What do you think?
Rate this book
Royal States #1
Storm Called
In the Royal States of America, magic rules all, but life—and love—always finds a way.
Latent horse empath. Dishwasher. Closet chef.
Future king.
When food poisoning sweeps through Dallas, Patrick Laycal doesn't expect a princess to show up at his door asking for his help.
Her one, simple request dumps him in the middle of a Royal mess—one that could cost him far more than just his life.
Storm Called features characters first introduced in Null & Void, the first of the Royal States novels.
Latent horse empath. Dishwasher. Closet chef.
Future king.
When food poisoning sweeps through Dallas, Patrick Laycal doesn't expect a princess to show up at his door asking for his help.
Her one, simple request dumps him in the middle of a Royal mess—one that could cost him far more than just his life.
Storm Called features characters first introduced in Null & Void, the first of the Royal States novels.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2019
151 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Susan Copperfield
14 books240 followersSusan Copperfield is the royal romance, urban fantasy loving alter ego of award-winning & USA Today bestselling novelist R.J. Blain.
Under the super not-so-secret identity of Susan, the Royal States of America is explored, where the work of sixteen founding royal families preserved the United States from destruction and civil war when magic swept over the world.
In the Royal States, life, love, and magic always finds a way.
Under the super not-so-secret identity of Susan, the Royal States of America is explored, where the work of sixteen founding royal families preserved the United States from destruction and civil war when magic swept over the world.
In the Royal States, life, love, and magic always finds a way.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 19, 2019
This entire series of books is like... twinkies? Like, so bad, they make no sense, characters act in completely senseless ways, the author does a terrible job of connecting the dots at times, but I devour them when they come out anyway because they taste amazing. Usually staying up all night to finish them. I don't know why.
May 3, 2023
Jessica and Pat, love their story
I have to report that initially I was hesitant to read their story. I love these characters so much as secondary characters in the other stories that I was afraid that Susan/RJ would not be able to maintain their uniqueness and appeal for 90,000 plus words. Silly me, the story did NOT disappoint or let me down.
You don't need to read the other stories before reading this, chronologically this is the earliest in the series so far. In this book the United States are ending, the Royal States are beginning. Null and Void is next, about 20 years later.
The author again pokes at the caste system that has developed to quantify magical ability. The unethical and illogical practice of child marriage gets vilified as well. Light hearted moments abound as does a happy ever after.
Prior to this author I didn't always enjoy romances written from the hero's point of view. She has written several both as Copperfield and Blain that have become rereads for me. So I had no hesitation reading and investing in this story that is written from Pat's point of view.
In summary highly recommend this book and series. The stories I've read by this author are all keepers. The author is an auto-order regardless of which name she is using.
Now I'm torn, do I reread this story or move on and do a full circuit with Null and Void then Captive King then Guiding Light and finally Huntress. Decisions.
cross posted amazon, goodreads, book bub
I have to report that initially I was hesitant to read their story. I love these characters so much as secondary characters in the other stories that I was afraid that Susan/RJ would not be able to maintain their uniqueness and appeal for 90,000 plus words. Silly me, the story did NOT disappoint or let me down.
You don't need to read the other stories before reading this, chronologically this is the earliest in the series so far. In this book the United States are ending, the Royal States are beginning. Null and Void is next, about 20 years later.
The author again pokes at the caste system that has developed to quantify magical ability. The unethical and illogical practice of child marriage gets vilified as well. Light hearted moments abound as does a happy ever after.
Prior to this author I didn't always enjoy romances written from the hero's point of view. She has written several both as Copperfield and Blain that have become rereads for me. So I had no hesitation reading and investing in this story that is written from Pat's point of view.
In summary highly recommend this book and series. The stories I've read by this author are all keepers. The author is an auto-order regardless of which name she is using.
Now I'm torn, do I reread this story or move on and do a full circuit with Null and Void then Captive King then Guiding Light and finally Huntress. Decisions.
cross posted amazon, goodreads, book bub
February 26, 2019
Happy 🤗
I've been hoping and waiting for this book since I finished "Null and Void" , and I'm over the moon it's finally here, and yes, it was worth the wait.
This is Pat and Jessica's story. We have the fainting episode, chicken and yams, horses, more chicken and yams and a damn good story. Yes it's part of the 'Royal States' series (prequel really) but it can be read as a standalone.
Highly recommended.
I've been hoping and waiting for this book since I finished "Null and Void" , and I'm over the moon it's finally here, and yes, it was worth the wait.
This is Pat and Jessica's story. We have the fainting episode, chicken and yams, horses, more chicken and yams and a damn good story. Yes it's part of the 'Royal States' series (prequel really) but it can be read as a standalone.
Highly recommended.
January 7, 2021
Jan 2021
Re-read. Was reading Guiding light and thought about Chicken and yams. I thought the king of Montana would pop up as he manages to in nearly every book. I liked the horses. I tuned out a bit with the laws and stuff, but the horses were everything. I did like how Pat was a hard worker, his story did feel a little Cinderellaish. I did like Morning Glory but Baby was heartbreaking.
April 2020
Another late nighter. I liked the story, Pat, Jessica and the horses. It was sweet, rambled a bit when it came to food poisoning and regulations but I enjoyed it and look forward to more Pat.
Re-read. Was reading Guiding light and thought about Chicken and yams. I thought the king of Montana would pop up as he manages to in nearly every book. I liked the horses. I tuned out a bit with the laws and stuff, but the horses were everything. I did like how Pat was a hard worker, his story did feel a little Cinderellaish. I did like Morning Glory but Baby was heartbreaking.
April 2020
Another late nighter. I liked the story, Pat, Jessica and the horses. It was sweet, rambled a bit when it came to food poisoning and regulations but I enjoyed it and look forward to more Pat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2021
2021 bk 330. I had to read this as an ebook, and still managed to enjoy it. This is the story of Pat, an almost null, undeveloped horse empath, who see his way to rise above his class through extended education and cooking. This is the rare book that talks extensively about the food the character prepares without giving you the recipes (private ARGh!). When food poisoning strikes most of the upper classes, a chance encounter in a convenient mart with the Texas princess Jessica, leads to building a relationship built on the proposition that Pat, and only Pat, would know what food she could eat that wouldn't injure her. In this case, trust leads to love during a time period where Pat acquires a new job with new opportunities that lead to him ... well, you just have to read it for yourself! I will say that if it ever becomes a print on demand or print anything, I will be first in line to get a copy.
April 3, 2019
Prequel to the other Royal States books, as with the others needs multiple re-reads.
July 25, 2019
3.5 Goodreads; 4 Amazon: a likable Gary Stu, w/1st-person PoV and a lot of horse-rehab content in parts.
Low-caste janitor/BBQ cook becomes a company's get-organized savior, society's most in-demand event chef, and a princess's chosen mate, while taking care of two special-needs horses — not terribly likely, but entertaining, often humorous, and amiable. The book's summary doesn't reflect more than half of that, so I hope it's not considered too spoiler-y, but I felt it necessary to make the point.
This world has often been an odd mix: all about the inequities of magic-based castes [and gender], yet many of the royals and other upper echelon we actually meet are very human and approachable (and often impractical). The "lecturiness" doesn't get overwhelming.
As someone who likes horses (and appreciates caring for animals in need), I enjoyed the filly Morning Glory and the dangerous-from-past-abuse black stallion's page time, but it may be more than other readers want. (I recall such complaints on one Patricia Briggs novel, no less!)
It's kind of silly, imho, how Pat's always ordered to make the same meal, and even before that how much in benefits he's given right from the start at his new employment, but I like him, and Jessica is a firecracker (well, lightning bolt) of a princess.
The storyline involves Pat's worry over how he can manage all his responsibilities and aspirations, but there's really only one early detective-type inquiry, and a late action sequence, followed by a denouement of family and politics.
Overall, if you've previously enjoyed RJ Blain/ Susan Copperfield, or other light urban fantasy with romance, there's no reason not to give this a try. Having read other books in the Royal States series is particularly NOT a prerequisite this time: this is a prequel, set when the North American governments are just re-forming.
Low-caste janitor/BBQ cook becomes a company's get-organized savior, society's most in-demand event chef, and a princess's chosen mate, while taking care of two special-needs horses — not terribly likely, but entertaining, often humorous, and amiable. The book's summary doesn't reflect more than half of that, so I hope it's not considered too spoiler-y, but I felt it necessary to make the point.
This world has often been an odd mix: all about the inequities of magic-based castes [and gender], yet many of the royals and other upper echelon we actually meet are very human and approachable (and often impractical). The "lecturiness" doesn't get overwhelming.
As someone who likes horses (and appreciates caring for animals in need), I enjoyed the filly Morning Glory and the dangerous-from-past-abuse black stallion's page time, but it may be more than other readers want. (I recall such complaints on one Patricia Briggs novel, no less!)
It's kind of silly, imho, how Pat's always ordered to make the same meal, and even before that how much in benefits he's given right from the start at his new employment, but I like him, and Jessica is a firecracker (well, lightning bolt) of a princess.
The storyline involves Pat's worry over how he can manage all his responsibilities and aspirations, but there's really only one early detective-type inquiry, and a late action sequence, followed by a denouement of family and politics.
Overall, if you've previously enjoyed RJ Blain/ Susan Copperfield, or other light urban fantasy with romance, there's no reason not to give this a try. Having read other books in the Royal States series is particularly NOT a prerequisite this time: this is a prequel, set when the North American governments are just re-forming.
July 18, 2025
We've met Queen Jessica & King Pat in Null & Void, so it was a pleasure to see them when they meet and how they start their lives together.
And how the infamous Chicken & Yams became such a staple food.
This is another book from the male POV and RJ Blain/Susan Copperfield is brilliant at it.
Jessica is the one with the magic talent, stormweaver, so she'll be protecting Texas and surrounding Kingdoms from the yearly hurricane assault, but Pat always thought he had a minor horse empath talent. As he's from the lower caste he works hard, studies hard and gives everything he has to getting ahead, even though he doesn't expect to get anywhere. He's intelligent and loves cooking, so he gets a scholarship to cooking school as he figures everyone has to eat.
Just loved it all. This series has been an absolute find for me.
And how the infamous Chicken & Yams became such a staple food.
This is another book from the male POV and RJ Blain/Susan Copperfield is brilliant at it.
Jessica is the one with the magic talent, stormweaver, so she'll be protecting Texas and surrounding Kingdoms from the yearly hurricane assault, but Pat always thought he had a minor horse empath talent. As he's from the lower caste he works hard, studies hard and gives everything he has to getting ahead, even though he doesn't expect to get anywhere. He's intelligent and loves cooking, so he gets a scholarship to cooking school as he figures everyone has to eat.
Just loved it all. This series has been an absolute find for me.
April 16, 2024
sucka
I bought this after getting hooked on a sample, then after pages of woe-is-me low caste bootstrapping, the low caste guy gets hit on by a princess: overtly hit on multiple times. Gave up after the princess flat out said “if no one else is smart enough to pick you, I will.”
Magic returns to America and the most powerful wizards decide after saving the nation that the best thing to do is to shred the constitution and bring back monarchy, but retain the states? Wouldn’t the same wizards want to grab land and rename their fiefdom?
I bought this after getting hooked on a sample, then after pages of woe-is-me low caste bootstrapping, the low caste guy gets hit on by a princess: overtly hit on multiple times. Gave up after the princess flat out said “if no one else is smart enough to pick you, I will.”
Magic returns to America and the most powerful wizards decide after saving the nation that the best thing to do is to shred the constitution and bring back monarchy, but retain the states? Wouldn’t the same wizards want to grab land and rename their fiefdom?
June 3, 2024
3.5 Slow moving story, with a lot of talking/info dumps, but I really liked Pat! I'll probably read the sequel!
2024 -
Rereading this because I really like Pat and his horses! The story line is still slow moving, but I enjoyed it!
2024 -
Rereading this because I really like Pat and his horses! The story line is still slow moving, but I enjoyed it!
March 1, 2019
Hard to get into
I DNF'd at 50%. I just found the H's job\company dynamics confusing & didn't make any sense. There also wasn't enough relationship building for me.
I DNF'd at 50%. I just found the H's job\company dynamics confusing & didn't make any sense. There also wasn't enough relationship building for me.
March 27, 2024
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
in the Royal States of America, magic rules all, but life—and love—always finds a way.
Latent horse empath. Dishwasher. Closet chef. Future king. When food poisoning sweeps through Dallas, Patrick Laycal doesn't expect a princess to show up at his door asking for his help. Her one, simple request dumps him in the middle of a Royal mess—one that could cost him far more than just his life.
