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Peasants and Kings
My entire life has been a lie.
And then I meet a mysterious, powerful billionaire who makes me an offer I can’t refuse.
My body comes alive under his sensuous touch.
But Hadrian Rhys is a man with a dark past and a broken soul.
I never expected him to fall in love with me.
Now my secrets are coming back to destroy us.
Bloodlines, alliances, and murderous restitution lie buried deep within my past.
My name is Sterling Miller.
You won't believe who I am.
And then I meet a mysterious, powerful billionaire who makes me an offer I can’t refuse.
My body comes alive under his sensuous touch.
But Hadrian Rhys is a man with a dark past and a broken soul.
I never expected him to fall in love with me.
Now my secrets are coming back to destroy us.
Bloodlines, alliances, and murderous restitution lie buried deep within my past.
My name is Sterling Miller.
You won't believe who I am.
428 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2020
644 people are currently reading
3760 people want to read
About the author
Emma Slate
30 books2,030 followersWall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author Emma Slate writes romance with heart and heat.
Called “the dialogue queen” by her college playwriting professor, Emma writes love stories that range from romance-for-your-pants to action-flicks-for-chicks.
When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up under a heating blanket with a steamy romance novel and her two beagles—unless her outdoorsy husband can convince her to go on a hike.
Called “the dialogue queen” by her college playwriting professor, Emma writes love stories that range from romance-for-your-pants to action-flicks-for-chicks.
When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up under a heating blanket with a steamy romance novel and her two beagles—unless her outdoorsy husband can convince her to go on a hike.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
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March 5, 2021Peasants and Kings is LIVE and Available on All Platforms!
It's a standalone HEA loosely connected to the SINS world. You do not have to read the SINS series to enjoy this book!
👑 https://geni.us/pandkwide
It's a standalone HEA loosely connected to the SINS world. You do not have to read the SINS series to enjoy this book!
👑 https://geni.us/pandkwide
September 29, 2020
Emma has done it again. She gave us an amazingly arrogant anti-hero and a badass heroine who has some serious Barrett vibes. I hope we see more of Hadrian and Sterling in the future because I am obsessed. It took me a few days to get through this as I have a 5 month old daughter, but my goodness!! Once I started I didn't want to put it down!!! Definitely highly recommend!!
September 28, 2020
Sterling's life goes on a wild whirlwind ride, that lands her in any Emma Slate fan's dream world, at The Rex! When becoming a Rex Girl, she meets the mysterious Hadrian not once, but twice, by chance. After a hot and steamy second meeting, you're transported through their lives as they get to know one another, and themselves, on a much deeper level than either of them expected. It's definitely worth the read, and losing sleep to read it all at one time!
My only complaint would be the book felt super fast, as the time line and plot moved very quickly from chapter to chapter. It ends before you're ready to let go. You can never go wrong with an Emma Slate book, and I love how all her books are slightly intertwined with characters from her other creations.
My only complaint would be the book felt super fast, as the time line and plot moved very quickly from chapter to chapter. It ends before you're ready to let go. You can never go wrong with an Emma Slate book, and I love how all her books are slightly intertwined with characters from her other creations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2020
"Oh, I wanted Hadrian Rhys. And I wanted him in a way that I'd never wanted anything in my life."
Sterling Miller knows what it's like to want. Growing up with a single mother, she was constantly being moved from one town to the next throughout the Midwest. She wants friends, she wants consistency, and she wants a place to truly call home.
Sterling never understood why her life was this way until it was too late --until a letter from her estranged and deceased mother explains just why those choices had to be made. Struggling to wrap her head around the terrifying and almost unbelievable information in her mother's letter, Sterling roams for a year before showing up in Dallas on the doorstep of her only friend, Tiffany. Having no choice but to confide in Tiffany, Sterling finds herself immersed into the world of The Rex hotel and the Fifteenth Floor. It is at The Rex that she meets enigmatic Scot Hadrian Rhys, a physically imposing man with interesting, inescapable appeal.
After meeting Hadrian, Sterling's life is upended once again and she finds herself a guest in his fortress of a home on a remote island in Shetland. This move, combined with Hadrian's business connections, proves to be dangerous for both Sterling and Hadrian, testing their connection, their resolve, and their moral and physical boundaries.
Readers of Emma Slate's SINS series will absolutely love Peasants and Kings and this beautiful dive into the sexy, dark world of The Rex, its allegiance and power, its violence and love. New readers will surely fall in love with Emma's smart writing, which combines beautiful storytelling with multifaceted characters who the reader can't help but love.
Sterling Miller knows what it's like to want. Growing up with a single mother, she was constantly being moved from one town to the next throughout the Midwest. She wants friends, she wants consistency, and she wants a place to truly call home.
Sterling never understood why her life was this way until it was too late --until a letter from her estranged and deceased mother explains just why those choices had to be made. Struggling to wrap her head around the terrifying and almost unbelievable information in her mother's letter, Sterling roams for a year before showing up in Dallas on the doorstep of her only friend, Tiffany. Having no choice but to confide in Tiffany, Sterling finds herself immersed into the world of The Rex hotel and the Fifteenth Floor. It is at The Rex that she meets enigmatic Scot Hadrian Rhys, a physically imposing man with interesting, inescapable appeal.
After meeting Hadrian, Sterling's life is upended once again and she finds herself a guest in his fortress of a home on a remote island in Shetland. This move, combined with Hadrian's business connections, proves to be dangerous for both Sterling and Hadrian, testing their connection, their resolve, and their moral and physical boundaries.
Readers of Emma Slate's SINS series will absolutely love Peasants and Kings and this beautiful dive into the sexy, dark world of The Rex, its allegiance and power, its violence and love. New readers will surely fall in love with Emma's smart writing, which combines beautiful storytelling with multifaceted characters who the reader can't help but love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2020
I've read it! I love it! I'm going to read it again now to savour it and pick up on some of the smaller nuances in the book. I can say Emma's done it again! It's a love story with angst and substance. With fierce love, loyalty and passion. With hugs and lows that make you want to devour the book.
Hadrian is loveable and infuriating in equal measure with his cocky attitude and dominant personality.
Hadrian is loveable and infuriating in equal measure with his cocky attitude and dominant personality.
November 10, 2021
Another incredible romance novel by the very talented Emma Slate.
Hadrian and Sterling are both characters that make you love them and root for them from the first time you meet them. Throughout the entire story you will laugh, go weak at the knees and even cry a little.
Highly recommend Peasants and Kings to anyone who enjoys reading.
Hadrian and Sterling are both characters that make you love them and root for them from the first time you meet them. Throughout the entire story you will laugh, go weak at the knees and even cry a little.
Highly recommend Peasants and Kings to anyone who enjoys reading.
October 3, 2020
Emma does it again!
I cant tell you how excited I was to read this book. I love the backdrop of the SINS world and the characters lives still unfolding. This book just sucked me right back in. LOVED it!!!!
I cant tell you how excited I was to read this book. I love the backdrop of the SINS world and the characters lives still unfolding. This book just sucked me right back in. LOVED it!!!!
September 28, 2020
This is my first time as a arc reader I was so excited to read this book and you did not disappoint!! Hadrian and sterling were fabulous I couldn’t stop I devoured this book it was great I loved the push and pull between the characters I also loved how you Intertwined your previous books with this one. I love all the worlds you create and this one is no different.
September 28, 2020
I just finished an ARC for Peasants & Kings and Hadrian Rhys is my new book boyfriend. Emma Slate knocked it out of the park once again with Sterling & Hadrian’s story. I was hooked from the first page to the last. I really didn’t want their story to end. Amazing as always! 🥰
September 28, 2020
Everything about this is a yes! Bedroom scenes, the connection, the side glances, the dominance... all of it, YES! Ms Emma, do you know how to write or do you know how to write?! The exit interview... UGH THAT INTERVIEW! More to come!! YESSS!
November 1, 2020
4.5 Stars
September 26, 2020
My word, what another thrilling, emotionally charged rollercoaster of a book! Yet again Emma’s writing was spectacular! Reading about Hadrian and Sterling was full of all the feels, drama and suspense, you could ever wish for in a book and as with every book I have read of Emma’s it made me wish there was more!!!
Xx
Xx
September 26, 2020
Emma Slate did not disappoint with this book! I loved every single second of Hadrian and Sterling’s story. This book has all the things I look for in a story. Danger, sex, love, complications.. Such. An. Amazing. Read!!! I highly recommend it!!
September 28, 2020
Wow wow wow wow wow!!!! I just can't...hold on for a second...
I knew this was going to be good, but it totally and utterly blew me away!!! Hadrian and Sterling were immense.
I never actually thought I would want another book boyfriend, yeah right who am I kidding, but I'm sorry Hadrian is claimed by me and I don't share, sorry!!! :) You can look though ;)
You have got to read this!!! Emma's writing grips you right from the start pulls you in for a slow dance and then bam amps it up with the passion and all the feels you could possibly want, before melting your heart. I just adore her writing and so glad that I discovered her.
Totally bingeworthy, from the first sentence, you won't want to put it down.
I knew this was going to be good, but it totally and utterly blew me away!!! Hadrian and Sterling were immense.
I never actually thought I would want another book boyfriend, yeah right who am I kidding, but I'm sorry Hadrian is claimed by me and I don't share, sorry!!! :) You can look though ;)
You have got to read this!!! Emma's writing grips you right from the start pulls you in for a slow dance and then bam amps it up with the passion and all the feels you could possibly want, before melting your heart. I just adore her writing and so glad that I discovered her.
Totally bingeworthy, from the first sentence, you won't want to put it down.
October 2, 2020
I haven’t read a book that fast in a while. I was hooked right from the beginning. I love that Emma gives us these strong women through out her books. I’ve always been a a fan of Flynn and Sasha since I started reading her books but I can say Hadrian gives them a run for their money. I loved him and everything about him. I’m sad that it’s over, I want more of Hadrian and Sterling, definitely more Hadrian!
October 25, 2020
Excellent reading
Sterling spent her life on the run with her mother. Always moving and never staying in one place for long. When she turns eighteen she's had enough and leaves, going off on her own. Seven years later she's standing at her mother's grave when she's given a letter from a mysterious woman. It was from her mother and told a tale of powerful Italian families. Her mother was to marry into one of those families but fell in love and married a peasant. She's disgraced the family of her intended and they have her husband killed. When she learns she's pregnant she runs and spends the rest of her life looking over her shoulder afraid they will find her. She finally takes her own life and is now warning Sterling to be extremely careful. Unable to have a normal job and work Sterling finds herself becoming a Rex girl, which is basically a high-end prostitute. She hates what she's about to do but the promise is a new identity. Her first client is Hadrian and her life is about to change forever. The man is beyond wealthy and he wants her all to himself. As the story unfolds she tells Hadrian her story and he's determined to make things right so she can live her life in peace. Even he doesn't realize the lengths her family will go to in order to bring her back. The story is excellent and makes for awesome reading.
Sterling spent her life on the run with her mother. Always moving and never staying in one place for long. When she turns eighteen she's had enough and leaves, going off on her own. Seven years later she's standing at her mother's grave when she's given a letter from a mysterious woman. It was from her mother and told a tale of powerful Italian families. Her mother was to marry into one of those families but fell in love and married a peasant. She's disgraced the family of her intended and they have her husband killed. When she learns she's pregnant she runs and spends the rest of her life looking over her shoulder afraid they will find her. She finally takes her own life and is now warning Sterling to be extremely careful. Unable to have a normal job and work Sterling finds herself becoming a Rex girl, which is basically a high-end prostitute. She hates what she's about to do but the promise is a new identity. Her first client is Hadrian and her life is about to change forever. The man is beyond wealthy and he wants her all to himself. As the story unfolds she tells Hadrian her story and he's determined to make things right so she can live her life in peace. Even he doesn't realize the lengths her family will go to in order to bring her back. The story is excellent and makes for awesome reading.
September 29, 2020
This book was mindblowing. It was fantastic. I couldnt put it down.
I just wanted to read it and find out what was gonna happen next.
Sterling is shaken when she discovers the reason behind everything at her mother funeral. She goes on the run and gets a job at The Rex. Her friend Tiffany recommends her and things take a turn for the better.
Things get complicated when a handsome man, Hadrian Rhys takes a liking to Sterling. He pursues her not knowing who she is and what baggage she comes with.
The chemistry between the two was electric. Their intimate scenes lit the pages on fire.
I still love Flynn but Hadrian comes a very close second.
Sterling cousins are intriguing and i wish they get their own stories told.
Anothet fantastic book by a fabulous author.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I just wanted to read it and find out what was gonna happen next.
Sterling is shaken when she discovers the reason behind everything at her mother funeral. She goes on the run and gets a job at The Rex. Her friend Tiffany recommends her and things take a turn for the better.
Things get complicated when a handsome man, Hadrian Rhys takes a liking to Sterling. He pursues her not knowing who she is and what baggage she comes with.
The chemistry between the two was electric. Their intimate scenes lit the pages on fire.
I still love Flynn but Hadrian comes a very close second.
Sterling cousins are intriguing and i wish they get their own stories told.
Anothet fantastic book by a fabulous author.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
October 2, 2020
Emma Slate has done it again!! Prepare for quite the book hangover!🔥
Love all of this authors books. She just knows how to create a world and suck you in until the very last page. And then make you beg for more. The book has it all— steam, swoon, fun, LOL moments, frustration, angst and more. Hadrian has joined my fave book bf list right next to Flynn, and Sasha.
The book mentions And has character cameos from not only the Sins series but wreck & Ruin as well. Which always stay true to each person.
Emma kicked ass again and can’t wait to find out if she continues this story line with books on other characters, or more on our faves. 🔥☺️🙌🏼
Love all of this authors books. She just knows how to create a world and suck you in until the very last page. And then make you beg for more. The book has it all— steam, swoon, fun, LOL moments, frustration, angst and more. Hadrian has joined my fave book bf list right next to Flynn, and Sasha.
The book mentions And has character cameos from not only the Sins series but wreck & Ruin as well. Which always stay true to each person.
Emma kicked ass again and can’t wait to find out if she continues this story line with books on other characters, or more on our faves. 🔥☺️🙌🏼
October 2, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this story, and all I can say is OMFG!
It was so good, I've gone back to the SINS series where this world began to read them all again. The intertwining of character in her SINS world is fluid and flawless! It amazes me at how great it flows and draws you in deeper.
I'm in love with Sterling and Hadrian. Hadrian made me melt and Sterling made me want to branch out a little more to discover who I truly can be. There are so many twists and turns, you'll be questioning some of the characters true motives but once their true motives are revealed, everything just falls into place.
There's passion, fire, sex, drama, kidnapping and so, so much more! I may or may not have needed a cold shower once I finished reading this one!
I can't wait for more of Emma's SINS world and to be drawn deeper in again.
It was so good, I've gone back to the SINS series where this world began to read them all again. The intertwining of character in her SINS world is fluid and flawless! It amazes me at how great it flows and draws you in deeper.
I'm in love with Sterling and Hadrian. Hadrian made me melt and Sterling made me want to branch out a little more to discover who I truly can be. There are so many twists and turns, you'll be questioning some of the characters true motives but once their true motives are revealed, everything just falls into place.
There's passion, fire, sex, drama, kidnapping and so, so much more! I may or may not have needed a cold shower once I finished reading this one!
I can't wait for more of Emma's SINS world and to be drawn deeper in again.
September 30, 2020
I do not know where to begin. Just WOW. I was pulled in right off the bat and fell in love with Sterling and her power and will to survive. Bring in Hadrian and I could not stop reading. I would sneak a few pages here and there whenever I could. I won an ARC and am so so happy I did, thank you Emma! I have been a fan of the SINS series since I came across the books. Emma Slate is a fantastic author and her words just string together to make this amazing web of the SINS world. I cannot wait for more!
October 2, 2020
To be completely, 100% honest, at the beginning of Peasants and Kings I was skeptical. I wasn’t liking how it was going, but I should have known better and trusted that Emma Slate knew exactly what she was doing.
The twists, the turns, the ups, the downs...oh that was a gooooooood book. I want to say so much more.
So.
Much.
More.
But I can’t because I’m afraid this review will become one giant spoiler.
Read the book. Do it. You will not be sorry.
The twists, the turns, the ups, the downs...oh that was a gooooooood book. I want to say so much more.
So.
Much.
More.
But I can’t because I’m afraid this review will become one giant spoiler.
Read the book. Do it. You will not be sorry.
October 2, 2020
Emma Slate has done it again. If you haven’t already discovered Emma and her wonderful world..... what the hell are you waiting for. This book had me completely drawn in from start to finish. I love how all her books are intertwined. If you want suspense, excitement, romance and so much more then jump on board because Emma knows how to deliver. Another book boyfriend to add to the growing list.
October 2, 2020
I almost have no words for this book!! Emma just ups the game every single book. Absolutely loved the references to SINS family and the Rex. I sure hope Barrett and Sterling get to pair up and become a force to be reckoned with eventually. So sassy!! My kind of women!! Emma is so descriptive, I feel like I am in their home and country when I am reading her books. Emotions ran rampant with this!!!!
October 28, 2020
WOW just finished reading this book, apsolutely brilliant the story was amazing, loved the main character how they fell in love and fought
for each other. Great ending almost
had me in tears 😢 nice one Miss M 💘.
for each other. Great ending almost
had me in tears 😢 nice one Miss M 💘.
October 2, 2020
Omg!!! Absolutely loved this story!!! I have loved all of Emma slates books I have read and I can never get enough! I don’t like spoilers so I won’t share them here!!
October 27, 2020
Holy crap! I want more of Hadrian and Sterling. This cannot be the end!!!!
December 5, 2023
It was very... I didn't enjoy it. The characters were annoying and just cringe in general.
October 22, 2020
This was a new author for me. Her writing was great! The charisma of the characters just jumped at you. Hadrian was just yum. I liked Sterling- she was strong and in tune with herself. The honesty between the characters was refreshing. No silly, annoying misunderstanding that goes on for chapters. I’m going to check out the Sun series that seems to have equally positive reviews!
October 10, 2020
This book was freaking awesome. The description blurb doesn’t even begin to introduce you to his delicious world Emma Slate has created. I thought I knew what I was getting into with the book, but a few chapters in I was slapped in the face with the awesome and badass Hadrian. I loved their writing style in this book. It’s sensual, it’s beautiful and a little bit poetic. You can almost taste the SINNERS scotch and smell the ocean. The intimacy is seductive. I wanted to crawl into this world and soak up all of Sterlings little moments of innocence. All of the moments when she truly became her own woman and owned it. I really hope to see more of this world in future books.
I had read Wrecked by Emma Slate and very much enjoyed it. Then I saw this book and gave it try. I am SO happy I did. Now I’m off to read more by her. I can’t wait to engulf myself in Emma Slates words again.
I had read Wrecked by Emma Slate and very much enjoyed it. Then I saw this book and gave it try. I am SO happy I did. Now I’m off to read more by her. I can’t wait to engulf myself in Emma Slates words again.
March 23, 2025
Emma Slate is an automatic read for me - if she puts a book out into the world, I'm going to read it.
Great opening premise of a story; a family estrangement, the tragic reasons for which only coming to light by way of a death. All that time wasted, but there is the need for it all is explained. Then there's the race to hide until desperate measures are taken, and at the Rex Hotel.
High end courtesan work, instant chemistry, and a billionaire's Scottish island and Italian crime families. Cherry on top is the appearance of a couple of familiar characters from the SINS series, and the Rex Hotel. Now that I've read and thoroughly enjoyed this book, I need to re-visit SINS.
Great, easy read - recommended!
Great opening premise of a story; a family estrangement, the tragic reasons for which only coming to light by way of a death. All that time wasted, but there is the need for it all is explained. Then there's the race to hide until desperate measures are taken, and at the Rex Hotel.
High end courtesan work, instant chemistry, and a billionaire's Scottish island and Italian crime families. Cherry on top is the appearance of a couple of familiar characters from the SINS series, and the Rex Hotel. Now that I've read and thoroughly enjoyed this book, I need to re-visit SINS.
Great, easy read - recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews