and wants to find the real deal the fairy tale ending, they start realise they have feelings for each other but know they aren't right together having to plan the wedding for bf/ brother means they have to spend time together it's on off and misunderstandings hoping that they finally realise they are each other's happy ending. Great book loved the character's in it. I'm off to read the first book now of kit and Emily story
I loved it. Aly meets Rob at her friends home her bf is engaged to his brother a prince. They hit it off in the wrong way but the sexual chemistry is off the charts following her rules they book up for sex in secret never to spend quality with getting to know each other, after 6 months aly decides she had enough of meaningless sex and wants to find the real deal the fairy tale ending, they start realise they have feelings for each other but know they aren't right together having to plan the wedding for bf/ brother means they have to spend time together it's on off and misunderstandings hoping that they finally realise they are each other's happy ending. Great book loved the character's in it. I'm off to read the first book now of kit and Emily story
March 19, 2018
This is a fun light hearted book. The opening was so steamy! I think the book had pretty good storyline. I like that Aly made Rob work for her affection. I like that one she made a decision she keep to her guns. She wasn't a wishy-washy female. I like that Rob fought for her. I like that we could see his change of heart.
I didn't feel a real chemistry between the characters. I didn't like that Aly ghosted Rob. She should have been upfront with him.
This is an ARC non bias review.
I didn't feel a real chemistry between the characters. I didn't like that Aly ghosted Rob. She should have been upfront with him.
This is an ARC non bias review.
March 27, 2018
Sucker for a royal romance? How about enemies to lovers romance? Second chance? You can get it all right here in Royal Rebel. I really enjoyed this book. Once again, Peterson has crafted a fantastic story with lovable characters. Once I started, I had a hard time putting this one down!
Rob and Aly both have strong ideas of who they are, and who they should be. Rob is the Playboy Prince. He has no intentions of settling down. He has built his life around being the prince who consistently falls short. Aly is driven. She has a fantastic career, and now she is ready for her happily-ever-after, husband and kids included. They have both let their ideas and beliefs about themselves trap them in little boxes. However, when they are together, their boxes seem to expand, and they are able to truly be themselves, even if just for a little while.
What started out as a casual physical relationship morphs throughout the story. In the beginning, Rob and Aly are more enemies with benefits than anything else. They have very different goals and priorities. However, what happens when those goals and priorities are questioned? Are they really traveling down the right paths when their happiness is found on a detour? This book is full of ups and downs for these two. There were times I wanted to yell at both of them. I ached for them and their inability to see what was right in front of them. I cheered them on when they allowed themselves to feel and be themselves.
I found Rob’s story to be completely heartbreaking. After meeting him in Royal Ruin, I was surprised by his pain, and wanted him to find his happiness so badly! I think I was more sympathetic to his struggle because the pressure was placed on him from others as well as an internal struggle. I did feel bad for Aly, but I felt like she was definitely her own worst enemy. I wanted to scream at her to just open her eyes, because she and Rob were clearly meant for each other!
All of that said, this book is clearly very well written. To evoke these emotions and captivate readers takes true talent. This book has a bit of everything. While it takes your emotions for a ride, you will swoon for this gorgeous rebel, laugh at silly moments, and stop to fan yourself through the steamy scenes. You will be inspired by the dedication of these characters to those they love and adore the transformation these two are able to make by the end.
This is book two in Peterson’s Flings with Kings series, but it is written to work as a stand alone. That said, I highly recommend you start by reading Royal Ruin. I mean, why miss it? It’s a great book, and because it focuses on Rob’s brother Kit, you will see those characters again throughout this book. Starting with Royal Ruin will make it even more meaningful when you run into Kit and Emily, and you will also meet Rob and Aly there.
I received an advanced copy of this book with no obligations to or expectations from the author.