MY TAKE
This was an interesting take on a dystopian America. Pat's such a mellow, solid character man. He's such a hard worker and smart. Unfortunately, the world has levels of magic and he's in the lowest cast. Which means he and his family have the fewest opportunities. The society even expressly limits how far someone in a cast system can rise.
He works as a dishwasher, though he's attending culinary school. When royals decide to slum it and eat food like "regular" people, he has an opportunity to cook. And ends up doing a better job than his boss. When he changes Pat's schedule, giving him 3 days off without pay (punishing instead of rewarding him), Pat decides to quit rather than be fired.
And that's when things really change for him. He gets a job offer as a custodian this time with a crazy company I didn't fully understand but was full of slobby but kind people. And they love his cooking too. They have something to do with horses, and Pat discovers he's more than a mild horse empath. But things get really crazy when the royal princess tracks him down from that day when he cooked for them. She jokingly asks him to marry her and that he needs to cook for her.
It's a crazy series of events, but it's a sweet love story, though Pat ends up spending more time thinking about the heir to the throne than actually spending time with her. It also feels like he spends more time with horses in the book than with her. But it manages to work, and I found the time entertaining with both.
There's talk about sex but no on screen time. The princess has a real potty mouth. Pat does too but to a lesser degree.
4 1/2 stars
in the Royal States of America, magic rules all, but life—and love—always finds a way.
Latent horse empath. Dishwasher. Closet chef. Future king. When food poisoning sweeps through Dallas, Patrick Laycal doesn't expect a princess to show up at his door asking for his help. Her one, simple request dumps him in the middle of a Royal mess—one that could cost him far more than just his life.
MY TAKE
This was an interesting take on a dystopian America. Pat's such a mellow, solid character man. He's such a hard worker and smart. Unfortunately, the world has levels of magic and he's in the lowest cast. Which means he and his family have the fewest opportunities. The society even expressly limits how far someone in a cast system can rise.
He works as a dishwasher, though he's attending culinary school. When royals decide to slum it and eat food like "regular" people, he has an opportunity to cook. And ends up doing a better job than his boss. When he changes Pat's schedule, giving him 3 days off without pay (punishing instead of rewarding him), Pat decides to quit rather than be fired.
And that's when things really change for him. He gets a job offer as a custodian this time with a crazy company I didn't fully understand but was full of slobby but kind people. And they love his cooking too. They have something to do with horses, and Pat discovers he's more than a mild horse empath. But things get really crazy when the royal princess tracks him down from that day when he cooked for them. She jokingly asks him to marry her and that he needs to cook for her.
It's a crazy series of events, but it's a sweet love story, though Pat ends up spending more time thinking about the heir to the throne than actually spending time with her. It also feels like he spends more time with horses in the book than with her. But it manages to work, and I found the time entertaining with both.
There's talk about sex but no on screen time. The princess has a real potty mouth. Pat does too but to a lesser degree.
4 1/2 stars
April 6, 2025
This started strong enough for me to buy the book at the end of the free sample. I liked the main characters, and I appreciated the change up to a wealthy woman and the male lead is the poor but brilliant person who just needs a shot to make it big.
However, after a while the ridiculousness of this world just got to be too much for me. Basically the author is trying to set our male lead up as an unrecognized genius, but everything that he's finding should have been found well before he comes on the scene. All those rich people, including the Queen are getting routinely sick and no one is investigating? He gets it figured out in less than 24 hours, and it's just "Some stupid food company didn't check to see if all parts of the asparagus plant are edible". And during his "interview" for his new job, he points out that someone that keeps wrecking kitchen equipment might have an electricity power. Given apparently anyone can get tested whenever, and powers can get you upward mobility, how would this already well off man not be aware of that already?
And then there's the new job. What part of any of that makes sense in any world? A janitor gets interviewed with big wigs, is given an education fund, a horse, and will be cooking for them as well? Why even? I know, they try to justify it with basically these are good people, but how does any of that make business sense?
However, after a while the ridiculousness of this world just got to be too much for me. Basically the author is trying to set our male lead up as an unrecognized genius, but everything that he's finding should have been found well before he comes on the scene. All those rich people, including the Queen are getting routinely sick and no one is investigating? He gets it figured out in less than 24 hours, and it's just "Some stupid food company didn't check to see if all parts of the asparagus plant are edible". And during his "interview" for his new job, he points out that someone that keeps wrecking kitchen equipment might have an electricity power. Given apparently anyone can get tested whenever, and powers can get you upward mobility, how would this already well off man not be aware of that already?
