Royal Runaway Bride

Royal Matchmaker #3

by Mckenna James

A king and his future queen meet on their wedding day.
Too bad it’s hate at first sight.

Ariana

Twice before my father tried to marry me off, and I left those jerks at the altar. But my ruthless new husband rules everything he sees, and suddenly that includes me.

His cool indifference, along with the dangerous spark between us, intrigues me, but I’m over the whole idea of marriage.

As soon as the ink is dry on our marriage license, I’ll plot my escape.

Damien

My new wife is a spoiled brat who thinks she can play me, but she has no idea who she is dealing with.

True, she’s a beautiful distraction, a pawn in my game.

An heir is the only thing I require from her, and I relish conquering my virgin queen.

The problem is, it leads to me wanting more from her, and that’s not the plan.

Regardless of what the matchmaker says, a royal marriage should be marked by strategy, not love.

So I will offer Ariana the one thing she can’t resist… Her freedom.

Genres: Romance, Amazon, Ebooks, Contemporary

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2020

Reviews

[Fos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook

Ariana and Damien
Meh.
Boring.
Characters not very likable, especially Damien.

[Ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two-time Runaway bride finally getting married to King Damien. It was an arranged(business) marriage to benefit the two Kings. The times the couple were together they became closer and closer but the Princess (bride) broke the trust and paid for it. Then there were matters of the state/country.

This was a different read for me: a modern, slightly, ruthless king, a poor, runaway, princess-bride with independence issues and a matchmaking Madam. Then I have differing thoughts on the assasination plot and possible perpetrators and the ending. I actually enjoyed this story. I especially enjoyed the couple's banters in the begnnin gof their love story.

I think it is a different read but engaging one. (Note For mature audience. There were a lot of steamy scenes in this story)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ronel Olver · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 Stars

This is a thrilling action packed, page turner with secrets, lies, hate, betrayal with a well-deserved HEA. The characters are well developed and the plot and story line are filled with twists and turns and revelations. Damien and Ariana are both forced into their arranged marriage and Damien is cruel, indifferent and cold towards Ariana, he keeps her hidden and confined to the palace and treats her abysmally. Mixed in with the arranged marriage, we have a power struggle between the advisors and a deadly plan to take over the kingdom.

I never warmed up to Damien's character but I loved Ariana. Ariana has a sad history and when she tries to escape he locks her in the basement with very little food, comfort and no personal contact and ends up nearly destroying her. When he releases her she basically becomes his doormat, throws herself at him and does anything just to have a little freedom and sunshine. He continues to tread her badly, ignoring her and only using her to satisfy his needs. In my opinion even after she tells him about her mother he never redeems himself and I was NOT ok with him as a man, hero or king. Ariana was the loving giving one that pretends what he did, did not matter or happen and I can't believe that after what her father did to her mother she still allows him near.

The authors portrayal of the supporting characters is excellent and supports and elevate the plot. It was a good read even though the injustices against Ariana still bothered me even after the epilogue.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Corday · Rating 3 out of 5]

For something I got for free, I really shouldn't complain too much... but I will anyways. The spice was open-door if rather plain. The FMC's inner monologue was super repetitive and the MMC was super grouchy-angsty and all I could hear was "Behind Blue Eyes" by The Who when it was his POV. There were some plot twists that I saw coming a mile away, and you probably will, too. Some of the royal protocol was thrown out the window too, which broke immersion for me. If you're so worried about the line of succession, why would you place the entire line in a single vehicle? Royals always travel separately to help protect the line.

And speaking of the royal line of succession, one thing that's important to mention because it might turn some readers off is there is a big focus on, uh, shall we say, securing an heir. So if you don't want to read about activities with that result in mind, and then the heir being secured, don't read this. In other words, the FMC gets pregnant and does deliver her baby in this book, and it all happens on-page.

I don't regret reading it, but I have zero interest in the rest of the series. I'd recommend this if you need a short steamy novella to boost your reading goal. For a book with an FMC that is all hashtag feminist, hashtag girlpower, hashtag not a prize to be won, I found it ironic that we failed the Bechdel test.

Three stars because it was just interesting enough to stop me from DNFing and I appreciated the inclusivity of a deaf character and the use of sign language.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Runaway Bride
Royal Matchmaker, Book 3
By: Mckenna James
Narrated by: Addison Barnes

It's always a pleasure to listen to books by Mckenna James, and this series is extremely entertaining. This arranged marriage had all the feels, from anger and frustration to acceptance and true love. I can't imagine what it's like to be thrown together for the sake of melding families and money, but Ariana and Damien do. Their marriage is one of convenience, and he was determined to make sure she stayed at the alter this time. Ariana is known for running, but she knew this time, to save her father, she would have to stay. But once married, would she?That urge to run is strong, but the pull to Damien is too. What will she do? There is a lot to this story with Damien showing his darker side at times, Ariana growing up and a change of heart we don't expect! I can't wait to see what is in store the next book in this series to see where love falls.

Addisyn Barnes continues her narration of this wonderful series. I love her voice, her accents and they way she understands her characters. Each with their own voice finds a personality we get to know and enjoy. She always is a joy to listen to.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third time is the "I Do" .... but will it stick?

Royal Runaway Bride is the third book in the Royal Matchmaker series and is the story of Princess Ariana and King Damien. Ariana is a Princess who has made a habit of running away from the alter, as fast as her high heels can carry her. This has happened twice now but the third time her father is determined to keep her locked up and under guard until she says "I Do" and there is no running. This is a marriage is a business deal for Damien as he needs an heir and is not looking for love. For Ariana she just wants her freedom so she hopes that if she gives him what he wants then he will give her what she wants. Well a girl can hope anyway. But things take a decidedly different turn from the start as they banter back and forth and their attraction sparks off the pages. In the end Damien is going to get a whole lot more than he bargained for and Ariana discovers that maybe freedom can be found in different ways.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some very interesting parts in this piece.
I felt so sorry for Ariana and Lawrence sounds like a peach of a guy. Now she is to marry King Damien a man she does not know and cannot escape because she is kept under guard. You see twice before she had been able to run away from the marriages Lawrence had arranged. The sparks well right from the first dance they jumped off the page. The author used one word animalistic it is so true. There are some very interesting parts in this piece. Can something so wrong turn out to be something so right? I liked the book but I will be honest I kind of wish it had been an historical instead of contemporary. I liked the author's style of writing and the banter between the characters. I hope you check it out I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This was the rough and tumble love story between King Damien and Princess Ariana. She does not want to be married to him and has convinced herself she will not be for long. Damien has plans that he needs Ariana for, mainly an heir. What happens when these two both have the chance to have what they really want? It seems that what they thought mattered the most might not be so true any more. Once they start to get to know one another, things change. They have some obstacles to get past and then King Damien and Queen Ariana can find their happy future together. This storyline was well written and the characters have great chemistry between them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana's father has tried twice to marry her off with drastic results. Now he has picked Damien as her groom and Ariana doesn't see an escape for her. Damien is cold and ruthless. He doesn't trust that she won't try to disappear on him. When she does do something Arian's punishment is almost more than she can bare. She wants to get to know her husband but he has walls up so it makes it difficult for her to break them down. When he sees how upset and hurt she is something in him starts to change. Will they be able to make their marriage something real and long term? We they figure out who the mole is?

This is an amazing story that will hook you in the first chapter on. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Mandell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien is a King that is having trouble with his border and by marrying Ariana (who is a princess) he can have her father help in this matter. Ariana has runaway twice before marrying, but Damien makes sure she goes through with this. Damien makes a deal with her father to give him certain monies per month and he helps him keep his border good. Ariana tried to figure out how to escape from him, but fails. Damien also has two people working for him or are totally against him and has been lying to him for a very long time. They get along okay but there is still a lot of growing that has to come. Damien is not much of a talker so Ariana finds it hard to learn about him. They finally make a deal in which they both agree upon, but fate has other plans for them. The book was good and I enjoyed reading it.

[Socalgirl10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed the story. King Damien and Princess Ariana had some rough spots and each had their own baggage that they brought to this arranged marriage. I liked Ariana in the beginning, but after she tried to run away it was harder for me to enjoy her character. I really wanted more from Damien, I thought that there could be more to his story than what was given. I would have liked to see them handle the "run away" part differently, but in the end all worked out and that incident was forgotten. This book is the third book in the series, but the first one I read. I plan to go back and read them so see if there was something that I missed in this story. I am excited for the next book to come out.

[M Hurford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal and Romantic!
One of the best storylines I’ve read with fully developed characters. I came to care very much about both King Damien and Princess Ariana. There background stories are so sad even though they lived the life of royalty their whole lives.
Their marriage started out as a business deal but doesn’t feel that way very long. Unfortunately they are not on the same page and misinterpreted what was wasn’t said. So will multiple events help them get past the roadblock and move closer?
I’m definitely recommending this book for your reading enjoyment and satisfaction. In fact you may want to add the whole series to your reading list. You won’t be disappointed. Peace.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ariana’s father tries to marry her off. This one is ruthless and she may not be able to escape this time. All Damien needs is an heir. Love has nothing at all to do with it. So perhaps he will offer her the thing she wants most for giving him what he wants – her freedom! Cooperating in this bargain may change their goals from what they originally wanted. Or will they be too stubborn to back down?

The fun part of this story is the banter between Ariana and Damien. Grab your copy and see where their negotiations lead them, or perhaps send them off in the wrong direction. Will they find what they both need the most?

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting! A compelling, amazing, enjoyable, and exciting book three in the Royal Matchmaker series! The story line is well thought out, emotionally deep, well written, funny, and relatable. The plot is well-developed, consistent, interesting, and engaging with steam, angst, witty banter, drama, and twists and turns. The characters that are likeable; the chemistry between them is intense and off the charts. This story will keep you captivated from beginning to end and leave you wanting more. Strongly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royal Runaway Bride is the third book in the series and it does not disappoint. Princess Ariana is not wanting to get married and has left grooms at the alter. Tired of this her father is determine the next time she goes through. King Damien is only wanting a heir, a marriage is a means to and end. If Ariana is willing to help him he will let her go.

the chemistry between Damien and Ariana is off the chart, as the banter continues, feeling change and start to grown. Definitely a book to get lost in with each turn of the page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of 4 of the Royal Matcher series. Princess Ariana has to marry King Damian, however, believes she won’t be for long until plans then change. Ariana had gotten herself out of two marriage attempts, but this one was against her will. For Damian, marriage is not for love. Damian needed a heir and Ariana is going to fill in that heir spot. This book was very exciting to read, but I felt so bad for Ariana being stuck with him at first. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A king and his future queen meet on their wedding day. Too bad it’s hate at first sight.

This book pulls you in from the first words and holds you until you read the last words. It's well written, captivating and flows smoothly from page to page. The characters are amazing, well developed and have chemistry that's undeniable. With the arranged marriage, will they each get what they want in life? Will the hate turn they have for each other turn to attraction for each other? Will they have a HEA?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Believe The Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

All's well that's ends well but getting there was ridiculous

I just have to say that what the king did to her after she tried to run away was ridiculous!! It made me want to throw my Kindle! I was just not ok with that kind of action from the H! It ultimately worked out but only because they basically act like it never happened and she pretty much throws herself at him from then on!! It made her look like doormat and I think the story could have had more depth it there feelings for that particular incident we're explored further! It really was anger inducing! I hated it!

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Ariana is a princess who has been forced to marry the guys she did like a lot of times. It's okay to say, that she found a way to get divorced each time.
I really liked her as a character.
Both characters were great, most importantly, they had a good chemistry. This was another great story which is the third book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JesNo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ariana & Damien
🔥🔥🔥

Ariana no quiere casarse, pero cuando su padre le informa que tendrá que casarse con el Rey Damien para poder salvar la economía de su reino, no tiene opción más que aceptar, pero siempre pensando en escapar.

Por su parte Damien necesita las conecciones que tiene el padre de Ariana para evitar una guerra con el reino vecino.

Pero con el paso del tiempo y la convivencia los muros de Damien comienzan a caer, y la idea de Ariana de escapar comienza a disminuir.

JM.❣️

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped princess

Damien wants an heir and he needs political connections for his kingdom. Arriana is being forced to marry him by her father who needs money. It's a disastrous start to their marriage and she is constantly thinking about getting her freedom. They are both stubborn strong people and they have hot chemistry. Their love develops over time and a threatening rebellion adds danger and intrigue.

[Hera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the kind of book that you'd call "a hidden gem" in my opinion. To be honest, I came across this book because of Stuff Your Kindle Day (or in this case, Stuff Your Play Book Day) and purchased this book from romancebookworm.com.

I didn't have a high expectation at first BUT BOY, I WAS WRONG. This book is sooo sweet and my cheeks hurts from smiling. It has the right amount of enemies-to-lovers, spicy 🌶, and communication. If you're a fan of those, I kindly recommend this book!

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic. This book will hook you from the beginning until the end and the characters were awesome fantastic. The storyline flowed from the beginning until the end and im just loving this new book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sucked into this because both Damien and Ariana do not want each other for other than what is needed in the marriage. She mainly wants to escape while he wants an heir. The attraction between them is undeniable however and I loved seeing them get to know each other more and realize they may actually be better together. This was sweet, sexy, and intriguing.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story with heart. The author crafted characters whose actions were mystifying until the reveals begin to arrive. I finally understood her actions and happily rooted for her as the story progressed. This story took a path which was intriguing, exciting and entertaining.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.

[S · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a sucker for the marriage of convenience trope, but this was just unfortunate. It suffers from a terminal case of telling not showing, the characters are two dimensional, and the pacing is just bizarre.
This book was smut with a hint a plot. This seems more like a story on wattpad than a book that actually got published. To sum things up in a one word: yikes.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana is a princess and is married off to pay for her father's debts. King Damien is the man she marries as her father has contacts that will help Damien's kingdom. A runaway princess. A handsome king. Treachery. Danger. The Resistance. What a fabulous story.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. princess Ariana of minyth is arranged to marry king damien of mira to give him a heir and to make a alliance with her father .Awesome

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful well written arrangement marriage romance this intriguing storyline has obstacles to get past, great banter, negotiations in an entertaining story. The characters are well developed and charismatic with undeniable chemistry.  I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC. 

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has run away twice from men at the alter. The third time is going to be the one that she can't get away from.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.