Rob and Aly both have strong ideas of who they are, and who they should be. Rob is the Playboy Prince. He has no intentions of settling down. He has built his life around being the prince who consistently falls short. Aly is driven. She has a fantastic career, and now she is ready for her happily-ever-after, husband and kids included. They have both let their ideas and beliefs about themselves trap them in little boxes. However, when they are together, their boxes seem to expand, and they are able to truly be themselves, even if just for a little while.
What started out as a casual physical relationship morphs throughout the story. In the beginning, Rob and Aly are more enemies with benefits than anything else. They have very different goals and priorities. However, what happens when those goals and priorities are questioned? Are they really traveling down the right paths when their happiness is found on a detour? This book is full of ups and downs for these two. There were times I wanted to yell at both of them. I ached for them and their inability to see what was right in front of them. I cheered them on when they allowed themselves to feel and be themselves.
I found Rob’s story to be completely heartbreaking. After meeting him in Royal Ruin, I was surprised by his pain, and wanted him to find his happiness so badly! I think I was more sympathetic to his struggle because the pressure was placed on him from others as well as an internal struggle. I did feel bad for Aly, but I felt like she was definitely her own worst enemy. I wanted to scream at her to just open her eyes, because she and Rob were clearly meant for each other!
All of that said, this book is clearly very well written. To evoke these emotions and captivate readers takes true talent. This book has a bit of everything. While it takes your emotions for a ride, you will swoon for this gorgeous rebel, laugh at silly moments, and stop to fan yourself through the steamy scenes. You will be inspired by the dedication of these characters to those they love and adore the transformation these two are able to make by the end.
This is book two in Peterson’s Flings with Kings series, but it is written to work as a stand alone. That said, I highly recommend you start by reading Royal Ruin. I mean, why miss it? It’s a great book, and because it focuses on Rob’s brother Kit, you will see those characters again throughout this book. Starting with Royal Ruin will make it even more meaningful when you run into Kit and Emily, and you will also meet Rob and Aly there.
I received an advanced copy of this book with no obligations to or expectations from the author.
March 28, 2018
Prince Robert isn’t one to settle down, or even have a relationship with a woman, so being strictly physical with Aly, a woman who can’t stand him, suits them both. At least until Aly decides it’s time to find “the one" and work on getting her fairytale ending. Just maybe there's more to Rob than the cocky, carefree playboy he portrays, because he can’t tolerate the idea of Aly dating someone else, even though he can’t give her what she wants.
I had read the first book in this series, Royal Ruin, and loved it so I was excited to read an advance copy of Rob's story. I could tell there was more to him than we saw at first glance and I knew his story would be great fun. What surprised me was now much he won me over and snuck into my heart. Its always entertaining when there's a character with the belief that he's not a relationship kind of guy due to his upbringing or DNA. I want to grab him and say, “You poor, misguided schmuck, meet my friend, Free Will.” But I have to hand it to Rob; he figured it out and got it right, showing his soft heart and vulnerable side and making me like him even more.
My problem was with Aly. She was a wonderful heroine through most of the book, even realizing she had a few things in her own life to work on. Then she had what I can only describe as a Linda Blair episode and I was sure the priest needed to be called in. With the way she reacted to something significant that Rob did, she was guilty of the same immature behavior that she had accused him of! I thought, at the very least, she owed it to Rob to admit she was wrong or apologize for her over the top reaction. The only reason I gave this review four stars, rather than three, is because Rob’s character was so fantastic and made up for some of Aly's shortcomings. Rob thought he wasn’t worthy of Aly, but I felt that it was Aly who wasn’t worthy of Rob.
Now, let’s chat about cheating. If your definition of monogamy or faithfulness is the hero and heroine having sex only with each other, you probably won’t perceive any cheating. However, if you think it's cheating when the hero and heroine hook up, then she’s done with the hero and dates Guy #2 but isn’t intimate with Guy #2, and she hooks up with the hero again before she and Guy #2 officially break up, you’ll definitely see cheating here, so you may want to pass on this book if you can’t overlook that.
This was a quick, easy, entertaining read with a little steam, a little angst, a little humor and a lot of heart. It was a treat to catch up with Kit and Emily and I loved seeing the deeper, more complex, and vulnerable side of Rob, so prepare for him to steal your heart. The books in this series stand alone, so you can start with this one and go back and read Kit and Emily's story in Royal Ruin, which is also a terrific read.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
I had read the first book in this series, Royal Ruin, and loved it so I was excited to read an advance copy of Rob's story. I could tell there was more to him than we saw at first glance and I knew his story would be great fun. What surprised me was now much he won me over and snuck into my heart. Its always entertaining when there's a character with the belief that he's not a relationship kind of guy due to his upbringing or DNA. I want to grab him and say, “You poor, misguided schmuck, meet my friend, Free Will.” But I have to hand it to Rob; he figured it out and got it right, showing his soft heart and vulnerable side and making me like him even more.
My problem was with Aly. She was a wonderful heroine through most of the book, even realizing she had a few things in her own life to work on. Then she had what I can only describe as a Linda Blair episode and I was sure the priest needed to be called in. With the way she reacted to something significant that Rob did, she was guilty of the same immature behavior that she had accused him of! I thought, at the very least, she owed it to Rob to admit she was wrong or apologize for her over the top reaction. The only reason I gave this review four stars, rather than three, is because Rob’s character was so fantastic and made up for some of Aly's shortcomings. Rob thought he wasn’t worthy of Aly, but I felt that it was Aly who wasn’t worthy of Rob.
Now, let’s chat about cheating. If your definition of monogamy or faithfulness is the hero and heroine having sex only with each other, you probably won’t perceive any cheating. However, if you think it's cheating when the hero and heroine hook up, then she’s done with the hero and dates Guy #2 but isn’t intimate with Guy #2, and she hooks up with the hero again before she and Guy #2 officially break up, you’ll definitely see cheating here, so you may want to pass on this book if you can’t overlook that.
This was a quick, easy, entertaining read with a little steam, a little angst, a little humor and a lot of heart. It was a treat to catch up with Kit and Emily and I loved seeing the deeper, more complex, and vulnerable side of Rob, so prepare for him to steal your heart. The books in this series stand alone, so you can start with this one and go back and read Kit and Emily's story in Royal Ruin, which is also a terrific read.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
March 29, 2018
I love reading stories that have anything to do with royalty. Which is why I am hooked on Jessica Peterson’s new series Flings with Kings. I adored the first book in the series which was all about Kit and Em but in book 2, which is about Rob and Ally, I totally am head over heels in love with these characters. We met them in book 1 and now we get their stories where they are the main characters.
This book takes place 5-6 months after Rob and Aly have been having their secret relationship/fling. Aly is Emily’s best friend –she is sweet, determined and independent; she has hit a career milestone. She has just taken over as CEO of their company they started in London. Now Aly is ready to settle down and have a family. All her other friends have found their special person and are having children or have children. Now Aly really feels her biological clock ticking at a rapid rate. The only thing Aly has to show in her life is her job and the secret flings she has with Prince Rob aka the Rebel Prince. That is not something she wants to hang her hat on. She doesn’t want to let him go but in order to find Mister Right and to have that family she desperately wants, she needs to…right?
Prince Rob is this sexy, a rebel and a playboy. He had something bad happen into his past and that changed him. So now he acts out and pretends to be something he isn’t in order to keep people away and not get his heart broke. Aly brought out the best in him not by trying to change him and she just was content in being. Now with her pulling back and walking away, Rob isn’t about to let that happen.
There is a lot of upheaval and angst in this story. Will Rob be able to prove to Aly that he does love her and does want a relationship in time to save their royal romance or will Aly move on without giving Rob a chance? Only way to find out is read this awesome story. I look forward to more in the Flings with Kings series.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
This book takes place 5-6 months after Rob and Aly have been having their secret relationship/fling. Aly is Emily’s best friend –she is sweet, determined and independent; she has hit a career milestone. She has just taken over as CEO of their company they started in London. Now Aly is ready to settle down and have a family. All her other friends have found their special person and are having children or have children. Now Aly really feels her biological clock ticking at a rapid rate. The only thing Aly has to show in her life is her job and the secret flings she has with Prince Rob aka the Rebel Prince. That is not something she wants to hang her hat on. She doesn’t want to let him go but in order to find Mister Right and to have that family she desperately wants, she needs to…right?
Prince Rob is this sexy, a rebel and a playboy. He had something bad happen into his past and that changed him. So now he acts out and pretends to be something he isn’t in order to keep people away and not get his heart broke. Aly brought out the best in him not by trying to change him and she just was content in being. Now with her pulling back and walking away, Rob isn’t about to let that happen.
There is a lot of upheaval and angst in this story. Will Rob be able to prove to Aly that he does love her and does want a relationship in time to save their royal romance or will Aly move on without giving Rob a chance? Only way to find out is read this awesome story. I look forward to more in the Flings with Kings series.
My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
March 28, 2018
Author Jessica Peterson is taking the world of royal romance by storm. The first book in her Flings with Kings series was full of sweet and serious goodness. Prince Kit is the picture of royal duty. Em is his perfect match. And I didn’t know if I could love another couple more. Until Rob and Aly.
What is a prince to do when he’s been cast in a certain light his whole life? The younger, more playful brother of the crown prince, Rob has been told by a relative he admired and adored that he’s only fit to be a player. And so he makes it his duty to fulfill that role. Very. Well. He’s charming, for sure, but he’s a love ’em and leave ’em type and is certain that there can be nothing more in store for him. And he’s been performing the casanova role with Aly for several months now. Until Aly cuts him off, citing the need for a real relationship, which everyone knows Rob isn’t capable of. Right?
Alison Mason is getting her life in order. She’s taken over as CEO of EP Designs and after a whirlwind few months, she’s finally starting to settle into her new life in London. She’s been having “fun”, with Rob- in cars, pub bathrooms, and anywhere else that’s suitable for a quickie. But she’s looking for her “one”, and Rob can’t even commit to being hers for one night, so it’s time to move on. If she can.
From the hottest bathroom encounter I’ve ever read, to the absolutely most romantic boat ride on the Thames, Rob and Aly’s story is full of ups and downs. The playboy prince hides so much behind that facade. And Aly covers her feelings with her take- charge, I can do it all myself, persona. But when the two of them take the time to peel away the masks they don for the world, they discover who the other truly is. And they might not survive the revelation. My heart barely did.
A royal romance yes, but really a love story at its base and a true fairy tale of what happens when two people believe in each other.
What is a prince to do when he’s been cast in a certain light his whole life? The younger, more playful brother of the crown prince, Rob has been told by a relative he admired and adored that he’s only fit to be a player. And so he makes it his duty to fulfill that role. Very. Well. He’s charming, for sure, but he’s a love ’em and leave ’em type and is certain that there can be nothing more in store for him. And he’s been performing the casanova role with Aly for several months now. Until Aly cuts him off, citing the need for a real relationship, which everyone knows Rob isn’t capable of. Right?
Alison Mason is getting her life in order. She’s taken over as CEO of EP Designs and after a whirlwind few months, she’s finally starting to settle into her new life in London. She’s been having “fun”, with Rob- in cars, pub bathrooms, and anywhere else that’s suitable for a quickie. But she’s looking for her “one”, and Rob can’t even commit to being hers for one night, so it’s time to move on. If she can.
From the hottest bathroom encounter I’ve ever read, to the absolutely most romantic boat ride on the Thames, Rob and Aly’s story is full of ups and downs. The playboy prince hides so much behind that facade. And Aly covers her feelings with her take- charge, I can do it all myself, persona. But when the two of them take the time to peel away the masks they don for the world, they discover who the other truly is. And they might not survive the revelation. My heart barely did.
A royal romance yes, but really a love story at its base and a true fairy tale of what happens when two people believe in each other.
March 26, 2018
Aly and Rob are a bit like oil and water. She is responsible, hardworking, and determined to find love and commitment. Rob has brilliantly pulled off his role as the rebel prince with the playboy reputation and slacking off in his royal duties. But they sizzle together despite how much Aly is determined to hate him. Their fling was a well-kept royal secret, but Aly changed the game when she called it quits in order to actually find love. It turns out they have to work together for Kit and Emily's wedding, and it gives them a chance to actually connect and on a deeper level. It's certainly a rollercoaster as these two challenge each other. Jessica Peterson entertains in a seriously hot opposites attract, enemies to lovers, royal romance.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
March 28, 2018
I just finished Royal Ruin and hopped right into Royal Rebel. I'm giving this one a 3.5 stars, and feeling so conflicted about the book, because I liked it but something just overshadowed my like for it so much that I can't get over it. I'm not going to spoil anything or recap what happens, you'll get it when you read it. But I will tell you what I think of the people and the situations that came up.
I already had an issue with Royal Ruin, in that Emily was just too much. She could not get over her issues, she could not compromise, she just came off very selfish to me and it had irritated me because of how awesome Kit was being. So I start reading Royal Rebel thinking maybe this one will be different. And it was to an extent. Aly and Rob both had their issues, Rob thought he was doomed to become his cheating grandfather who would let down the woman he loved and hurt her, and Aly is so stuck in this world of "everything needs to be perfect". Whether it's her work or her relationships, it just has to be flawless. And that's just not how things are in the real world, things get messy and people get it wrong, but we as humans learn. But even as Rob was realizing his faults and trying to make himself a better person because he cared so much about Aly and what she wanted, Aly was just stuck in her ways and being so unforgiving. I'm aware that Rob messed up pretty greatly twice, the second time I would have cut him a little more slack, like maybe talked about it because again, he's a human and he makes errors. So between all that happening and Aly's inner dialogue of how awful Rob is and how he is not her person and doesn't get it (basically tearing him down as a person for all his faults), I found myself super irritated with her at the end of the book, like I didn't even care if she had a happy ending because I felt Rob deserved more.
While what I just said in that paragraph seems like a lot of the book, it wasn't. There were good parts too, when Rob and Aly were talking and enjoying themselves, it was nice, even when they were just friends. They connected on such a great level it made you wonder what took them so long, I rooted for them the ENTIRE WAY. The other family members are always a delight, although I thought it was weird Jack was only in it for one second, but whatever, I'm sure his book will be here soon. YAY! I will read Jane's story because I feel like I have to finish this series. I can only hope that the author doesn't make Jane have the same attributes I disliked so much from Emily and Aly. I want so badly to connect/relate to the women of these books, instead of feeling sorry the men have to deal with this much drama. I would just love to root for the heroine in this series is all I'm saying.
I already had an issue with Royal Ruin, in that Emily was just too much. She could not get over her issues, she could not compromise, she just came off very selfish to me and it had irritated me because of how awesome Kit was being. So I start reading Royal Rebel thinking maybe this one will be different. And it was to an extent. Aly and Rob both had their issues, Rob thought he was doomed to become his cheating grandfather who would let down the woman he loved and hurt her, and Aly is so stuck in this world of "everything needs to be perfect". Whether it's her work or her relationships, it just has to be flawless. And that's just not how things are in the real world, things get messy and people get it wrong, but we as humans learn. But even as Rob was realizing his faults and trying to make himself a better person because he cared so much about Aly and what she wanted, Aly was just stuck in her ways and being so unforgiving. I'm aware that Rob messed up pretty greatly twice, the second time I would have cut him a little more slack, like maybe talked about it because again, he's a human and he makes errors. So between all that happening and Aly's inner dialogue of how awful Rob is and how he is not her person and doesn't get it (basically tearing him down as a person for all his faults), I found myself super irritated with her at the end of the book, like I didn't even care if she had a happy ending because I felt Rob deserved more.
While what I just said in that paragraph seems like a lot of the book, it wasn't. There were good parts too, when Rob and Aly were talking and enjoying themselves, it was nice, even when they were just friends. They connected on such a great level it made you wonder what took them so long, I rooted for them the ENTIRE WAY. The other family members are always a delight, although I thought it was weird Jack was only in it for one second, but whatever, I'm sure his book will be here soon. YAY! I will read Jane's story because I feel like I have to finish this series. I can only hope that the author doesn't make Jane have the same attributes I disliked so much from Emily and Aly. I want so badly to connect/relate to the women of these books, instead of feeling sorry the men have to deal with this much drama. I would just love to root for the heroine in this series is all I'm saying.
March 28, 2018
An enemy to lovers sure to entertain. I was excited to read this book after loving the first one so much. With that being said, this was a good book, but the first one still gets my vote. This book has romance and heat in it. Add in the royal aspect and you are sure to have a good read.
The plot of this book is quite different from the first in the series. That is a good thing in my book. I love that this book wasn’t the same as the first with different characters. Reading about these two in the first book made me desperate to get my hands on their book. I wanted to see where they would go. I was happy with how this turned out.
Aly is such a strong character. I loved her in the first book because of how she was there for her boss and friend, Emily. I liked watching her change her way of thinking throughout the book. Then you have Prince Robert. He is a little rebel now isn’t he. I suppose that is why they chose this title. There were times I didn’t care for his character too much, but overall, I suppose I liked him well enough.
The heat in this book is much like the first. I loved the dirty Prince Robert. I think what adds an extra element to the heat in this book is the fact that they start off as just friends who sleep together then turn into something more later. I think that change in chemistry made this part of the book for me.
The writing style of this book was good. The pace was steady. I don’t know if it was me or the book, but I was a little disappointed to be honest. I was so enamored with the first book, that I was sure I would love this one just as much, but it just didn’t hit that same spot for me. It could ha4ve been any number of things, but it didn’t ruin the book for me.
Overall, this was a good book. I liked the characters and I loved the fact that we got to see other characters we met in book one as well. This is a series I see myself following through to the end. I am invested in this family and want to see where they are going.
Ratings:
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
The plot of this book is quite different from the first in the series. That is a good thing in my book. I love that this book wasn’t the same as the first with different characters. Reading about these two in the first book made me desperate to get my hands on their book. I wanted to see where they would go. I was happy with how this turned out.
Aly is such a strong character. I loved her in the first book because of how she was there for her boss and friend, Emily. I liked watching her change her way of thinking throughout the book. Then you have Prince Robert. He is a little rebel now isn’t he. I suppose that is why they chose this title. There were times I didn’t care for his character too much, but overall, I suppose I liked him well enough.
The heat in this book is much like the first. I loved the dirty Prince Robert. I think what adds an extra element to the heat in this book is the fact that they start off as just friends who sleep together then turn into something more later. I think that change in chemistry made this part of the book for me.
The writing style of this book was good. The pace was steady. I don’t know if it was me or the book, but I was a little disappointed to be honest. I was so enamored with the first book, that I was sure I would love this one just as much, but it just didn’t hit that same spot for me. It could ha4ve been any number of things, but it didn’t ruin the book for me.
Overall, this was a good book. I liked the characters and I loved the fact that we got to see other characters we met in book one as well. This is a series I see myself following through to the end. I am invested in this family and want to see where they are going.
Ratings:
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
March 29, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Author and Give Me Books***
This is the 2nd title in the Flings With Kings series, and it was just as fun as the first. There are some recurring characters, and there is a little bit of overlap in the fact that events that happened in the first book are referred to in this title, but the book can be read as a standalone.
Aly and Rob have a sex only fling. Until Aly decides she wants to look for more depth in a relationship and that her fling with Rob is preventing her from doing so, as that Rob isn't the person who can give it to her. The real issue here is that Rob is attracted to Aly but actually believes, and agrees with her, that he is not relationship material and that he is not the kind of person she should be with.
There is a lot of work on Rob's part to get to the place where he can be willing to open himself up to the relationship, and there is some growth for Aly as she learns that sometimes, people can change. There were some places where I was less than amused at the way she treats him, but this was because I also knew what Rob was thinking, and that made me a little more on his side than the reader.
The sex, even the parts where is was just "benefits" was hot and the relationship built in a way that I believed. As it started with sex, it was up to the author to create a story ARC that evolved from the purely physical to the emotional...and there were little bits along the way that definitely left you with the opinion that they were heading to a royal happily ever after.
I enjoyed this title and I recommend it and the previous book in the series...I can't wait for the next one.
This is the 2nd title in the Flings With Kings series, and it was just as fun as the first. There are some recurring characters, and there is a little bit of overlap in the fact that events that happened in the first book are referred to in this title, but the book can be read as a standalone.
Aly and Rob have a sex only fling. Until Aly decides she wants to look for more depth in a relationship and that her fling with Rob is preventing her from doing so, as that Rob isn't the person who can give it to her. The real issue here is that Rob is attracted to Aly but actually believes, and agrees with her, that he is not relationship material and that he is not the kind of person she should be with.
There is a lot of work on Rob's part to get to the place where he can be willing to open himself up to the relationship, and there is some growth for Aly as she learns that sometimes, people can change. There were some places where I was less than amused at the way she treats him, but this was because I also knew what Rob was thinking, and that made me a little more on his side than the reader.
The sex, even the parts where is was just "benefits" was hot and the relationship built in a way that I believed. As it started with sex, it was up to the author to create a story ARC that evolved from the purely physical to the emotional...and there were little bits along the way that definitely left you with the opinion that they were heading to a royal happily ever after.
I enjoyed this title and I recommend it and the previous book in the series...I can't wait for the next one.
March 28, 2018
She Cannot Be Bought.
Why oh why can’t we give more than 5 stars? This great read certainly deserves a 10 star score for this superb new author! I love this Royal Series Written by Jessica Peterson. This time it is Prince Robert and Alison’s (aka Aly) story. Rob is the younger brother of the King of England famous for his partying but who’s has a heart of gold, but his Grandfather Alexander had convinced him he had the same traits as his grandfather, a cheater and not fit to marry anyone, on his deathbed! Aly just wants to find “Her One” she doesn’t trust Rob at all and loves to hate him! Will Aly find her HEA? Is Rob really the “rebel prince” or is he the “real deal” that Aly Craves? Will Aly realise Philip is not “her one”? This is a steamy, hot read with perfect chemistry full of sexual tension. This magnificent author gives meaning to love! I would certainly one-click and read this great read as it was so well written with a fantastic storyline. I can’t wait for Princess Jane’s upcoming story in the Flings with Kings Series as the first and second of the series were excellent reads. This is my honest review of an ARC I received.
Why oh why can’t we give more than 5 stars? This great read certainly deserves a 10 star score for this superb new author! I love this Royal Series Written by Jessica Peterson. This time it is Prince Robert and Alison’s (aka Aly) story. Rob is the younger brother of the King of England famous for his partying but who’s has a heart of gold, but his Grandfather Alexander had convinced him he had the same traits as his grandfather, a cheater and not fit to marry anyone, on his deathbed! Aly just wants to find “Her One” she doesn’t trust Rob at all and loves to hate him! Will Aly find her HEA? Is Rob really the “rebel prince” or is he the “real deal” that Aly Craves? Will Aly realise Philip is not “her one”? This is a steamy, hot read with perfect chemistry full of sexual tension. This magnificent author gives meaning to love! I would certainly one-click and read this great read as it was so well written with a fantastic storyline. I can’t wait for Princess Jane’s upcoming story in the Flings with Kings Series as the first and second of the series were excellent reads. This is my honest review of an ARC I received.
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