And then there's the new job. What part of any of that makes sense in any world? A janitor gets interviewed with big wigs, is given an education fund, a horse, and will be cooking for them as well? Why even? I know, they try to justify it with basically these are good people, but how does any of that make business sense?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2019
Decent background; little plot.
I hope, after this, Copperfield will quit classifying these books as dystopic--they are the opposite of dystopic, where the everyman can have education and upward social movement, and most importantly, choice over how to live their lives.
The repeated use of ain't bothered me. It certainly doesn't make the characters sound "country," nor does it mimic any sort of accent. It just makes them-- Pat included, based on his other vocabulary--sound like pretentious people trying to live down with the unwashed masses.
While not a flaw, this is entirely a character-driven book, light on plot. It is simply to get to know a couple of other voices from "Null and Void" without giving them a true story of their own. There are significant breaks from the storyline established in that first novel--while they don't diminish from the story, they are noticeable.
I hope, after this, Copperfield will quit classifying these books as dystopic--they are the opposite of dystopic, where the everyman can have education and upward social movement, and most importantly, choice over how to live their lives.
The repeated use of ain't bothered me. It certainly doesn't make the characters sound "country," nor does it mimic any sort of accent. It just makes them-- Pat included, based on his other vocabulary--sound like pretentious people trying to live down with the unwashed masses.
While not a flaw, this is entirely a character-driven book, light on plot. It is simply to get to know a couple of other voices from "Null and Void" without giving them a true story of their own. There are significant breaks from the storyline established in that first novel--while they don't diminish from the story, they are noticeable.
March 21, 2019
Storm Called Review
Fantastic book! I love the Royal States Series and this book is my favorite one yet. It was a blast being able to see how the current king and queen of Texas met and it was even better than I had hoped for. And true to her word Copperfield finally told us how Jessica made Pat faint and we got to see how his famous chicken and sweet potatoes came into play.
Plus we got to see a little bit of my favorite RPS agent Geoff when he was pretty new to the detail! So for me this was an all around great story.
If you are a fan of the Royal States books this is definitely a must read and even if you haven't read any of them yet I would absolutely recommend Storm Called.
Fantastic book! I love the Royal States Series and this book is my favorite one yet. It was a blast being able to see how the current king and queen of Texas met and it was even better than I had hoped for. And true to her word Copperfield finally told us how Jessica made Pat faint and we got to see how his famous chicken and sweet potatoes came into play.
Plus we got to see a little bit of my favorite RPS agent Geoff when he was pretty new to the detail! So for me this was an all around great story.
If you are a fan of the Royal States books this is definitely a must read and even if you haven't read any of them yet I would absolutely recommend Storm Called.
January 29, 2025
Mostly entertaining. It was a little strange how everything turned around for him in a week. I never understood exactly what the business he worked for did. Sell horses? Why were the in an office downtown then?
I was confused about the timeline of the civil war, when magic came about, and how long there were castes. It seemed like a recent thing based on the national politics transitioning from a president to local monarchies and states trying to get more land. However, the lower class was going on for at least two generations.
I also got annoyed that he cleaned out the low class grocery stores of all the meat to feed the upper class. What are the regular people supposed to eat? That seemed pretty heartless when they were talking about how unfair the current system is.
I was confused about the timeline of the civil war, when magic came about, and how long there were castes. It seemed like a recent thing based on the national politics transitioning from a president to local monarchies and states trying to get more land. However, the lower class was going on for at least two generations.
I also got annoyed that he cleaned out the low class grocery stores of all the meat to feed the upper class. What are the regular people supposed to eat? That seemed pretty heartless when they were talking about how unfair the current system is.
June 14, 2019
A wonderful rollicking story!
This book is an entertaining mix of fun, romance, and back story for the Royal States universe told in a reverse-Cinderella style, with lots of horses controlling the hordes. I wish we currently had the option to turn a protective, hostile, horse loose on governments to teach them the best way to treat people! Susan Copperfield has masterfully mixed the fun and romance with a strong heroine who has no trouble pointing out what is wrong with her country's social systems and her determination to fix them. Her hero is no pushover either! Throw in some great barbeque and horse rescues, and you'll be reading until 2am also!
This book is an entertaining mix of fun, romance, and back story for the Royal States universe told in a reverse-Cinderella style, with lots of horses controlling the hordes. I wish we currently had the option to turn a protective, hostile, horse loose on governments to teach them the best way to treat people! Susan Copperfield has masterfully mixed the fun and romance with a strong heroine who has no trouble pointing out what is wrong with her country's social systems and her determination to fix them. Her hero is no pushover either! Throw in some great barbeque and horse rescues, and you'll be reading until 2am also!
February 27, 2020
This books has a lot of ideas and themes I enjoyed. Mostly food and horses.
The theme of climbing up and turning life around by simply being a decent hard-working human being is always something I like to read over and over again.
Unfortunately, I also feel like this book was slightly spoilt by looong loopy dialogues, and the said dialogues were further spoilt by repetitions, including instances of characters having multiple variations of exact same exchange, holes where character contradicted what they said previously, and general state of affairs where there's a lot of talking, a lot of reflecting, and only some limited acting on the background.
The theme of climbing up and turning life around by simply being a decent hard-working human being is always something I like to read over and over again.
Unfortunately, I also feel like this book was slightly spoilt by looong loopy dialogues, and the said dialogues were further spoilt by repetitions, including instances of characters having multiple variations of exact same exchange, holes where character contradicted what they said previously, and general state of affairs where there's a lot of talking, a lot of reflecting, and only some limited acting on the background.
May 10, 2020
Storm Called
What a wonderful well written feel good story. Ms.Copperfield is one of my favorite authors and with the writing of this book has only enhanced my standing.
Getting to know the characters and mostly the horses, has been a joyful ride.
Still wanting to know why to read this book? Her Royal Highness is an independent woman, with enough brains to know how to deal with life, our Hero is a smart young man with compassion and smarts to realize the proper way to get what he wants done, while he is willing to rock the boat, he knows people well enough to not create unnecessary waves.
What a wonderful well written feel good story. Ms.Copperfield is one of my favorite authors and with the writing of this book has only enhanced my standing.
Getting to know the characters and mostly the horses, has been a joyful ride.
Still wanting to know why to read this book? Her Royal Highness is an independent woman, with enough brains to know how to deal with life, our Hero is a smart young man with compassion and smarts to realize the proper way to get what he wants done, while he is willing to rock the boat, he knows people well enough to not create unnecessary waves.
February 15, 2020
A Pleasure
What a pleasurable read. This is a most excellent tale. I love the world of the Royal States. I'm with Pat in thinking that the caste system needs some work, but we all love the romance of having a king and queen. Don't we? Pat starts out as a dishwasher and thanks to food poisoning, gets the chance to better himself and his world. I was most impressed by Pat character. He is such an honest and honorable man. You can't help but love him. Read this wonderful book. It's could be the first step into the world of the Royal States. If you let it.
What a pleasurable read. This is a most excellent tale. I love the world of the Royal States. I'm with Pat in thinking that the caste system needs some work, but we all love the romance of having a king and queen. Don't we? Pat starts out as a dishwasher and thanks to food poisoning, gets the chance to better himself and his world. I was most impressed by Pat character. He is such an honest and honorable man. You can't help but love him. Read this wonderful book. It's could be the first step into the world of the Royal States. If you let it.
May 30, 2020
A chance meeting
A simple man of lower caste just trying to survive life accidentally runs into a princess in a gas station. In the Royal States, America has changed and life is ruled by magic rating or lack thereof. I had read Null and Void first so I was already familiar with Pat and Jessica, the Royal Majesties of Texas. I loved this book. Pat and Jessica's shenanigans were fun to read and it gave me background on how they met. Very delightful and I definitely recommend this book!
A simple man of lower caste just trying to survive life accidentally runs into a princess in a gas station. In the Royal States, America has changed and life is ruled by magic rating or lack thereof. I had read Null and Void first so I was already familiar with Pat and Jessica, the Royal Majesties of Texas. I loved this book. Pat and Jessica's shenanigans were fun to read and it gave me background on how they met. Very delightful and I definitely recommend this book!
March 12, 2021
A review for the entire series
While the books in this series are all delightful reads, when you pay attention, they delve into muslch more series problems, hiding behind a sense of humor. Sex trafficking, underage marriage, forced marriage. Old, white men deciding how woman should handle their own health care and decisions. Single parenthood. Suicide. And there are other issues too.
I have read a book a day not bothering to attend to stuff at home I should be doing, because I found this series to be worth letting it pile up.
While the books in this series are all delightful reads, when you pay attention, they delve into muslch more series problems, hiding behind a sense of humor. Sex trafficking, underage marriage, forced marriage. Old, white men deciding how woman should handle their own health care and decisions. Single parenthood. Suicide. And there are other issues too.
I have read a book a day not bothering to attend to stuff at home I should be doing, because I found this series to be worth letting it pile up.
February 28, 2019
Well, I finished
I find the royal states world fascinating. But the time spent yammering about the details became exhausting.
The heroine felt like a side character. Thus, the 'romance' was minimal but what there was was great. A man can keep his pants zipped!
I'd still be interested in another book, but will let it sit in my wish list until I'm in the mood for hours of dialogue and thoughts of the main character.
I find the royal states world fascinating. But the time spent yammering about the details became exhausting.
The heroine felt like a side character. Thus, the 'romance' was minimal but what there was was great. A man can keep his pants zipped!
I'd still be interested in another book, but will let it sit in my wish list until I'm in the mood for hours of dialogue and thoughts of the main character.
May 15, 2020
This is a fun speculative fiction series that focuses on a number of societal failings. This particular book focuses on the meeting between lower caste Pat and Princess Jessica of Texas. I was sure I was going to hate it but, instead, I freakin' love it! If you are expecting high literature, give this a miss, but if you need some good, old fashioned escape, Susan Copperfield is a great investment of your time.
May 18, 2022
Great story, wonderful characters.
The author introduces you to the main character brilliantly, dropping you into the middle of his life & job. Seeing the life he leads builds the world around him without a lot of exposition but plenty of detail. The characters are interesting with a real depth to them. You are pulled into the story without effort and enjoy every moment. Looking forward to the next one.
The author introduces you to the main character brilliantly, dropping you into the middle of his life & job. Seeing the life he leads builds the world around him without a lot of exposition but plenty of detail. The characters are interesting with a real depth to them. You are pulled into the story without effort and enjoy every moment. Looking forward to the next one.
February 26, 2019
Adorable
I have often admired Pat and Jessica, and have been wondering after the fainting scene for awhile. I was very excited to finally see how this courtship played out. It was super cute and even funnier. Also, I definitely think this book can be read out of order, and might even suggest new readers pick this one up first. I absolutely love this book!
I have often admired Pat and Jessica, and have been wondering after the fainting scene for awhile. I was very excited to finally see how this courtship played out. It was super cute and even funnier. Also, I definitely think this book can be read out of order, and might even suggest new readers pick this one up first. I absolutely love this book!
February 28, 2019
I’ve been waiting to read the back story of Jessica and Pat ever since meeting them in Null and Void. It didn't disappoint. It was fun learning more about the characters and how their romance blossomed. I'm hoping there are more stories that give background on how magic and the Royal States were formed.
March 28, 2019
Wonderful
Prologues can be difficult to write due to the constraints of keeping to an established story line. This was a wonderful example of how it can be done. We knew the characters ended up together, but we couldn't have imagined how they came to be together, or what it took to get to their happy ending.
Prologues can be difficult to write due to the constraints of keeping to an established story line. This was a wonderful example of how it can be done. We knew the characters ended up together, but we couldn't have imagined how they came to be together, or what it took to get to their happy ending.
April 3, 2019
Great book, highly entertaining
Like every book by this author, the plot moved so quickly that I occasionally had a little whiplash. It was highly entertaining, completely original, and makes me wish I could meet the characters in person. As always, it was good, clean fun start to finish. Enjoy it!
Like every book by this author, the plot moved so quickly that I occasionally had a little whiplash. It was highly entertaining, completely original, and makes me wish I could meet the characters in person. As always, it was good, clean fun start to finish. Enjoy it!
August 13, 2019
I think I had an issue with the book because it did not progress the storyline. this is about Pat and Jessica. it should be the first book or have something about then now at the end of the book. Good story and glad to know but more interested in what life is like after the Huntress book. a little disappointed but still glad I read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews