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House of Payne #9.5
His Princess
“Got a name, my princess?”
When Joelle Fielding attends a function for Chicago’s society elites, she’s stunned to find herself swept off her feet by a man who believes that not only is she a princess, but that she’s HIS princess. Falling in love at first sight isn’t a part of her career-oriented life goals, but with the sexy Gus Bloch insisting she’s meant for him, those life goals might be changing.
By fourteen, Gus had been on his own on the Southside’s mean streets. When life had been at its bleakest, he’d dreamed of his future and the kind of woman he would someday share his life with. One look at Joelle, and he knows he’s finally found her. Nothing will stop him from convincing her that he’s the man for her—not even Joelle herself.
Joelle has never wanted anyone like she wants Gus, but all too soon insta-love and the demands of reality find themselves on a collision course. Is Gus really the man for her when he’s forced to see she’s no one’s princess?
38,000 words
***This novella is a standalone prequel to the novel, HOUSE OF PAYNE: LOKI. Because of that, this novella has only a small epilogue (sorry!). There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed. Due to adult language and sexual content, this novella is not intended for people under the age of eighteen.***
When Joelle Fielding attends a function for Chicago’s society elites, she’s stunned to find herself swept off her feet by a man who believes that not only is she a princess, but that she’s HIS princess. Falling in love at first sight isn’t a part of her career-oriented life goals, but with the sexy Gus Bloch insisting she’s meant for him, those life goals might be changing.
By fourteen, Gus had been on his own on the Southside’s mean streets. When life had been at its bleakest, he’d dreamed of his future and the kind of woman he would someday share his life with. One look at Joelle, and he knows he’s finally found her. Nothing will stop him from convincing her that he’s the man for her—not even Joelle herself.
Joelle has never wanted anyone like she wants Gus, but all too soon insta-love and the demands of reality find themselves on a collision course. Is Gus really the man for her when he’s forced to see she’s no one’s princess?
38,000 words
***This novella is a standalone prequel to the novel, HOUSE OF PAYNE: LOKI. Because of that, this novella has only a small epilogue (sorry!). There are no love triangles, no cheating, and no cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed. Due to adult language and sexual content, this novella is not intended for people under the age of eighteen.***
100 pages, ebook
Published August 13, 2020
21 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 13, 2020
Fresh from a recent break up with a guy who was as shallow as a drop of water, Joelle agrees to go with her best friend to a society ball. She knows her ex will be there and she has decided that turning up looking like the beautiful knockout she is will be the best revenge. What Joelle was not expecting was Augustus Bloch.
Augustus is a very proud and self made man. After growing up in a life of poverty, having to fend for himself, he turned his life around to become the success he is now. He never wants to go back to that way of life and he enjoys the spoils of his hard work. Having a beautiful woman on his arm is something he enjoys but he is yet to find ‘the one’ someone he can spend the rest of his life with. Until he lays eyes on Joelle Fielding and it feels like the ground is moving beneath him.
When Gus approaches Joelle, she is completely taken aback. It’s not just because he is a stranger but he just has this presence about him. He is drop dead gorgeous, confident and she feels intoxicated being near him. When he makes it clear that he is very interested in her, staking his claim in front of her ex, he definitely has her attention.
This is just the beginning of the story that Gus seems to have already mapped out in his mind. Now he just needs to convince Joelle to believe in love at first sight and that her future belongs with him. I love how Joelle challenged Gus, this girl will not be pushed around by this alpha male, no matter how many orgasms he gives her!
I love it when my reading mood completely gels with a story. This sexy little novella was just what I felt like reading, snuggled up beside the fire last night!
‘One look, and I knew you were mine. No, it was more than that - I didn’t just know you were mine. I felt it, in every cell of my body, and every corner of my soul. From the time I knew how to dream, you were the one I dreamed about. And then suddenly, there you were. My dream woman.’
Augustus is a very proud and self made man. After growing up in a life of poverty, having to fend for himself, he turned his life around to become the success he is now. He never wants to go back to that way of life and he enjoys the spoils of his hard work. Having a beautiful woman on his arm is something he enjoys but he is yet to find ‘the one’ someone he can spend the rest of his life with. Until he lays eyes on Joelle Fielding and it feels like the ground is moving beneath him.
When Gus approaches Joelle, she is completely taken aback. It’s not just because he is a stranger but he just has this presence about him. He is drop dead gorgeous, confident and she feels intoxicated being near him. When he makes it clear that he is very interested in her, staking his claim in front of her ex, he definitely has her attention.
This is just the beginning of the story that Gus seems to have already mapped out in his mind. Now he just needs to convince Joelle to believe in love at first sight and that her future belongs with him. I love how Joelle challenged Gus, this girl will not be pushed around by this alpha male, no matter how many orgasms he gives her!
I love it when my reading mood completely gels with a story. This sexy little novella was just what I felt like reading, snuggled up beside the fire last night!
‘One look, and I knew you were mine. No, it was more than that - I didn’t just know you were mine. I felt it, in every cell of my body, and every corner of my soul. From the time I knew how to dream, you were the one I dreamed about. And then suddenly, there you were. My dream woman.’
August 25, 2020
Amazon / iBooks / B&N / Kobo
Joelle's on a mission to get her jerk ex to see exactly what it is that he dumped when he determined that her pedigree wasn't good enough to overcome her lack of the funds that normally go along with such a name. Then she locks eyes with a gorgeous, commanding man and her future is irrevocably changed in that instant, not knowing Gus is the one for her.
Gus has been dating the princesses of Chicago's elite society, in hopes of finding the ideal woman to complete his hard won, new empire. Then he sees the ultimate princess and everything shifts within him and he knows he's found the one. Now he just has to get his princess on the same page...
I am glad I got read Gus and Jo's story because I was definitely curious about them as I was reading her best friend, Alice's story with Loki. They make a hot couple, full of all the intense passion that comes with insta-love. Make no mistake, this is over the top insta-love, but it's done in an entertaining, fun way. I kinda wanted a bit more of them as a couple before they raced off to their HEA, but I did like that they both felt like well-developed characters, unusual in such a short novella. Their chemistry is hot, and I think they're both great characters, especially Jo.
ARC via Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review.
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August 23, 2020
Joelle is at a ball with her friend after a break up with her ex boyfriend. She never expected to meet a guy like Gus. Augustus "Gus" is at the ball and when he sees Joelle he knows she's the woman he has always been looking for in his life. Gus grew up on the mean streets but had big dreams of a life and woman to complete them. Joelle is swept off her feet by Gus. The two have instant attraction then love but will problems arise to keep them apart?
August 25, 2020
Having never read any of the House of Payne series, this book makes me want to go back and read them. His Princess is the first book by Stacy Gail I have read. I loved reading Gus and Joelle's story of love at first sight. I look forward to reading Alice and Loki's story next.
August 10, 2020
Gus and Joelle grabbed my attention in House of Payne: Loki and I was thrilled to see we get the beginning of their story. I do love a well-written insta-love story and this novella hit the mark. And if you are partial to a little bit of alpha-hole, you'll get that, too. Let's not forget Joelle who can stand on her own two feet and match Gus's overbearing behavior. Their instant chemistry and fast-paced romance left me smiling and swoony.
August 8, 2020
Gus and Joelle were absolute magic together! I seriously pictured them in a snow globe type setting with glitter floating all around them. Oh, they were straightforward, plain speaking, and blunt, but with sparkles. They also were a wee bit on the sexy side, some cursing words, a little bit overreacting sometimes, but with sunshine and rainbows all around them. In other words, these two started down the path to their HEA the moment they laid eyes on each other, and they both knew it was their final destination right then. Everything else, that was getting to work out the details, but the goal, and their love, was never in question. I loved them!
October 5, 2020
I’m a huge fan of House of Payne so I was very excited to read this novella.
I fell for Joelle and Gus in Loki and I have to tell you Gus is the perfect badass and Joelle is amazing and a breath of fresh air for a rich girl.
Amazing read with good flow and a storyline that will hook you.
I fell for Joelle and Gus in Loki and I have to tell you Gus is the perfect badass and Joelle is amazing and a breath of fresh air for a rich girl.
Amazing read with good flow and a storyline that will hook you.
August 26, 2020
A must-read from The House of Payne collection!
The way Gus just bulldozers through life -
I was laughing so hard
How does he survive?
Joelle is just as blunt
Both of them are not apologetic in the least when it comes to grabbing what they want
All it took was a happenstance encounter
She was out for revenge
He was just out to appease
Funny how fate works
This was such a fun whirlwind of a romance
Gus has fought to ensure everything in his world is solid - untouchable.
He has dreamt of the princess that would stand at his side and help rule his kingdom.
Heck, he already has their future mapped out.
Joelle is tired of being treated like her worth can only be measured by her name and the wealth that should be behind it.
She has made her own way in life. She is not a spoilt princess and she intends to show the world that she is a force to be reckoned with.
So what happens when a knight stumbles upon the lady of his dreams?
Why he goes forth and conquers!
I was so happy to hear that Gail was going to give us a short glimpse of how the storm that is Gus and Joelle came to be
His love for her is so complete it is almost tangible in its intensity
Together these two are an unstoppable force
The way Gus just bulldozers through life -
I was laughing so hard
How does he survive?
Joelle is just as blunt
Both of them are not apologetic in the least when it comes to grabbing what they want
All it took was a happenstance encounter
She was out for revenge
He was just out to appease
Funny how fate works
This was such a fun whirlwind of a romance
Gus has fought to ensure everything in his world is solid - untouchable.
He has dreamt of the princess that would stand at his side and help rule his kingdom.
Heck, he already has their future mapped out.
Joelle is tired of being treated like her worth can only be measured by her name and the wealth that should be behind it.
She has made her own way in life. She is not a spoilt princess and she intends to show the world that she is a force to be reckoned with.
So what happens when a knight stumbles upon the lady of his dreams?
Why he goes forth and conquers!
I was so happy to hear that Gail was going to give us a short glimpse of how the storm that is Gus and Joelle came to be
His love for her is so complete it is almost tangible in its intensity
Together these two are an unstoppable force
August 24, 2020
This book was nothing what I expected, lol. Poor Joelle and her foster sister Alice. Things were good for them, but not as good for Alice. Joelle and Alice have always been close. Joelle just didn’t have the best luck in men. She had a plan and Alice was going to help her. Things just didn’t go as plan, She met Gus a party she went to make her ex regret letting her go. Gus had other plans and he wasn’t letting Joelle go. He was hooked at first sight. Was he able to convince Joelle to give him a chance? Did Alice intervene? Did Joelle make her Ex regret leaving her? This is a must read. Thank you United Indie Book Blog for allowing me to read this book.
REVIEW BY MAIRBEL
REVIEW BY MAIRBEL
August 25, 2020
I did not want to put this book down. I thoroughly enjoyed the heat and steam between these two as well as the honesty. Joelle was strong enough to stand up for herself when she felt she had been wronged. Gus was humble enough to admit his mistakes and his feelings. This was definitely a love-at-first-sight story, and they made a good couple. I recommend this story.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
August 23, 2020
This is a fast-paced novella, which is Joelle and Gus’ story. Fresh from a breakup with her ex, Joelle is convinced by her best friend to attend a society ball which her ex will also be attending. When Joelle and Gus spot each other at the ball they are instantly attracted to each other. Gus is a self-made man who grew up in poverty and turned his life around to be the successful man he is today. This is a well written tale which is intriguing and had me hooked throughout. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend for all.
August 25, 2020
For me this story was about realizing that we are not all what we seem. I liked Joelle and Gus's story it was an insta-love novella that had my attention throughout.
August 13, 2020
I've always loved the craziness the House of Payne characters get into when connecting with their significant other. While Joelle and Gus aren't *technically* part of the House, they have all the markers of the strong, take no prisoners men and women who populate it.
Basically, they're HoP-ites without ever setting foot in Payne's domain. (Although they do become a de facto part of the group when Alice hooks up with her man down the road, so this makes perfect sense.)
Anywho. Joelle and Gus. She's a go-getter who is determined to make her dreams come true. He's...well, he's pretty much the same. They're both focused, love their jobs, and make a habit of reaching for what they want.
Since they both want each other, this works out nicely for them. Do they have a road bump or two along the way? OF COURSE. Because two strong-willed people are going to butt heads sometimes. Especially when one of them *cough*Gus*cough* does something particularly boneheaded. (No worries, he grovels like a champ and Joelle makes sure he understands his actions were unacceptable.)
I do love spending time in the HoP world. Even, as it turns out, when the main HoP-ers are doing their own thing. Good stuff, all around. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Basically, they're HoP-ites without ever setting foot in Payne's domain. (Although they do become a de facto part of the group when Alice hooks up with her man down the road, so this makes perfect sense.)
Anywho. Joelle and Gus. She's a go-getter who is determined to make her dreams come true. He's...well, he's pretty much the same. They're both focused, love their jobs, and make a habit of reaching for what they want.
Since they both want each other, this works out nicely for them. Do they have a road bump or two along the way? OF COURSE. Because two strong-willed people are going to butt heads sometimes. Especially when one of them *cough*Gus*cough* does something particularly boneheaded. (No worries, he grovels like a champ and Joelle makes sure he understands his actions were unacceptable.)
I do love spending time in the HoP world. Even, as it turns out, when the main HoP-ers are doing their own thing. Good stuff, all around. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 23, 2020
Having never read any of the House of Payne series, this book makes me want to go back and read them. His Princess is the first book by Stacy Gail I have read. I loved reading Gus and Joelle's story of love at first sight. I look forward to reading Alice and Loki's story next.
September 7, 2020
This book was nothing what I expected, lol. Poor Joelle and her foster sister Alice. Things were good for them, but not as good for Alice. Joelle and Alice have always been close. Joelle just didn’t have the best luck in men. She had a plan and Alice was going to help her. Things just didn’t go as plan, She met Gus a party she went to make her ex regret letting her go. Gus had other plans and he wasn’t letting Joelle go. He was hooked at first sight. Was he able to convince Joelle to give him a chance? Did Alice intervene? Did Joelle make her Ex regret leaving her? This is a must read. Thank you United Indie Book Blog for allowing me to read this book.
August 21, 2020
First thing I need to say.....If you don't like instalove/lust, and an alpha hero who can be a huge a**hole, then this book isn't for you. When I accepted this book for review, the author warned me there would be a moment where I would want to strangle Gus and she was so right, lol. He is intense and takes cocky and arrogant to the extreme. Joelle, on the other hand, was perfect. She is independent and will always fight for what is right. There were moments I was so proud of her. That said, after Gus realized his mistake, he was all in trying to fix it. I love a groveling hero.
I won't go into details as this book is short. I did enjoy it; the author writes well and kept me engaged. I will also say, this is only the first for me; I will definitely read more from this author. Stacy Gail was a first time read and I am happy to say I look forward to more of her titles. I've fallen down the rabbit hole on Goodreads while stalking her House of Payne series. There are so many books, I'll just have to start from the beginning.
This is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
I won't go into details as this book is short. I did enjoy it; the author writes well and kept me engaged. I will also say, this is only the first for me; I will definitely read more from this author. Stacy Gail was a first time read and I am happy to say I look forward to more of her titles. I've fallen down the rabbit hole on Goodreads while stalking her House of Payne series. There are so many books, I'll just have to start from the beginning.
This is my honest and unbiased review and I thank you for taking the time to read it. :)
August 30, 2020
This was such a cute addition to the House of Payne series. Having already read Loki, the story that takes place after this one, I knew about about Joelle and Gus going in. But actually getting to read their story was nice. Gus was definitely an over the top alpha, but then again so are most of the guys in this series. It didn't make me like them any less. The writing itself is so good that I just fly right through the pages. And I really liked Joelle. While their relationship might have been of the whirlwind variety, she still spoke her mind and stood up for herself. This is one of the few times I didn't even mind the novella length. I got just enough to really enjoy.
August 28, 2020
Gus and Joelle's story is one of those that make me smile since fate was involved. They started falling for each other from the first time their eyes met, and everything after was pure magic with a side of heat. I'm not saying that they didn't make a mistake or two, but she's not afraid to stand up for herself, while he's man enough to admit to his mistakes. It's a short(ish) read that packs a great big punch, and I couldn't get enough. Stacy Gail is such a talent that even her shorter books are utter perfection, so hit those one click buttons to experience it for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
August 28, 2020
I absolutely I love this series so when this author put out a novella I snatched it up!! Gus and Joelle were perfect for each other in every way. After a break up Joelle‘s best friend convinces her to go to a society event in which her ex is attending but after her and Gus meet eyes across the way it is ever for them. Gus is a self made man, he overcame the poverty of his home life growing up. I loved seeing the sparks fly between Joelle and Gus. Perfect complement to the House of Payne series!!
August 28, 2020
Joelle is all for showing her ex she is the best thing he ever had but when Gus swoops in and claims her these two are like gas and a match and this novella will help to burn up the kindles, I like how she isn't a pushover and Gus knows just how far he can go
August 27, 2020
This was a good book, that captured my attention. I loved the insta love, and the characters will have you rooting for their HEA.
August 26, 2020
Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty and Flirty Blog
August 26, 2020
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August 27, 2020
Joelle is a strong, witty, independent woman who works hard to earn a living never once touching her trust fund.
Living in the streets Gus finally found a home within the church. Years later his smarts and determination paid off becoming very successful.
Gus is all alpha. Arrogant, successful and goes after what he wants. He wants the beautiful princess he meets at a ball.
His Princess is a beautifully written insta love story. A woman who knows her value and makes her man respect it.
Can't wait for Alice and Loki's story!!
Living in the streets Gus finally found a home within the church. Years later his smarts and determination paid off becoming very successful.
Gus is all alpha. Arrogant, successful and goes after what he wants. He wants the beautiful princess he meets at a ball.
His Princess is a beautifully written insta love story. A woman who knows her value and makes her man respect it.
Can't wait for Alice and Loki's story!!
June 18, 2024
I enjoyed this book, I was very interested in Gus and Joelle‘s book while reading Loki, there’s parts in this book I really didn’t like Gus, and while Joelle handled him in her sweet way I felt that his reasons didn’t excuse his actions and that made me still not really like him at the end. But it’s a great book.
December 16, 2020
His Princess
I loved Gus and Joelle in the book Loki, which I read first. It doesn't matter because I loved them and their characters. So I'm really happy I got the chance to get their story. I highly recommend this series!!
I loved Gus and Joelle in the book Loki, which I read first. It doesn't matter because I loved them and their characters. So I'm really happy I got the chance to get their story. I highly recommend this series!!
September 2, 2021
No point
I didn’t get the relevance to this story in the world of Payne. There was two main themes to it…misunderstandings and sex. Not impressed.
I didn’t get the relevance to this story in the world of Payne. There was two main themes to it…misunderstandings and sex. Not impressed.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews