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The Solitary King
Prince Dane's father is ready to abdicate the throne on the condition that Dane finds a wife and marries her quickly before he is coronated king. The only problem is Dane is in a relationship with his bodyguard, Asher. Reluctantly, Dane searches for a wife and against Asher's wishes, chooses Lyric a beautiful ballet dancer who has run from her royal heritage.
As Asher grapples with the worry he will lose Dane to his wife, Dane faces rejection when Lyric refuses his proposal. On a mission to satisfy his lover, Asher brings Lyric back to the castle, and their tenuous friendship becomes love. Dane soon finds the same love for the kind-hearted Lyric and now they must sacrifice themselves for roles they must play so that Dane can become king.
As Asher, Lyric, and Dane face the prejudice of their kingdom, Dane realizes things have to change in order for them to ever be happy together...
This is a steamy MMF menage romance with a HEA, no cheating and a lot of fun.
As Asher grapples with the worry he will lose Dane to his wife, Dane faces rejection when Lyric refuses his proposal. On a mission to satisfy his lover, Asher brings Lyric back to the castle, and their tenuous friendship becomes love. Dane soon finds the same love for the kind-hearted Lyric and now they must sacrifice themselves for roles they must play so that Dane can become king.
As Asher, Lyric, and Dane face the prejudice of their kingdom, Dane realizes things have to change in order for them to ever be happy together...
This is a steamy MMF menage romance with a HEA, no cheating and a lot of fun.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2020
42 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 4, 2021
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book, and I ended up really enjoying it, it played less into the tropes I'm afraid of when reading erotic novels. It wasn't as fast of a read as other novels in this genre, but I feel that was actually a good thing - it had more plot and story, which I fully appreciate!!!
So going on the plot and world building first, I can say it was really enjoyable. The book is not actually heavy on the fantasy - which is a relief because I've been having a hard time with fantasy - but it's this modern royalty, but in a fantastical/imaginary world, it balances modernity with tradition in a very interesting way. Very often it's easy to forget it's modern times, but then you're allowed the comforts and facilities allowed by modern technology.
This great world building allows what is my favorite thing about the book, which is the class, economical, social and power dynamic. It's something all three characters deal and struggle with, through out the book, in different topics - on the power dynamic of Dane as a to-be-king, Asher his guard and Lyric to be his Queen, but also what it means when two of them can be married but not a third of them. I really LOVE how the book deals with their pain and struggles, it doesn't make love as fix-it all, but how relationships need work and finding out what works for each person in there (I really love how much Lyric stands up for Asher, that's a dynamic I really like!!!)
The three characters were really good and their relationship with each other was interesting, you got to see their growth, even if moving a bit too fast at times - but I do get that's a consequence of the genre as well - but you got to see how much they cared, how they worked in pairs and together as the three of them, which is important to explore in a triad polyamorous relationship. I also really like the importance of consent here, even if sometimes the power dynamics put a question into some of the consent... so not all sex scenes were really done the best way...
Now the book still falls a bit into erotic genre clichés that I don't like. First one wasn't too bad in this book, which was the overprotectiveness and controlling behavior from both men, now because of this world not being our modern life, but this fantasy royalty, it allowed itself better to this, since there are really big worries and dangers (but still not a super fan of this trope). Now secondly, it's the trope that all women expect the protagonist have to be ugly or boring or mean... other women don't have to be described negatively to make Lyric better!!!! She's interesting by herself - she's smart, strong, independent, caring and has a giant heart, those are things that make her great, I don't need to be told other women suck...
From the erotic books I've read lately in search of some good polyamorous rep, this was probably the best one (to make it clear this does not count "Sow the Wind", which the best one with polyam rep, but it's not erotic fiction)
I received this book from BookSirens in exchange of an honest review.
So going on the plot and world building first, I can say it was really enjoyable. The book is not actually heavy on the fantasy - which is a relief because I've been having a hard time with fantasy - but it's this modern royalty, but in a fantastical/imaginary world, it balances modernity with tradition in a very interesting way. Very often it's easy to forget it's modern times, but then you're allowed the comforts and facilities allowed by modern technology.
This great world building allows what is my favorite thing about the book, which is the class, economical, social and power dynamic. It's something all three characters deal and struggle with, through out the book, in different topics - on the power dynamic of Dane as a to-be-king, Asher his guard and Lyric to be his Queen, but also what it means when two of them can be married but not a third of them. I really LOVE how the book deals with their pain and struggles, it doesn't make love as fix-it all, but how relationships need work and finding out what works for each person in there (I really love how much Lyric stands up for Asher, that's a dynamic I really like!!!)
The three characters were really good and their relationship with each other was interesting, you got to see their growth, even if moving a bit too fast at times - but I do get that's a consequence of the genre as well - but you got to see how much they cared, how they worked in pairs and together as the three of them, which is important to explore in a triad polyamorous relationship. I also really like the importance of consent here, even if sometimes the power dynamics put a question into some of the consent... so not all sex scenes were really done the best way...
Now the book still falls a bit into erotic genre clichés that I don't like. First one wasn't too bad in this book, which was the overprotectiveness and controlling behavior from both men, now because of this world not being our modern life, but this fantasy royalty, it allowed itself better to this, since there are really big worries and dangers (but still not a super fan of this trope). Now secondly, it's the trope that all women expect the protagonist have to be ugly or boring or mean... other women don't have to be described negatively to make Lyric better!!!! She's interesting by herself - she's smart, strong, independent, caring and has a giant heart, those are things that make her great, I don't need to be told other women suck...
From the erotic books I've read lately in search of some good polyamorous rep, this was probably the best one (to make it clear this does not count "Sow the Wind", which the best one with polyam rep, but it's not erotic fiction)
I received this book from BookSirens in exchange of an honest review.
February 7, 2022
A beautiful steamy M/M, M/F & M/F/M Story of Love, Change and Acceptance.
Prince Dane’s father is ready to abdicate the throne on the condition that Dane finds a suitable wife from a royal bloodline to be his Queen. Prince Dane wants to rule his country and people as well as make changes that will move his country into a more modernized way of life but there is one issue that stands in the way and that is his lover/bodyguard Asher whom he has been in a romantic relationship with for years. Given a portfolio of suitable women for the task; Dane reluctantly begins his search for a bride much to Asher’s chagrin. Asher is livid of the outcome and is pressuring Dane to choose the homeliest of contenders so that there is no way for the future Queen to steal Dane’s affection from him.
Everything changed one night at the Ballet. Asher accompany’ s Danes to a local ballet being held by a struggling Ballet Studio. As Asher finds himself drifting off to sleep he notices that something on the stage has captured Dane’s attention and he looks on to see a beautiful brown skin ballerina dancing beautifully across the stage. After noticing Dane’s rapt attention to the brown beauty Asher immediately recognizes that this maybe the woman who takes his lover from him. Dane is completely enamored with the ballerina names Lyric (who happens to be Countess of a royal bloodline); so much so that he has chosen to ask her to be his bride much to Asher’s displeasure. Dane set up a meeting with Lyric and makes his proposal and she immediately refuses.
After noticing his lovers distraught and anguish over his recent rejection, Asher sets out to talk to Lyric himself. He makes an even better argument as to why she should give the Prince a chance and she considers it. Lyric; after hearing the deep love and devotion that Asher has for Dane as well as the negotiable benefits that she will receive in return; Lyric agrees to give the Prince a 1-month trial period to see if this will work.
This is where things get interesting. Dane was enamored with Lyric when he first laid eyes on her but he didn’t expect Asher to fall for her as hard as he did. Dane has always identified as Bisexual and was under the impression that Asher identified as Gay until he realized that Asher was just as much in love with Lyric as he was. So the three embarked upon a Triad relationship which lead to everyone involved falling so much in love with the other that they literally operated as one. The love that Dane and Asher had for one another never undercut the love they had and experienced with Lyric. Therefore; both men refused to let her go and wanted to spend forever with her and Lyric felt the same way about her two lovers.
Dane being stuck with the difficult decision on how to protect the hearts of both of his partners knew that once he became King if he didn’t make changes he would lose not one but both of his lovers. Lyric, Asher and Dane discussed the ramification of Dane setting Lyric free from the marriage and promoting her to a position in his Kingdom alongside Asher and the 3 of them rule together. Although risky; Dane didn’t see any other option than to grant his lovers request upon his coronation and proclaim to his new Kingdom that he will be a King without a Queen (A Solitary King) but will rule his kingdom with the new Duke and Duchess who are also his lovers leading to the Triad having their HEA.
Thus promoting the change necessary to move his Kingdom into a more modernized era of Change and Acceptance by all.
Prince Dane’s father is ready to abdicate the throne on the condition that Dane finds a suitable wife from a royal bloodline to be his Queen. Prince Dane wants to rule his country and people as well as make changes that will move his country into a more modernized way of life but there is one issue that stands in the way and that is his lover/bodyguard Asher whom he has been in a romantic relationship with for years. Given a portfolio of suitable women for the task; Dane reluctantly begins his search for a bride much to Asher’s chagrin. Asher is livid of the outcome and is pressuring Dane to choose the homeliest of contenders so that there is no way for the future Queen to steal Dane’s affection from him.
Everything changed one night at the Ballet. Asher accompany’ s Danes to a local ballet being held by a struggling Ballet Studio. As Asher finds himself drifting off to sleep he notices that something on the stage has captured Dane’s attention and he looks on to see a beautiful brown skin ballerina dancing beautifully across the stage. After noticing Dane’s rapt attention to the brown beauty Asher immediately recognizes that this maybe the woman who takes his lover from him. Dane is completely enamored with the ballerina names Lyric (who happens to be Countess of a royal bloodline); so much so that he has chosen to ask her to be his bride much to Asher’s displeasure. Dane set up a meeting with Lyric and makes his proposal and she immediately refuses.
After noticing his lovers distraught and anguish over his recent rejection, Asher sets out to talk to Lyric himself. He makes an even better argument as to why she should give the Prince a chance and she considers it. Lyric; after hearing the deep love and devotion that Asher has for Dane as well as the negotiable benefits that she will receive in return; Lyric agrees to give the Prince a 1-month trial period to see if this will work.
This is where things get interesting. Dane was enamored with Lyric when he first laid eyes on her but he didn’t expect Asher to fall for her as hard as he did. Dane has always identified as Bisexual and was under the impression that Asher identified as Gay until he realized that Asher was just as much in love with Lyric as he was. So the three embarked upon a Triad relationship which lead to everyone involved falling so much in love with the other that they literally operated as one. The love that Dane and Asher had for one another never undercut the love they had and experienced with Lyric. Therefore; both men refused to let her go and wanted to spend forever with her and Lyric felt the same way about her two lovers.
Dane being stuck with the difficult decision on how to protect the hearts of both of his partners knew that once he became King if he didn’t make changes he would lose not one but both of his lovers. Lyric, Asher and Dane discussed the ramification of Dane setting Lyric free from the marriage and promoting her to a position in his Kingdom alongside Asher and the 3 of them rule together. Although risky; Dane didn’t see any other option than to grant his lovers request upon his coronation and proclaim to his new Kingdom that he will be a King without a Queen (A Solitary King) but will rule his kingdom with the new Duke and Duchess who are also his lovers leading to the Triad having their HEA.
Thus promoting the change necessary to move his Kingdom into a more modernized era of Change and Acceptance by all.
September 18, 2021
Steamy MMF fairytale.
This is the second book I read by Azriel Hope, and it didn’t disappoint. The story is easy to read and has a unique sweetness, even though it is primarily an erotic menage-a-trois kind of thing. It feels like a modern-day fairytale with lots of lust, sensuality, and mind-blowing arrangements, especially for a conventional mindset.
Prince Dane needed to find a princess, his future bride, to become a king. He was in love with Asher, his long-time friend, and he didn’t want to give up on him. A solution had to be found. The ideal way would be that the future queen will be someone that will either blend perfectly into their relationship or stay aside and bear the children the kingdom needs. Will Lyric be that person? Will she be happy? Everything seems possible as the whole story reads like a fairytale. I know many people that would like to live in a liberal world where everyone has the liberty to love whomever they want, and monogamy should not necessarily be the main rule.
While the book’s title speaks of a solitary king, the blurb talks about an MMF relationship. Is that a confusion, or maybe something to intrigue us?
This is the second book I read by Azriel Hope, and it didn’t disappoint. The story is easy to read and has a unique sweetness, even though it is primarily an erotic menage-a-trois kind of thing. It feels like a modern-day fairytale with lots of lust, sensuality, and mind-blowing arrangements, especially for a conventional mindset.
Prince Dane needed to find a princess, his future bride, to become a king. He was in love with Asher, his long-time friend, and he didn’t want to give up on him. A solution had to be found. The ideal way would be that the future queen will be someone that will either blend perfectly into their relationship or stay aside and bear the children the kingdom needs. Will Lyric be that person? Will she be happy? Everything seems possible as the whole story reads like a fairytale. I know many people that would like to live in a liberal world where everyone has the liberty to love whomever they want, and monogamy should not necessarily be the main rule.
While the book’s title speaks of a solitary king, the blurb talks about an MMF relationship. Is that a confusion, or maybe something to intrigue us?
December 14, 2020
The Solitary King by Azriel Hope tells the story of prince Dane who must wed in order to be king. The problem? Dane already has a lover, his bodyguard, Asher. Yet, a same-sex marriage would not be accepted on the throne and there is pressure to produce an heir. What is Dane to do? He must select a suitable wife and finds one in Lyric, a poor ballerina with a big heart. At first, Asher is green with envy but then sees the benefit of convincing Lyric to give the prince a month’s trial. What happens after that is definitely not G rated.
Hope does a wonderful job of creating the lavish environment that Dane lives in. The sex scenes are generously described and are erotic without being smutty. This was a fun read and I can’t wait to read the next one!
Hope does a wonderful job of creating the lavish environment that Dane lives in. The sex scenes are generously described and are erotic without being smutty. This was a fun read and I can’t wait to read the next one!
December 19, 2020
I’m going to be honest, I have some mixed feelings about this book. I’ll start with the good though…
This is an erotica book, obviously, and the sex scenes are actually pretty well-written. If this is what you’re choosing to read, this is what you’re here for, and the author does a decent job at it—it was surprisingly tasteful. Aside from the sex scenes, the descriptions of the settings, the characters, etc., are also done very well. I felt like I knew the kingdom by the end of the book, and had images of it in my mind, and like I could pick these characters out if I saw them on the street. The author is fantastic at her imagery, and the premise of the story itself is intriguing.
However, after reading it, the novel just seems a bit absurd to me. It’s about a prince (Dane) who has a male lover (Asher), but who must take a wife in order to become king. Dane and Asher decide that in order for them both to be happy, they will choose one together.
Well, Dane mostly chooses. And he chooses Lyric, a dancer who also happens to be of royal lineage, after seeing her dance in a ballet one evening and thinking she’s sexy. How very enlightened of him.
And from there, the rest of the story is just…okay. Lyric agrees to give the men a one-month trial run. And in order to appease Asher, Dane allows Asher to be the first one to have sex with Lyric. I’m sorry, what? You’re allowing this without even consulting with the woman herself first? The whole thing just felt…icky, for lack of a better word.
And it’s just one thing after another with these two men…Dane appeasing Asher, Asher talking Lyric into things she’s hesitant to do, Asher wanting Lyric but being sort of jealous at the same time, Dane wanting her but also being jealous, Lyric being used, Dane and Asher complaining about the kingdom, and so on. To me, Asher and Dane never really seemed to be the “caring” men that they were intended to evolve into with Lyric. In my view, they were manipulative and petulant. And Lyric, who was supposedly empowered by all of this, felt like prey. Sure, she consented to it, but it felt like it was under duress, and then sort of developed into Stockholm syndrome. I didn’t really like or connect with any of the main characters…they kind of annoyed me.
And just the WAY it all happened…Dane is basically told by his father that he needs to choose a wife within four months, or his cousin will be king.
Okay, so you’re telling me that a prince who has been training to be a king for his WHOLE LIFE is surprised by this announcement? That seems unlikely. Don’t you think he’d have known he was expected to marry from a young age, and that he would’ve been prepping for it, instead of haphazardly choosing someone he sees dancing one evening?
But I digress. Aside from this, the writing itself was rough at times. The dialogue was cheesy, and if you’re going to write a good sex scene, at least make sure your grammar is correct, and all your punctuation is there—otherwise, elements like that will take the reader out of the story. And I was taken out of the story quite a bit.
Without giving away the ending though, I will say the conclusion was at least pretty interesting.
So here’s my final thought: if you’re here for the sex, that part is well done. The ending does wrap things up in a nice, neat little bow, and even though this is supposed to be book one of a series, does well as a standalone. But in terms an actual storyline to go along with the sex, this was not one of my favorites.
This is an erotica book, obviously, and the sex scenes are actually pretty well-written. If this is what you’re choosing to read, this is what you’re here for, and the author does a decent job at it—it was surprisingly tasteful. Aside from the sex scenes, the descriptions of the settings, the characters, etc., are also done very well. I felt like I knew the kingdom by the end of the book, and had images of it in my mind, and like I could pick these characters out if I saw them on the street. The author is fantastic at her imagery, and the premise of the story itself is intriguing.
However, after reading it, the novel just seems a bit absurd to me. It’s about a prince (Dane) who has a male lover (Asher), but who must take a wife in order to become king. Dane and Asher decide that in order for them both to be happy, they will choose one together.
Well, Dane mostly chooses. And he chooses Lyric, a dancer who also happens to be of royal lineage, after seeing her dance in a ballet one evening and thinking she’s sexy. How very enlightened of him.
And from there, the rest of the story is just…okay. Lyric agrees to give the men a one-month trial run. And in order to appease Asher, Dane allows Asher to be the first one to have sex with Lyric. I’m sorry, what? You’re allowing this without even consulting with the woman herself first? The whole thing just felt…icky, for lack of a better word.
And it’s just one thing after another with these two men…Dane appeasing Asher, Asher talking Lyric into things she’s hesitant to do, Asher wanting Lyric but being sort of jealous at the same time, Dane wanting her but also being jealous, Lyric being used, Dane and Asher complaining about the kingdom, and so on. To me, Asher and Dane never really seemed to be the “caring” men that they were intended to evolve into with Lyric. In my view, they were manipulative and petulant. And Lyric, who was supposedly empowered by all of this, felt like prey. Sure, she consented to it, but it felt like it was under duress, and then sort of developed into Stockholm syndrome. I didn’t really like or connect with any of the main characters…they kind of annoyed me.
And just the WAY it all happened…Dane is basically told by his father that he needs to choose a wife within four months, or his cousin will be king.
Okay, so you’re telling me that a prince who has been training to be a king for his WHOLE LIFE is surprised by this announcement? That seems unlikely. Don’t you think he’d have known he was expected to marry from a young age, and that he would’ve been prepping for it, instead of haphazardly choosing someone he sees dancing one evening?
But I digress. Aside from this, the writing itself was rough at times. The dialogue was cheesy, and if you’re going to write a good sex scene, at least make sure your grammar is correct, and all your punctuation is there—otherwise, elements like that will take the reader out of the story. And I was taken out of the story quite a bit.
Without giving away the ending though, I will say the conclusion was at least pretty interesting.
So here’s my final thought: if you’re here for the sex, that part is well done. The ending does wrap things up in a nice, neat little bow, and even though this is supposed to be book one of a series, does well as a standalone. But in terms an actual storyline to go along with the sex, this was not one of my favorites.
November 7, 2020
I really tried to get into this story, unfortunately the characters seemed to have very little depth and the story for me bordered on Tela novella status.
Dane was the prince about to be crowned king and he didn’t seem to have a purpose, a cause or anything that would make him more than just a talking head.
Asher body guard/lover came across as petulant, spoiled, very needy and whiny.
Lyric to me seemed like she was in a dream world and she was the quintessential Disney princess with a heart of gold living in squalor waiting to be rescued by her prince charming.
There are many contradictions’ one of them was when it was mentioned that Asher could be killed for having the type of relationship he was having with prince Dane. Dane’s father the king knew of the liaison in fact it seemed that the whole castle knew about it and yet Asher was still alive…
I picked up and put this story down so many times hoping that maybe the next time I would get to a part in the story where I would connect with any of the characters and I found I just couldn’t.
I had no problem with the male on male action or them trying to form a triad built on respect and love. Maybe it was the really stilted at times cheesy dialogue, the predictability of some of the situations, the childish way they all acted at times or that the story was dragged on too long could be anyone of those that just made this not a story that kept my interest nor characters that drew me into their cause.
I received an advanced reader copy and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Dane was the prince about to be crowned king and he didn’t seem to have a purpose, a cause or anything that would make him more than just a talking head.
Asher body guard/lover came across as petulant, spoiled, very needy and whiny.
Lyric to me seemed like she was in a dream world and she was the quintessential Disney princess with a heart of gold living in squalor waiting to be rescued by her prince charming.
There are many contradictions’ one of them was when it was mentioned that Asher could be killed for having the type of relationship he was having with prince Dane. Dane’s father the king knew of the liaison in fact it seemed that the whole castle knew about it and yet Asher was still alive…
I picked up and put this story down so many times hoping that maybe the next time I would get to a part in the story where I would connect with any of the characters and I found I just couldn’t.
I had no problem with the male on male action or them trying to form a triad built on respect and love. Maybe it was the really stilted at times cheesy dialogue, the predictability of some of the situations, the childish way they all acted at times or that the story was dragged on too long could be anyone of those that just made this not a story that kept my interest nor characters that drew me into their cause.
I received an advanced reader copy and I am leaving a voluntary review.
August 9, 2021
Score: 5/10
Would reread: no
This felt like a somewhat well-written, adult version of teenage drama. The course of the story, the way the characters spoke and acted just felt so teenage-specific.
The whole concept was very attractive to me. A prince with a male lover needs to get a wife in order to become king. The pair fight a bit, then find a girl they both like and become a happy trouple. Then comes the drama of gossip and one feels left out. It has great potential. I was very excited to read this, but everything felt just soo immature.
The sex scenes were not the most exciting ever, but they were poetic. The contrast between the way the charters talked and the poetic spicy scenes was so weird. It was actually a bit funny. One second they were talking like teenagers and the next it was poetic love.
One other thing that I found pretty contradicting was the 180 turn regarding "I want freedom and love". Lyrica refused Dane at first on the basis of these two needs just to change her mind less than 24h later. Asher, who was against Lyrica went ahead and basically told her "Nah it's fine. We'll love you.". As if he wasn't against her just 1 day ago. I mean this was Asher a few days before.
Overall, the book was somewhat enjoyable. While the quality wasn't amazing, the concept is what saved it. That and the poetic sex scene.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC I received via BookSirens.
Would reread: no
This felt like a somewhat well-written, adult version of teenage drama. The course of the story, the way the characters spoke and acted just felt so teenage-specific.
The whole concept was very attractive to me. A prince with a male lover needs to get a wife in order to become king. The pair fight a bit, then find a girl they both like and become a happy trouple. Then comes the drama of gossip and one feels left out. It has great potential. I was very excited to read this, but everything felt just soo immature.
The sex scenes were not the most exciting ever, but they were poetic. The contrast between the way the charters talked and the poetic spicy scenes was so weird. It was actually a bit funny. One second they were talking like teenagers and the next it was poetic love.
One other thing that I found pretty contradicting was the 180 turn regarding "I want freedom and love". Lyrica refused Dane at first on the basis of these two needs just to change her mind less than 24h later. Asher, who was against Lyrica went ahead and basically told her "Nah it's fine. We'll love you.". As if he wasn't against her just 1 day ago. I mean this was Asher a few days before.
“Ironic we see a ballet about losing a lover... And, at that ballet, I lose my lover.”
Overall, the book was somewhat enjoyable. While the quality wasn't amazing, the concept is what saved it. That and the poetic sex scene.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC I received via BookSirens.
December 6, 2021
In this book, we follow one established relationship between a prince and his bodyguard and we also follow the woman who the prince needs to marry to become king. They both invite her into their couple and become a polyamorous relationship.
Pros: I really liked how well they all communicated. They are all so supportive and loving of each other. Consent, communication and the wellbeing of each other was super important in their relationship. They had a really positive, sweet and healthy relationship. There were also some important discussions around sexuality that I thought was really good.
I was a bit worried near the end of the book that it wouldn't be able to wrap everything up nicely but in the end, I was happy with how all the problems were resolved.
Cons: It contains inst-love which I suppose isn't that surprising considering the size of the book but it would have been nice to give them a bit more time before they fell in love. Also following an already established relationship meant there was barely any development between the prince and his bodyguard. It was written in 3rd person and I feel like as a romance it could have been better if it was in 1st person. For some reason, I struggled to remain interested in this story and got bored a few times.
Overall this book was alright but not one of my favourite romances.
I received a copy of this book for review from the author and booksirens.com and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pros: I really liked how well they all communicated. They are all so supportive and loving of each other. Consent, communication and the wellbeing of each other was super important in their relationship. They had a really positive, sweet and healthy relationship. There were also some important discussions around sexuality that I thought was really good.
I was a bit worried near the end of the book that it wouldn't be able to wrap everything up nicely but in the end, I was happy with how all the problems were resolved.
Cons: It contains inst-love which I suppose isn't that surprising considering the size of the book but it would have been nice to give them a bit more time before they fell in love. Also following an already established relationship meant there was barely any development between the prince and his bodyguard. It was written in 3rd person and I feel like as a romance it could have been better if it was in 1st person. For some reason, I struggled to remain interested in this story and got bored a few times.
Overall this book was alright but not one of my favourite romances.
I received a copy of this book for review from the author and booksirens.com and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
November 23, 2020This is a captivating story of two lovers, Dane and Asher, who take a third into their lives. Dane is a prince, who has to marry for his father to abdicate the throne in his favor. Asher is his bodyguard and lover. Dane and Asher go to the ballet and see Lyric, a dancer, and Dane becomes captivated with her. He proposes and she turns him down flat. In fact, she runs away from him.
Asher hates the fact that Dane has to marry to become the king, but he understands why it has to be that way. Dane spends the night ranting about Lyric running from him and Asher goes to her to convince her to give Dane a chance. She is finally convinced and goes to the palace to be with Dane. Asher suggested that she give them a month to see if she can deal with the both of them.
During that month, Asher becomes her first lover. Dane gave Asher his permission to bed her first. Asher is gentle and kind and spares nothing to make sure that her first time is as perfect as he can make it. Dane takes her second and that's when she discovers that she loves both of the men. Dane and Lyric marry so that Dane can become King. Dane annuls his marriage to Lyric and then makes her his right hand. Asher becomes his left hand and he says he will be known as the Solitary King.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Asher hates the fact that Dane has to marry to become the king, but he understands why it has to be that way. Dane spends the night ranting about Lyric running from him and Asher goes to her to convince her to give Dane a chance. She is finally convinced and goes to the palace to be with Dane. Asher suggested that she give them a month to see if she can deal with the both of them.
During that month, Asher becomes her first lover. Dane gave Asher his permission to bed her first. Asher is gentle and kind and spares nothing to make sure that her first time is as perfect as he can make it. Dane takes her second and that's when she discovers that she loves both of the men. Dane and Lyric marry so that Dane can become King. Dane annuls his marriage to Lyric and then makes her his right hand. Asher becomes his left hand and he says he will be known as the Solitary King.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2020
A highly sexual story. A fantasy kingdom in a more or less modern time, with traditions dating back centuries that oppress women and the poor. The Prince, Dane, has to marry. His lover, Asher is not happy. They choose a fiancee, Lyric, a dancer. How he ends up a Solitary King with all that going on is what drives the story.
I was enchanted! Nothing like a fantasy of an unknown place and fabulous sex to make one forget the current troubles of the world. I stayed up way past bedtime to finish it. I loved how they all played together and each couple on their own. I could appreciate each character's point of view so well--the writing was so good--I felt each one of them, loved them, hurt with them. I am rarely affected so much by what I read.
This book is NOT for the prudish or judgmental. There is lots of sex, but it is loving and consensual.
To earn 5 stars: at least one other female character. More about her world of impoverished artists and her family; and what they do to help the kingdom.
This is the first in a series, so maybe we will see more of that in the next book.
There were also significant word choice and punctuation problems. Run it through Grammarly!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was enchanted! Nothing like a fantasy of an unknown place and fabulous sex to make one forget the current troubles of the world. I stayed up way past bedtime to finish it. I loved how they all played together and each couple on their own. I could appreciate each character's point of view so well--the writing was so good--I felt each one of them, loved them, hurt with them. I am rarely affected so much by what I read.
This book is NOT for the prudish or judgmental. There is lots of sex, but it is loving and consensual.
To earn 5 stars: at least one other female character. More about her world of impoverished artists and her family; and what they do to help the kingdom.
This is the first in a series, so maybe we will see more of that in the next book.
There were also significant word choice and punctuation problems. Run it through Grammarly!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2020
So cute so sweet such a great read!
I love this book I love the sweet relationship between asking the prince, I loved the obsession the printhead for his future if you really want to know why this is one of my favorite authors then read the scene where he describes the ballet, you can feel the emotion the dancers are trying to portray and Mark does this all just using his words he is amazing. Although I do not like erotica I wouldn’t say that is with this falls under by any stretch of the imagination and when you see the love that is between the prince and Asher and the description of the prints you can almost see where the author is coming from LOL! Love is love in this book is full of it.wife. I thought all the characters were awesome they did have a bit of detailed sex in the book and that usually is not my style, but it didn’t tell me I continued reading I love this book and love this author. Although the story was in a made-up realm I still found it believable and love the prince said for his best friend and lover and future wife both believable I love that it was so sweet.
I love this book I love the sweet relationship between asking the prince, I loved the obsession the printhead for his future if you really want to know why this is one of my favorite authors then read the scene where he describes the ballet, you can feel the emotion the dancers are trying to portray and Mark does this all just using his words he is amazing. Although I do not like erotica I wouldn’t say that is with this falls under by any stretch of the imagination and when you see the love that is between the prince and Asher and the description of the prints you can almost see where the author is coming from LOL! Love is love in this book is full of it.wife. I thought all the characters were awesome they did have a bit of detailed sex in the book and that usually is not my style, but it didn’t tell me I continued reading I love this book and love this author. Although the story was in a made-up realm I still found it believable and love the prince said for his best friend and lover and future wife both believable I love that it was so sweet.
January 23, 2021
Two arrogant, entitled young men with chiseled bodies, who like having sex with each other, are forced as a result of a plot contrivance, to welcome a woman into their relationship, and end up loving her. The plot, like all pornography – and this is soft, romance-tinged pornography -- is little more than a vehicle for squeezing in lots of sex scenes. It must have been fun to write, but is a bore to read.
With some practice the author might be able to improve her dialogue, and perhaps create characters with a little depth, but this is an amateurish effort. It is written in the third person, though there are signs that at one point it was written from the woman’s point of view, since occasionally the narrative slips into first person. It is set in a make believe kingdom, but apart from that the setting is our current world.
If you think you might enjoy spending some time with a trio who aren’t interested in anything but sex, who have nothing else tethering them to existence and don’t seem to feel it’s a loss, you might give this one a try. Otherwise, perhaps you should look elsewhere.
With some practice the author might be able to improve her dialogue, and perhaps create characters with a little depth, but this is an amateurish effort. It is written in the third person, though there are signs that at one point it was written from the woman’s point of view, since occasionally the narrative slips into first person. It is set in a make believe kingdom, but apart from that the setting is our current world.
If you think you might enjoy spending some time with a trio who aren’t interested in anything but sex, who have nothing else tethering them to existence and don’t seem to feel it’s a loss, you might give this one a try. Otherwise, perhaps you should look elsewhere.
December 24, 2020
A different twist on the ‘prince needs a wife’ tale.
So once upon a time a bi-sexual prince and his bi-sexual lover formed a ménage à trois with a female ballet dancer so the prince could take his place on the throne as king.
It is a mostly enjoyable if way too meek of a saga wherein everyone gets along famously (unlike in real life).
I liked the fact it was set in modern times, although in a mythical kingdom. This was refreshing in a genre flooded with fantasy.
The sex scenes were so mild it was almost laughable. Note: the term ‘sex’ is not a suitable euphemism for both male and female genitalia in my opinion. ‘He touched her sex. She touched his sex’. And so forth and so on. It seems more of a cop out from someone who doesn’t want to use real words.
Is it contrived? Yes. In fact it’s a lot contrived. This would never exist in reality and even if it did it would probably last about a month.
And I still don’t understand the title, because the king is anything but solitary.
So once upon a time a bi-sexual prince and his bi-sexual lover formed a ménage à trois with a female ballet dancer so the prince could take his place on the throne as king.
It is a mostly enjoyable if way too meek of a saga wherein everyone gets along famously (unlike in real life).
I liked the fact it was set in modern times, although in a mythical kingdom. This was refreshing in a genre flooded with fantasy.
The sex scenes were so mild it was almost laughable. Note: the term ‘sex’ is not a suitable euphemism for both male and female genitalia in my opinion. ‘He touched her sex. She touched his sex’. And so forth and so on. It seems more of a cop out from someone who doesn’t want to use real words.
Is it contrived? Yes. In fact it’s a lot contrived. This would never exist in reality and even if it did it would probably last about a month.
And I still don’t understand the title, because the king is anything but solitary.
October 5, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Who doesn't love a bisexual couple looking for a third right? This book had some amazing spicy scenes and honestly, I focused on that instead of the plot. Once we got to the relationship I kept being frustrated by the character's stagnant reactions to things. Maybe I'm too deep in the Reverse Harem/ Menage genre or I might know too many people IRL who are poly, but the characters just didn't act like real poly people. There was a lot more jealousy than I was expecting. The main conflict didn't feel dire, I saw the 'fix' early on and seeing the characters wallow without doing anything got on my nerves.
I think there were some good stakes, I just wish they were used a bit more than brushed aside when the thing that was easily fixed took the characters forever to figure out. But that's just me!
This was a quick fun read if you're looking for a fast-paced menage with a hot prince, sexy bodyguard, and dancer.
Who doesn't love a bisexual couple looking for a third right? This book had some amazing spicy scenes and honestly, I focused on that instead of the plot. Once we got to the relationship I kept being frustrated by the character's stagnant reactions to things. Maybe I'm too deep in the Reverse Harem/ Menage genre or I might know too many people IRL who are poly, but the characters just didn't act like real poly people. There was a lot more jealousy than I was expecting. The main conflict didn't feel dire, I saw the 'fix' early on and seeing the characters wallow without doing anything got on my nerves.
I think there were some good stakes, I just wish they were used a bit more than brushed aside when the thing that was easily fixed took the characters forever to figure out. But that's just me!
This was a quick fun read if you're looking for a fast-paced menage with a hot prince, sexy bodyguard, and dancer.
October 28, 2020
Prince Dane must marry to be allowed to become king. Problem, he has a male lover, Asher, who he can't marry because the small country Dane will rule stigmatizes love as a binary arrangement between male and female. Dane's father is ready to retire/abdicate and insists Dane find a wife (four letter word). Dear old dad even gives Dane a portfolio of possibilities who are less than appealing. As well as being Dane's lover Asher is Dane's life long friend and bodyguard. Asher is not happy about the marriage edict. Enter a beautiful, sensual ballerina who attracts Dane and Asher's attention. The story progresses nicely with moderate angst over how a MMF relationship can exist under the noses of the citizens of the kingdom. This story is about standing firm in acknowledging who we love. The intimate scenes are interesting and varied.
I received a free advanced review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free advanced review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2020
I received a free copy from the author Azriel Hope in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
I read this book twice as I was also asked to Beta read for the author before she published. I have to say the version she published was definitely better. The story line is unique and fun, and I do like menage type plots. The reason I give it four stars is because I really struggled with the approach on sex with Lyric. I felt it was forced and borderline rape. I feel if she hadn't been a virgin, the story would have been better to accept. The fact she was a virgin, I felt they really pushed her on sex, and after not even knowing her but for a few days. I really struggled with it and because of it, it made the rest of the story hard to believe. The love didn't seem to come naturally, it seemed more forced. Otherwise the book is good and the determination of the prince to make changes for his kingdom to love freely is heart warming.
I read this book twice as I was also asked to Beta read for the author before she published. I have to say the version she published was definitely better. The story line is unique and fun, and I do like menage type plots. The reason I give it four stars is because I really struggled with the approach on sex with Lyric. I felt it was forced and borderline rape. I feel if she hadn't been a virgin, the story would have been better to accept. The fact she was a virgin, I felt they really pushed her on sex, and after not even knowing her but for a few days. I really struggled with it and because of it, it made the rest of the story hard to believe. The love didn't seem to come naturally, it seemed more forced. Otherwise the book is good and the determination of the prince to make changes for his kingdom to love freely is heart warming.
January 20, 2021
This was my first book by this Author and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Writing style flowed well and easy to read.
All the characters were lovely and their chemistry, even in the different dynamics, really worked and it was sexy and most enjoyable.
Dane and Asher alone were very sensual and I have to say I did enjoy reading these two characters by themselves. Their obvious love for one another was plain to see even when Asher kept playing their relationship down.
When Lyric came into the equation, it threw a new curve ball to both Dane and Asher. I did enjoy Asher and Lyric's dynamic together and how Dane reacted to it.
It was very easy to fall into this story and just enjoy the ride really. I kept waiting for the ax to fall but it never did which was nice for a change.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All the characters were lovely and their chemistry, even in the different dynamics, really worked and it was sexy and most enjoyable.
Dane and Asher alone were very sensual and I have to say I did enjoy reading these two characters by themselves. Their obvious love for one another was plain to see even when Asher kept playing their relationship down.
When Lyric came into the equation, it threw a new curve ball to both Dane and Asher. I did enjoy Asher and Lyric's dynamic together and how Dane reacted to it.
It was very easy to fall into this story and just enjoy the ride really. I kept waiting for the ax to fall but it never did which was nice for a change.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 30, 2020
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. To be king he must marry but he cannot marry the man he loves. A search for a bride is started and both lovers have different ideas of what they should find. When he comes across his future queen, he hopes that there can be an understanding. These three start out very awkward and some times immature but they find that middle ground. When they started, they never thought it would end in love all the way around. I thought that the characters had a good chemistry. The storyline was well written with drama and many emotions. I enjoyed the book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2021
"As Asher, Lyric, and Dane face the prejudice of their kingdom, Dane realizes things have to change in order for them to ever be happy together.."
This was the first book I read from this author and I really enjoyed reading this. Asher and Dane started as best friends then along comes Lyric and their relationship has to change, but in what way..... I always like it when an author can get a MMF relationship correctly. By the time we get to the ending of the book, I was on edge trying to figure out what Dane was going to do. So many twists and turns. Ultimately, he made the best decision for himself and it worked out. I really enjoyed reading this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was the first book I read from this author and I really enjoyed reading this. Asher and Dane started as best friends then along comes Lyric and their relationship has to change, but in what way..... I always like it when an author can get a MMF relationship correctly. By the time we get to the ending of the book, I was on edge trying to figure out what Dane was going to do. So many twists and turns. Ultimately, he made the best decision for himself and it worked out. I really enjoyed reading this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 15, 2020
A fantastic book.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I was NOT disappointed. It is not often I come across MMF and was really interested in this. I was gripped from the start and fell in love with all the characters involved.
Azriel has created a beautiful love story, that is wonderful and fun. The characters have been written perfectly and you cannot help but fall in love with them. It is not a seedy book, and yes there are sex scenes, but they are wonderful and written in such a great way.
I cannot wait to read more books in this series, as well as checking out the author's other books.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I was NOT disappointed. It is not often I come across MMF and was really interested in this. I was gripped from the start and fell in love with all the characters involved.
Azriel has created a beautiful love story, that is wonderful and fun. The characters have been written perfectly and you cannot help but fall in love with them. It is not a seedy book, and yes there are sex scenes, but they are wonderful and written in such a great way.
I cannot wait to read more books in this series, as well as checking out the author's other books.
May 25, 2021
This was a wonderful and steamy, steamy story about a prince that was forced to marry against his wishes in order to become the King that he wanted to be. He already a lover, a man, but would have to produce heirs to carry on the title in his name. This story had a great story line that was very easy to follow and very enjoyable to read. If you do not love very steamy, erotic reads, I would not recommend this book. It was emotional and steamy and had my attention throughout the whole story. I cannot wait to read more from this author. I absolutely recommend this read. I received a review copy of this story and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
October 30, 2020
A Beautiful Story
This story celebrates love in all its forms, and does so so beautifully and authentically. It’s not all sunshine and roses (although Lyric does get showered with a lot of roses!), but with communication and honesty, they make their unconventional relationship work. This story also addresses poverty and classism - I liked the honest approach to this problem, as well as the proposed solutions. A beautiful story that address difficult topics with grace and almost manages to include some lovely spicy times.
This story celebrates love in all its forms, and does so so beautifully and authentically. It’s not all sunshine and roses (although Lyric does get showered with a lot of roses!), but with communication and honesty, they make their unconventional relationship work. This story also addresses poverty and classism - I liked the honest approach to this problem, as well as the proposed solutions. A beautiful story that address difficult topics with grace and almost manages to include some lovely spicy times.
February 24, 2021
This was my first book read by the author and I very much enjoyed it and plan to read more. This is a high compliment in itself as I read so much and have a difficult time deciding what should be at the top of my list. The characters were each interesting, each having their own flaws and flash that made each interesting and relatable. I love how they ultimately relate to each other so well, though the realness takes time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 7, 2022
I loved the storyline of this book and I completely fell in love with the main characters. Asher is by far my favorite. I did have a issue with the point view that kept kind of changing around...It was mainly wrote in 3rd person narrative but then it would switch in the wording to a first person but not sure which. It made it hard to understand at first but I was use to it by the end of the book. This could easily be corrected with editing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2020
I thought the beginning was a little slow. It was very discriptive instead of getting into the story. I liked how the three of them figured out how to make what they feel work within the enviroment of the royal family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys menage relationships and a story of royalty.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 13, 2020
Steamy and hot with a lot of heart!
A tasty ménage in a really different setting. The world building is awesome and the characters are really intriguing. Definitely had a hard time putting it down. I loved the surprise ending and all it entailed.
This is an ARC read. My review is honestly and freely given. Please other reviewers, don't copy my review but come up with your own beautiful words to describe this wonderful book.
A tasty ménage in a really different setting. The world building is awesome and the characters are really intriguing. Definitely had a hard time putting it down. I loved the surprise ending and all it entailed.
This is an ARC read. My review is honestly and freely given. Please other reviewers, don't copy my review but come up with your own beautiful words to describe this wonderful book.
November 25, 2020
It was an interesting take on a three way relationship. I didnt know if I would like it because I'm hit or miss with these types of books. I was not a fan of Asher in the beginning because he didn't know his place. But he got better. I would love to see how they people were looking at the end with him becoming the solitary king. I will be interesting seeing how they are in a couple of years!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2021
3.5 stars
Prince Dane has a dilemma and one that can only be solved by understanding and compromise. But that is difficult when his bodyguard and lover has different expectations than him. Can the addition of Lyric be the new ingredient in a fuller kind of love? Will this unusual relationship work under the eye of the public? Can their differences be resolved by respecting the change that needs to come?
Prince Dane has a dilemma and one that can only be solved by understanding and compromise. But that is difficult when his bodyguard and lover has different expectations than him. Can the addition of Lyric be the new ingredient in a fuller kind of love? Will this unusual relationship work under the eye of the public? Can their differences be resolved by respecting the change that needs to come?
October 24, 2020
Enjoyable slow burn which really drives home that love is love regardless of its wrappings and trappings. It's also about being brave and going for what you want. Good characters if not a little sulky in places. Easy read and looking forward to the next book. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
November 2, 2020
Dane must marry in order to be king which is not what Asher, his lover/bodyguard, wants to hear. Upon meeting Lyric, both men fall in love with her. I loved the chemistry between all three of them. Great MMF story line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews