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The Royals #1

Suddenly Enthroned

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I am King. When I speak, others listen.

My country is growing antsy. They want a queen who will give them the next heir.

All I want is to fall in love without my title hanging over my head. If I don’t find a queen soon, one will be chosen for me.

I’m about to give up my search when I meet Larkin. A fire ignites inside me and has me acting impulsively, showing no concern for the consequences. There’s just one small problem. She has no clue who I am. I’ll tell her eventually, and when I do, she’ll treat me differently. Everyone always does.

I’m determined to make her mine. It won’t be easy, but I’ll fight for us. I’ll do whatever it takes, even if that means changing history.

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2020

155 people are currently reading
224 people want to read

About the author

C.R. Riley

32 books97 followers
C. R. Riley doesn’t believe in rules when it comes to romance. Her books are bold, emotional, and unapologetically steamy, spanning tropes like enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, secret pasts, and forbidden attraction. What ties them all together? Deep emotional connection, crackling sexual tension, and characters who love like it’s the only thing keeping them alive.

Writing across sub-genres, C. R. thrives in the chaos of big emotions, tough choices, and the kind of love that doesn’t come easy—but always feels earned. Her goal is simple: give readers stories they feel in their chest and remember long after the final page.

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5 stars
115 (58%)
4 stars
48 (24%)
3 stars
25 (12%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle Duncan.
546 reviews10 followers
April 13, 2021
This is my first C.R. Riley book and I thoroughly enjoyed it from stat to finish!

I love the unconventional meeting they have which leads to the beautiful unconventional love story.

Antonio is thrust into the role of King with no notice and has to make the many adjustments from being Prince to now a King in record timing. Larkin is running from a broken heart and finds her anxious self in the most unexpected and nerve-wrecking experience when she is courted by a King.

I especially enjoyed the personal growth Larkin had through the story and that Antonio too decided the time for change is now.

I am excited to see how the rest of the series progresses!
9 reviews
December 17, 2021
Loved this book!! Awesome series.

Once you read one you have to read others. I so got into this series. The writing was personal and unique.
16 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2022
Wonderfully inspiring story.

I enjoyed this book so much. Once I got started I couldn't put it down. I cried and laughed and cried some more and celebrated the wonderful ending. I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for lovelust andbloodygoodbooks.
335 reviews9 followers
April 13, 2021
WOW!! what a book. This is the first in the Royals series and if you have read it you seriously need to.

Antonio is the king of Hermosa Islas and Larkin is an amazing architect who will be working on Anotinos properties. their story is one of beauty and both these characters are incredible.

The connection these two have is undeniable and passionate and off the charts. You can literally feel it in the way they talk, and the way they act around each other, Both are virgins and have never taken anything further with anyone both saving themselves for the person they want to spend the rest of their lives with. Their relationship moves very quickly after much persuasion from Antonio. and it is just an incredible story to read. I felt like I was a part of the book from start to finish and don't want to go into too much detail on how the rest of their story unfolds even with all the people out to make sure their relationship doesn't happen, as you seriously need to take the time to read this book.

C.R Riley this book is incredible and beautiful and a magical royal romance that gives you all the feels and leaves you with the biggest smile at the end, how will I cope without Antonio and Larkin. You seriously have created a new king of my heart that is for sure.

Full review on our website

My overall rating is 5 💋💋💋💋💋
My Passion rating is 5 💋💋💋💋💋
Profile Image for Kate.
42 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2020
Oh, what a reading! I enjoyed every chapter. Where do I start? First of all, it is well-written made up book which YOU HAVE TO READ! C.R.Riley is a talented writer...she is WOW.
Engrossing story-line. Yepp, it wasn't boring or anything. It was a new adventure for me, I just read every pages like "OH WOW HOW BRILLIANT." .(ALSO I NEED TO ADD, I ADORE ROYALS STORIES)
I find it refreshing that I read a male's perspective. It is an unique experience every time because more than 90% of the books are written the woman's point of view.
About the protagonist.
Antonio was a lovely character, I love that he is such a big hearted, straight man who wants to find TRUE LOVE. Also marrying her. Yes guys, a man WHO WANTS A GIRL. Not every girl.
I totally recommend this book, it worth more than a 5* for me!
Profile Image for Jenni Bara.
Author 27 books960 followers
June 11, 2022
This is such a great intro into the royal world of Hermosa Islas. Antonio is a young king and Larkin is an architect working on his buildings. I love that she didnt want the spot light or the attention while all around him girls are striving for only the attention. And i love that he turned against rules and the normal standards for her. These two were meant to be together. The chemistry these two have is off the charts. It’s great. I loved watching them fall for each other. I esp liked watching Antonio fall and go after his girl. It is a virgin trope but it is done well. And I can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Tracy Books_Beers_Brews.
1,076 reviews54 followers
July 9, 2022
This book is rather outside of my normal tropes, but I have to say that I really enjoyed the writing of it. I am not sure if I would really call this a “clean” romance, more that because of the strong religious beliefs of both individuals, they hold out on most sexy time until after marriage. It make take a bit to get there, hence the slow burn, but you definitely get there.

Larkin is such a fiery spirit & I absolutely love how she gets Antonio, the King, on his knees, literally. And a king on his knees is a good thing. Both these characters were great fun, but I really loved all the silly moments that Larkin brought.
2,797 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2020
This is the story of Larkin and Antonio. The role of king was thrust upon him unexpectedly and he has spent the past five years ensuring the Hermosa Isles prospers. While at the architect’s office to discuss upgrades to some royal buildings he meets Larkin who is rude to him and speaks her mind freely. Antonio is enchanted by her and knows she will be his. Let the pursuit begin. I enjoyed this fun, entertaining romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for everything.kate.reads.
265 reviews
March 23, 2023
The reluctant woman and a determined King

I am so remiss on not posting this. I *LOVE*this story of the young King that falls for the perfect woman for him…that he has to convince her that she is.
The realism that at the base of the story, a couple is figuring out how to build a relationship with real life in the way, that does it for me.
It’s a slow burn then holy crap the spice!
Profile Image for Susan Hutchinson.
Author 2 books18 followers
August 8, 2020
C. R. Riley gives us the fairytale of the Prince, ok King, who falls in love with a commoner, reluctant and at first clueless as to his identity, and the pursuit begins. Told in alternate POV’s and occasional asides yo the audience, aka readers, this story makes royals appear decidedly like normal folk despite being rich and powerful. Larkin, the architect commoner, is feisty, yet a bit neurotic. King Antonio is strong, determined and a marshmallow when it comes to Larkin. The premise was good and the story was enjoyable.
1,085 reviews8 followers
August 25, 2020
This can only be described as a perfect love story, throw in a king a girl who suffers anxiety and a perfect recipe is formed. Loved it how Antonio and Larkin met and the way she just swept I off his feet by being herself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda M.
2,833 reviews16 followers
September 17, 2021
Antonio and Larken have such an engrossing and fascinating story. I was captivated from page one. It reminds me of a fairytale , just the right amount of everything. An unexpected love between two people that becomes so much more from the first time that they met. A story that takes you away into a whole other world. This is a fantastic must read page turner.
Profile Image for Shannon Burton.
310 reviews10 followers
December 21, 2021
Very hard to put down

I thoroughly enjoyed the this story. Not every girl dreams of having a prince but the unexpected always makes for a great story.

I will always give kudos to Larkin for how you handled Dalia. Loved it!
353 reviews
April 24, 2023
Loved it

Not your typical royal romance. I love the way they meat. I liked having both perspectives of the story. There's sad things and happy things and mean girl things that happened.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Harris.
123 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2024
Great Read

I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me captivated and entertained all the way through. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship and how they overcame different obstacles to be together. I enjoyed watching Queen Larkin come into the queen that she was destined to be, but still not lose herself in the process. I would read additional works from this author. I hope that the humor I found in this book would in some way be found in the other works, as well.
Profile Image for S.P. Dawes.
Author 6 books64 followers
August 1, 2020
Brilliant

Loved this sweet drama with plenty going on. Adore the two main characters who put everything else aside to be together in the pursuit of true love.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
September 7, 2020
This is my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed this book. The plot is a fun one and has great characters who have some wonderful dialogue. I liked the fact it was told from dual points of view.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 13, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/13/2021)! 🎁
4 reviews
February 12, 2023
Very Good read

Great story with real characters. It is a love story which makes you laugh, cry and smile. I didn't want to put it down.
29 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2023
Loved this book!

I am not sure where I found this book, but the author is now at the top of my list of favorite writers. The characters are authentic and the story has just a touch of fairytale. The emotions are real and you feel every trial the main characters go through as if it were your own. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2020
I gotta say, this book was everything and nothing like I expected. I could not put it down once I started it and did not want it to end when I got there!

An utterly engaging story-line that grabs you right from the start, keeping you engrossed throughout.

This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
41 reviews
August 23, 2024
Fun, quick read with interesting characters.

Love this modern, royal romance. Of course, it has a HEA with an interesting introduction of the main characters. I love the build up of the bi..chy minor characters; it add just the right amount of angst.
Profile Image for Ari.
331 reviews6 followers
April 10, 2021
There's so much I simply adored about this book, and can I just express my glee at the fact that not only is this is a new to me author, but the first book in a series, which means more sweet, sassy, color outside the lines romance with the perfect swoon worthy amount of steam! (And I love steam!!)

Antonio is the perfect storm of royal arrogance (swoon!!), alpha protector, and yet has that perfect way of knowing just when to step back and let Larkin be the amazing, strong woman she is. Sigh.

The world building plus attention to detail feels effortless and incredibly real, and yet romantic enough to keep wishing stars in the sky!

Can't wait for the next book in the series!!
Profile Image for Dawn.
44 reviews18 followers
December 2, 2020
COULD NOT PUT DOWN! MUST READ!

This was a fast read for me but I honestly couldn't put it down. It hooked me from the start and made me want to know what happens with Antonio and Larkin. It was predictable at times but did give some great twists and turns that I didn't see coming.

Antonio is King of Hermosa Isles, and the first one to be throned before being married. Antonio thought he had time before being throned but didn't see what his step mom did coming. 5 years later he is still single but after a chance meeting with Larkin at the architects office who will be working on upgrades to several royal buildings he knows that its only a matter of time. And wants her to be his.

You have to read the rest, it is worth the time and I can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Holly Bargo.
Author 42 books145 followers
November 29, 2020
Cute story, needs an editor

I appreciate the slow burn romance in which the hero isn't an unrepentant womanizer and the heroine isn't promiscuous. Their premarital chastity, however unrealistic, shows respect for themselves and each other. It's nice to get to know the protagonists and the protagonists get to know each other before falling into bed. The story doesn't dwell in angst and has some genuinely funny bits. However entertaining, this story desperately needs an editor. Errors range from incorrect word choices to apostrophe errors to unpredictable tense switches. The rampant errors nearly ruined the story for me.
Profile Image for Traci Sek.
Author 11 books47 followers
November 20, 2022
Royally amazing!

What can I say? Except holy bananas I knew I would love Antonio just from a small clipit in her 4th book I also loved Larkin her personality was well written and thought out. Her sassy mouth gets her in more trouble then she assumes off the bat but in the end they both find happiness! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this series and can’t wait to read the rest! This was beautifully written in a way that the characters are reading with you. This story will captivate you and surly bring all the emotions out! I highly recommend this series!
33 reviews
July 6, 2024
Absolutely one of my favorite books could not put it down and was not some trash love story. Was refreshing not to read something overly sexual written and was so funny I was laughing so hard at these characters job well done ma’am good read indeed
Profile Image for Roxy.
573 reviews40 followers
March 31, 2020
Prince Antonio is thrust into the position of King long before he expects to pick up that heavy burden. Unlike most Kings he has decided to do things a little differently and marry for love instead of alliance or obligation. Antonio remains unwed far longer than his people deem acceptable, but he is determined not to settle for anything less than a love match.
Larkin Cross is an architect travelling to his country to restore all the beautiful historic buildings in his kingdom. On their first meeting Larkin has no idea who the man is and treats him like anyone else. Something that he has rarely experienced but finds immensely amusing.
He falls for her fast and is determined to convince the reluctant Larkin to allow him to court her. Going against protocols and dealing with many titled families disappointment, can he convince the realm to accept his choice? Can he convince her that it is worth the struggle?

At the beginning of this book I felt that the language style was a little formal, but I guess that is to be expected when the central character is royalty. I wasn’t a fan of the narrative style but as the story progressed it became more enjoyable and easier to get invested in.
I love Larkin. She is a fun character. I love how she continues to treat him like anyone else (sometimes even bordering on rudeness) with no thought to his position. That he enjoys this aspect of her character makes him more likeable, you would normally expect a man with his title to be easily angered or offended when proper deference is not given and protocols ignored.
There was no instant heat or attraction that leapt off the page for me. Their first few weeks of knowing each other felt a little stilted. Sometimes this made it feel more like Larkin was just putting up with his presence as opposed to being genuinely attracted by him and his attentions. This slowly changed after the midpoint.
I love princess Isabel, and the brothers are very charming. I actually found them more appealing than Antonio.
Dalia was perfectly horrible and I love how Larkin dealt with her venom.
I did find a few of the elements a little difficult to find believable especially considering his age and the accessibility his title would've afforded. Having that element be true for both of them added a slightly prudish quality at first but this explains the muted passion. I would have loved to see more passion and heat between the two as the love between them became more evident.
It is a very sweet, clean romance. Well plotted with plenty of well constructed back story.
I look forward to seeing where the series takes us. I do have a feeling I am going to love his brothers!
Profile Image for BooksBooksandmoreBooks69.
1,993 reviews39 followers
April 8, 2020
This is a new series, not sure where this series will take us, but this book tells us about the new king.
Antonio thought he had five years to accomplish his tasks, to become a good king and when it was time, to find a wife that will rule by his side to love him for the man, and not the King. But that wasn’t to be, sadly his father died and Antonio became the King.
Larkin loves her job. Restoring historical buildings is her passion. She was accepted into the master’s program at UIC for architecture. And her love of architecture was born. Larkin has ADHD, (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that includes symptoms such as inattentiveness hyperactivity and impulsiveness.) so learning was always a little difficult, as was her social life, but that never stopped Larkin. And after the death of her best friend, she was determined to make him proud. Now if she gets this job, it will cement her career. Antonio knew where he was going, I felt like he had a good head on his shoulders but, to find love instead of obligation? We all know a Prince is suppose to marry for position, so how will Antonio get around it? Loved most of the secondary characters, love/hate the stepmother, Antonio’s siblings were a lot of fun to read. Larkin I felt made the book, her lack of filter was a breath of fresh air, to say what you feel instead of what your brain says must make for a refreshing change. But I couldn’t help but feel something was missing. Maybe a little more passion wouldn’t have gone amiss. It felt a little cold.But i Loved the way Larkin spoke to Antonio, she never treated him any differently, not even after she found out who he was. His musings to himself were a little off putting, but once I’d gotten use to his way of thinking and acting, it made a little more sense.It read like a movie script rather than a book. Lots of background, lots of history pertaining to the family. The wording felt a little stilted and stiff. Not usually a fan of the characters narrating the story, but I could see where the author was going with it. And why she did it. I’m hoping the brothers get books. So will Antonio get his wish? Will he marry for love and not duty? And how will Larkin react once she knows Antonio really is the king of his castle? It’s a fun read. And it made a change to read it from the man’s point of view as well as the female’s.

🦋
Profile Image for Melissa May.
333 reviews5 followers
April 12, 2020
Suddenly enthroned is a very nice romance. After the sudden death of his father Prince Antonio becomes King and takes his time to find a wife. He wants to marry for love. He meets architect Larkin, she comes to the Kingdom Hermosa Islas to restore historical buildings. She doesn’t know Antonio is King when she meets him and she treats him like she would treat any other man. I really liked Larkin and Antonio. And the way they fell for each other Also liked the secondary characters! I had to get used to the writing style, the characters narrating the story, but I started to enjoy it after a few pages,I haven’t read many books written like this and I discovered that I like it in this book because the characters pulled me in the story! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
And I definitely reccomend this book!
I received this ARC from C. R Riley via Booksprout for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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