Ο Νόθος Βασιλιάς

Castaldini Crown #3

by Olivia Gates

Ήθελε εκδίκηση ...

Κάποτε, η πριγκίπισσα Κλαρίσα Ντ' Αγκοστίνο τον είχε περιφρονήσει. Και ο Φερούτσιο Σελβάτζιο, ο νόθος πρίγκιπας, ορκίστηκε πως θα την έκανε να μετανιώσει για την αλαζονεία της. Τώρα, που ήταν πια ο μοναδικός υποψήφιος διάδοχος του Κασταλντίνι, την κρατούσε στο χέρι. Ήταν καιρός να της δώσει ένα μάθημα ...

Η Κλαρίσα έπρεπε να πείσει τον Φερούτσιο να ανέβει στο θρόνο και να σώσει τη χώρα της. Όμως η απαίτηση του ήταν εξωφρενική: της δήλωσε χωρίς περιστροφές ότι, μαζί με το στέμμα, ήθελε κι εκείνη!
Πράγμα που σήμαινε πως ήταν υποχρεωμένη να παντρευτεί έναν άντρα που τη χρησιμοποιούσε και την απεχθανόταν. Έναν άντρα, ωστόσο, που της είχε κλέψει ήδη την καρδιά ...

Genres: Harlequin, Harlequin Desire, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Royalty, Hqn

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

I am a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of 45 books in different genres including Contemporary Romance, Medical Romance, Medical Action Thrillers and Paranormal Romance. My upcoming works will also veer into fantasy.

But one thing is for sure…there will always be central romances in my books. The all-consuming kind that leaves readers breathless and begging for more.

I love to hear fron my readers, so come say hello, here on Goodreads and make sure to sign up to my VIP Mailing List on my website so I can keep you updated on all my news and special content and offerings!

My latest series is Dr. Angelica Mortmain novels, a heart-pounding medical action thriller with a white-hot central romance, and it starts with LETHAL TREATMENT, out NOW!

Happy reading everyone!

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very passionate and emotional, with vivid descriptions and steamy love scenes. If you are a fan of Olivia Gates' Throne of Judar series, you will also enjoy her newest series. As a fan of unrequited love storylines, I was in heaven. He loves her but thinks she hates him. She loves him, but thinks he only wants her because she's a princess. The fun is watching how they come to realize their feelings are very much mutual.

With Gates' writing, everything is larger than life, but it does charm this reader. If you are the type to roll your eyes at very dramatic moments and characters, you might not like this book. But if you read books for escapism, you will find hours of enjoyment in this book.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Gate's writing is overly dramatic and sometimes too flowery, but this was a very fun read.

This story was heavily filled with misunderstandings, but the consequences of each of them were so earth-shattering that I couldn't help enjoying them. Ferruccio and Clarissa really knew how to misinterpret the other's feelings and reacted accordingly, lashing out passionately. High drama, guys!

The plot twist near the end was a huge shock to me. I gasped and nearly fainted, trying to absorb what I had read. WTF?! Incest?!? No, no, no... Please, Lord, say it isn't so!... After I recovered, I grabbed a pen and sheet of paper, and drew the D'Agostino family tree. Man, what a mess! Thankfully, there was no incest there - but it had been a close call! Phew! *wipes forehead*

I'm curious enough to read other books by this author, as her OTT writing is funny. I'll just have to space them out, because my poor heart can't take such drama and passion back to back, LOL.

Note: This is the 3rd book in the Castaldini Crown series. I haven't read the previous books - only because I didn't know that tidbit, as my OCD wouldn't let me read series out of order. Anyway, I didn't feel lost in this story so I don't think reading the previous books is a must, but I got to know some facts that might have spoiled some of their plot twists. I'll know for sure when I go back and read them.

[Maire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Illegitimate King by Olivia Gates
(Ferruccio Selvaggio D’Agostino & Clarissa D’Agostino)
This is the final book of the trilogy. You are spellbound by this story from start to finish. The characters from the previous books all re-surface and you can re-connect with them. Ferruccio & Clarissa are two star crossed lovers that you will never forget. You laugh and cry together with these two marvelous characters. You want them to make it. They keep your attention you realize they both have demons that have to be exorcised. Their story is sad but these are two determined people who you are cheering for till the climax.
The ending of this story will blow your mind away. I would love to see this book made into a movie, it that good. It’s like a love story of Oscar proportions.
Make sure to read the Epilogue from this story and the Epilogue from Blackmailed into the Prince’s Bed. The link is located at www.oliviagates.com
I hated to see this trilogy end, it was magnificent.
Great Job Olivia.
This book is a five star read. A MUST read.

[Penney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once, she'd scorned him. And illegitimate secret prince Ferruccio Selvaggio had sworn he would make her pay. Now, Princess Clarissa D'Agostino was in his power. It was time to teach her a lesson…. The future of the kingdom rested on her. Clarissa knew she had to do whatever it took to convince Ferruccio to accept the crown and save them all. Even if it meant marrying a man who believed the worst of her. Even if it meant giving him her heart.

This is the 3rd in the The Castaldini Crown trilogy, I absolutely loved this series. It was passionate and emotional. The characters are brilliant, she hates him then loves him, he wants revenge, then he loves her.
I just love Olivia's writing style how she tells what the places look like it seems that you are really there seeing it all and she makes it all so beautiful I love how she uses the places for a very romantic setting. I love her books and I highly recommend the whole series! I'm looking forward to her new books in the years to come.

[Vintage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve put off reviewing this last one because I’ve dished out entirely too much snark on this series.

The kingdom finally gets its new ruler, but it comes with an incredibly complicated family tree and family secrets. I almost had to take notes of who was related to who and how.

For those that want to read Olivia Gates, I recommend starting with the Throne of Judar series for a better go.

[Maria Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of the entire fabulous Castaldini Crown Trilogy, The Illegitimate King is hands down, my favorite. It is full of the description and the emotion that only Olivia Gates can incorporate into each encounter of the main characters. In a flawlessly effective metaphor, Gates portrays Ferruccio as a predator on the hunt. He is so hot, and oh so potent, that he won’t give up until he has what he’s after. And even though his motives aren’t always pure, he never disappoints.

Gates’ vivid description, backed by deep-seated and strong emotions is absolutely phenomenal. Mix in rich dialog and the heroine’s struggle not to succumb to his seduction or her own
emoitons, and we have a book that’s impossible to put down.

If you like deeply passionate and meaningful love scenes, you certainly won’t be disappointed here. There is a love scene that is so seamlessly incorporated into the plot that it can’t even be called a scene, that’s how integral a part of the story it is. Within this section, Clarissa and Ferruccio’s emotions spanned the breadth of the spectrum from anger, to jealousy, to concern, to fear, to compassion, to lust, and to love. Each emotion rolling and blending into the next, all the while, guiding the reader into their paradise. It was nothing short of incredible.

It started with a tender and caring Clarissa kissing his eyelids to wake him from his nightmare, and lead into the most beautiful, passionate love scene around. And, although Olivia Gates incorporates hot, steamy, sex into all of her books, she never strays from the core of the novel – deep, all-consuming love.

If you haven’t read the Castaldini Crown Trilogy, read the first two books, but don’t miss reading the last one, The Illegitimate King.

[Jen - Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weeeeeeell, I didn't see this one coming! What a ride!!
I'm reading away, enjoying the story but not necessarily thinking it spectacular, when out of the blue comes the twist - and what a twist it was!!! Not only one, but two of them!
This final story in the Castaldini Crown series finishes off a great trilogy spectacularly.
Clarissa and Ferruccio's story is interesting, both because of their backgrounds and the situation they now find themselves in.
A great read !

[Tanya Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first reread this book June 2-3, 2013. Loved it then and I love it more now that I've finally read the whole series. This was a beautiful story a perfect end to the trilogy. Love at first site was what happened to Ferruccio and Clarissa but a lot of assuming ruined it. Now six years later after turning him down over and over Clarissa now has to go to Ferruccio to convince him to take the crown. He's ready to play hard ball to get what he's been wanting her. Love all the twist and turns and love and passion. Great, enjoyable read.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THIS is what I'm talking about!!! Olivia Gates back in TOP form!

WOW! Ferruccio and Clarissa's story took my breath away. This has some of the most emotional, erotic love scenes i've ever read, and they're not even scenes, they're a fundamental building block of the character development and story progression. The story, the twists and the blazing passion between those two damaged yet powerful people was pure GENIUS! An incredible book in true Olivia Gates fashion for sure.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book in the Castaldini Crown series. Ferruccio and Clarissa are so damaged and their love is so powerful it squeezed my heart reading their emotions. And the twist at the end is incredible. I didn't see it coming at all. Fantastic ending to a fantastic series!

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the best sex scenes ever.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now need to go back and read the other two books in this series.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Illegitimate King was breathtaking end to the Castaldini Crown trilogy (though each book can be read independently!) I thought two damaged tortured characters wouldn't work together, but Ferruccion and Clarissa worked so well and the love they found was so profound it took my breath away. I shed many tears while reading this book, and that's when I know I've just read an incredible story told by a masterful author. I can't recommend this book or the whole trilogy hightly enough.

[Lena Kyrollos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still gasping and fanning myself after reading this incredibly emotional and erotic (and shockingly twisty) tale. A fitting and explosive end to the magnificent Castaldini Crown trilogy!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Illegitimate King has some of the best passionate sex scenes I've ever read. But they're not scenes really, they're an integral part of the story and character development. The two chapters when Clarissa wakes Ferruccio from his nightmare and they talk and disclose things to each other, the one they believed farthest from them, then come together in such a blaze of passion was incredible. The secrets they harbored, the injuries they kept finding themselves sharing with the other was poignant. Those two shared so much even when at first glance they were opposites, the so-called pampered princess and the man who came from the streets to become a king. But as revelations are made we discover how alike the are, how meant to be. The twist at the end floored me! I certainly didn't see THAT coming. Fantastic end to a very enjoyable series.

[Jennifer Mcpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The BEST in the series... Oh Olivia Gates you WRITE no wrong ...love Ferruccio

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd read this book years ago and loved it. Actually I fell hopelessly in love with Ferruccio and after reading it again, I loved it even more and fell all over in love with that swoon-worthy man with a larger than life persona.
Although he didn't need the crown, it was clearly apparent that he was absolutely fit to be the king, that the crown badly needed him. He could be ruthless when he wanted something, sexy and passionate with his teasing and sensual seduction and a wicked bastard too, like the time he brought an end to the seductive conversation after almost making love to Clarissa over the phone leaving her all flustered and frustrated. And, yet, he could be so thoughtful and caring like all the stuff he did for Clarissa at the coronation paying no heed to protocol. My favorite has to be when he broke protocol and drew her up with him to the throne at the time of his coronation then making his own marriage vow. His only focus was to keep her happy. Totally swoon-worthy. I couldn't get enough of him.
And, he and Clarissa were dynamite together even though the two were quick to misunderstand each other's feelings for them. Their chemistry and passion was out of this world. They couldn't not belong to each other. There a constant sexual hum between the two throughout the book. It was not only when they made love, even their non-sexual acts felt so sensual, even if it was their banter and arguments. Really enjoyed the demands they made to each other for their wedding night.

"And if you don‘t want me to pounce on you wherever I find you during the coming five days, you‘d better stay out of my hunting grounds."
She gasped, turned around before she pounced on him and dragged him on top of her here and now.
He pulled her back. "Do you remember our first time out here?" She nodded, her head rolling against his muscle-padded shoulder. "I swore that one day I would make love to you in the exact spot where you stood and turned me down. And I will." He let her go so suddenly that she swayed. "Just not tonight. Now run, before my mind gives out and we end up giving the attendees of my first official reception something far more historically shocking than the most passionate kiss they ever saw."
She ran this time, her high heels clicking on the marble floor like the frantic heartbeats of an alien creature. Before she could enter a quiet hall of the palace through an open French window, he called after her.
"For the wedding…layer on as much clothing as you can."
She turned around slowly. "Why? It‘s hot."
"It will be—as hot as you can survive."
As she got his meaning, he was the one who turned around and walked away, like that first time, throwing over his shoulder, "Be as creative as you can be in the lingerie department. And most important of all, rest up, mia bella unica. You‘ll need all the stamina you can get from now on, now that you‘ll always be with me."
Defiance shot through her. She might have been only test driven, but she was now revving and raring to go. He shouldn‘t be the only one dealing out hormone-messing torment.
"Thanks for the instructions, my future liege, she chirped, pseudo-swooningly. She waited until he stopped, turned to face her, challenge rolling off him in waves. Then she let her voice heat, deepen, thicken.
"Here are your future queen‘s instructions. No cologne or aftershave. I want to smell you. No…provisions. I want to feel your…proof. And though it won‘t make much of a difference in five days, don‘t get a haircut. Ever again. Until I tell you to. I want to feel my hands convulsing in a long, luxurious mane as you pleasure me."
Challenge became a shockwave of testosterone.
She turned and ran inside before it hit her, receded into the depths of the palace to the sound of his stunned, aroused, unbridled laughter.


I also enjoyed the little game of chase he made her go through for their wedding night and Clarissa stunning him with her choice of the creativity he'd demanded. Like I said before the sexual hum wasn't just restricted to the actual act. It came off in waves right through the book. Only, if the two idiots hadn't jumped to wrong conclusions, believing the other didn't reciprocate their love, it would've been a breeze. But, where is the fun if there's no angst in a romance?

The twist in the end was such a shocker. Didn't see that coming. It was quite disturbing for a while.

Totally loved the epilogue.

My only peeve was everything was very rushed in the book. So many things happened in such little time but whatever happened was fun and engaging. Maybe because I was enjoying the romance so much, I wanted more of it.

Nevertheless, this is a must read. At least for those who like grand gestures and some drama.

[niteskycs · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, why is it that the parents of the mains in harlequins have the truly interesting backstories? anyways, this author is pretty formulaic but the book was alright it needed a little more angst otherwise pretty solid marry for the throne plot. also, i feel so bad for clarissa's mother her life was by far the most tragic; loveless arranged marriage to the king who always loved another woman meanwhile the man she loved was just using her for status and money.

[Crisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best read ever!!!!!!!!!!! There was never any doubt in my mind that the hero was desperately in love with the heroine. It was just not made clear to Clarissa because she didn't want to see his love for her. Scratch that she didn't want to accept what was right in front of her.
Now I have to be honest, the author was able to apply all the common miscommunication, misconception and even a bit of lack of understanding between our main characters and still allow for a frustration-free read. Most enjoyable.

The best thing about this author is that she writes from both POV's and it great.

I picked this book out of the series and decided to read it out of order and I can assure anyone, that this one - without reading the others- is beyond amazing and will not disappoint.

A few twist that I worked out even before reading the last chapters and not reading the first two books from the series. Based on conversations had - and facts that have been told it's quite fun realizing that even if the story has been told a million times, it can still be told in a totally different way. And this author sure delivered. Chapter ten will remain my favorite chapter.

This will evoke all your emotions, passion, sympathy, happiness, fun etc and will have you pleasantly wishing that the story would not end.

If ever this man came into reality I definitely would snatch him up. Unlike most of our heros this one is never mean - not to our heroine - not even when he was displeased - I could not even summon one thing out of the entire journey that made me dislike him. Loving, kind, strong, sensitive and irrevocably in love.

Most enjoyable read - will take you on this ride and you won't want to let go.

[Oky Septya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was well written. Plotnya oke, konfliknya menarik. Karakternya lovable. Emosinya dapet. Dan happy ending, halah. IDK I can't describing more as it taken me speechless. Too much joy, and it wasn't something that make you want to puke. On the contrary, I love this volume, the best volume in the Castaldini Crown's series.

PS: But you have to read the first 2 book so you won't get confused on the plot and conflict though.

[Alecia Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked the twist towards the end. Ferruccio is a darling!

[T'Odes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah ...it's a NO for me. This was a bust!

[Mattie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like it, in the end it's revealed a bunch of maternity and paternity secrets. I was very much not into the plot, characters or the end reveals. P.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very frustrating, inconsistent and confusing book to read. And the ending is such a doozy that I couldn't finish the last two chapters of the book.
At the beginning of this book Ferruccio and Clarissa have conversations with each other in which the dialogue makes absolutely no sense. Each of them speaks in code from their own point of views but their meanings are as clear as mud to each other, as well as to the reader. This author knows each of their motivations and beliefs and thought, but she leaves the reader in the dark about they actually are.
Then later, Ferruccio continues to be inconsistent and unlikable in his character. He compares Clarissa to a car on the showroom floor and then demands marriage with all the sensitivity of a rock. Then he attempts to be empathetic by listening to her story of her past, but he doesn't do a very good job of listening. He just barges in with his ideas and preconceived notions. So the only thing that is consistent with Ferruccio is that he prejudges people without really listening to what they have to say first. Now while he's being a complete jerk, the author writes that Clarissa is in "love" with this man.
Finally, Clarissa's brother unloads a new piece of information about the family background and Clarissa's and Ferruccio's true identities in the last 5th of the book that my head was spinning. I just couldn't finish the book because it was so messed up. It's bad enough that the story is about a fantasy country in Europe that still has a monarchy in modern times, but to mess up the story with false identities, is just unbelievable.

[Love Butterfly]

I am very disappointed the way Clarissa’s mother “Angelina” was being portrait. She was treated very badly by her ex boyfriend, her father and also by her husband “the king”. All Angelina wanted in her life was to be loved. Her father made her go through arranged marriage. The king married her because she was a suitable bride. Even though Angelina gave him two son and her heart but he never loved her back. Because king had a mistress who left him and gave up their love child for adoption so she (mistress) could have her ballerina career. Angelina was lonely since her husband avoided her. All of sudden, her ex-boyfriend showed up to manipulate her. When she got pregnant, it gave her ex-boyfriend more options to abused her verbally and physically. Angelina admitted her pregnancy to her husband. He did not want anyone to know, because it would bring up his past & how terrible he was as a husband in front of his kingdom. He even named his (non-biological) daughter after his mistress so he could get even with his wife. Every time Angelina witness “love” his husband showed to Clarissa, it reminded her that, no matter what her husband will never love her back as he did to his mistress. As days goes by Angelina depression/anxiety went severe. Towards the end, it killed her. On the other hand, when King messed up his political life, he pimped out his daughter for sake to keep his kingdom. Not romantic but disgusting!

P.S. Since I liked both hero and heroine I gave it one star.

[Roub · Rating 1 out of 5]

i was bored. they met 2 negotiate terms, then the day after they were engaged in hot passionate sex (which did nthg 4me!) n then they were off 2 get married. ofc they had been playing a cat n the mouse game 4 6years. ferrucio was mad at her 4 eluding him n der was a hint of vengeance, bitterness in him. i thought he planned 2 use her sexually or 2 do smthg bad but not dat. he was besotted n only wanted her. the book had such gud reviews i'm surprised. i guess maybe i was not in the mood, i dunno.

[Shubhi]

Very Nice and awesome writing..

[Tigger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave it four stars for all three books,
this one was a 3.5, the last chapter took you on a roller coaster ride, boy what a finish!!!!!

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leído el 03/08/2011