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The Survivors #10
Her Royal Payne
He’s a pain...literally.
Rowden Payne, known as The Royal Payne, makes his living in the high stakes world of bareknuckle boxing. The disavowed son of a duke likes the focus boxing requires. It keeps his mind off the tragedies in his past. But just as he’s poised to knock out his biggest rival, he’s mesmerized by a pair of exotic hazel eyes in the crowd. He finds himself flat on his back and short fifty pounds.
She’s a prude with a problem.
Modesty Brown’s father has vanished. The strict minister has never disappeared before, and Modesty is left having to rely on elders of the church for help. But when she becomes a burden to them, she has to seek out her aunt, a woman of high rank. Modesty’s only way of finding her is by asking the only man she knows of that class—Rowden Payne. Unfortunately, she’s the one responsible for the Royal Payne losing his crucial fight.
Sometimes the hardest hit is the one to the heart.
Rowden doesn’t want to care for anyone or anything, but if he can just help Modesty find her father, he can be rid of her. Soon the revelation of her father’s secrets and lies puts Modesty, Rowden, and their friends in danger, and if Rowden can’t admit his feelings for Modesty, he’ll lose her forever.
Rowden Payne, known as The Royal Payne, makes his living in the high stakes world of bareknuckle boxing. The disavowed son of a duke likes the focus boxing requires. It keeps his mind off the tragedies in his past. But just as he’s poised to knock out his biggest rival, he’s mesmerized by a pair of exotic hazel eyes in the crowd. He finds himself flat on his back and short fifty pounds.
She’s a prude with a problem.
Modesty Brown’s father has vanished. The strict minister has never disappeared before, and Modesty is left having to rely on elders of the church for help. But when she becomes a burden to them, she has to seek out her aunt, a woman of high rank. Modesty’s only way of finding her is by asking the only man she knows of that class—Rowden Payne. Unfortunately, she’s the one responsible for the Royal Payne losing his crucial fight.
Sometimes the hardest hit is the one to the heart.
Rowden doesn’t want to care for anyone or anything, but if he can just help Modesty find her father, he can be rid of her. Soon the revelation of her father’s secrets and lies puts Modesty, Rowden, and their friends in danger, and if Rowden can’t admit his feelings for Modesty, he’ll lose her forever.
490 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2021
55 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Shana Galen
98 books1,547 followersShana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 22, 2024
I’m so glad to be done with this book! It had some interesting parts but was slow, and I struggled to finish it for my 2024 series challenge. I have two books left in this series.
I didn’t know the hero was a pugilist going into this book even though the blurb states he's one. 🤦🏻♀️ The heroine’s dad is very religious so they go to taverns and boxing matches with picket signs and members of their church to preach how sinful those activities are. That’s how the H/h meet. I applaud Shana Galen for her descriptions of the boxing matches. 👏👏👏
The hero is a widower. His wife He doesn’t want to remarry to save him from going through that kind of pain again.
I thought the reason why her dad went missing was due to nefarious means. Glad I was wrong.
There is a secondary romance with the hero’s manager and a French modiste. Their romance was sweet. Evan and Lorraine make appearances; they're from the first book in the series. We meet Aidan and Nicholas, the last two Survivors yet to find their HEA.
Steam: 2 out of 5
2 scenes in a carriage and one full scene
I didn’t know the hero was a pugilist going into this book even though the blurb states he's one. 🤦🏻♀️ The heroine’s dad is very religious so they go to taverns and boxing matches with picket signs and members of their church to preach how sinful those activities are. That’s how the H/h meet. I applaud Shana Galen for her descriptions of the boxing matches. 👏👏👏
The hero is a widower. His wife He doesn’t want to remarry to save him from going through that kind of pain again.
I thought the reason why her dad went missing was due to nefarious means. Glad I was wrong.
There is a secondary romance with the hero’s manager and a French modiste. Their romance was sweet. Evan and Lorraine make appearances; they're from the first book in the series. We meet Aidan and Nicholas, the last two Survivors yet to find their HEA.
Steam: 2 out of 5
2 scenes in a carriage and one full scene
May 31, 2021
Series: The Survivors #10
Publication Date: 6/15/21
Period: Regency
** 5-Stars **
This book is fast-paced, interesting, and adventurous while easily entwining romance and love with danger and suspense. I read it through in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down – so imagine my bleary eyes at 7:30 AM when I finally read the last word. The characters are compelling, interesting, strong, complex, and absolutely perfect for each other. We met and got to know Rowden Payne in book 9 of the series, Sweet Rogue of Mine, when Rowden helped his fellow survivor, Nash Pope, find his way back from the dark abyss in which he’d been living. We actually have two romances in this book – one between Rowden and Modesty and another between Rowden’s manager, Chibale Okoro, and a French modiste, Therese Renauld. The main romance, of course, is between Rowden and Modesty, but Chibale and Therese’s story takes up quite a bit of real estate in the story as well.
Since being disinherited by his father, a duke, Rowden Payne has earned his living as the pugilist known as the Royal Payne. It pleases Rowden that his success as a pugilist rankles his father, and Royal Payne just adds to that. Rowden may be large, strong, handsome, and a celebrated war hero, but he is also one of the nicest and most caring people we’ll meet. It will make your heart hurt to learn that he will never marry and have a family of his own. He’s so lonesome and in need of a family since he no longer has the one into which he was born.
Modesty Brown is the daughter of a very strict, uptight, puritanical preacher, Samuel Brown. After losing her mother around the age of five, Modesty had no one except her father. She idolized both of her parents and did her very best to emulate them in all facets of her life. She was obedient and dutiful as any good daughter should be. How could she be otherwise when her father was perfect? Or is he?
The meeting between Rowden and Modesty is priceless. He’s seconds away from winning a lucrative match when he is distracted by a group of religious zealots who march into the audience shouting and urging the attendees to repent and leave that evil place. He’s distracted by the riveting eyes on the young woman in the group – but only for a second – that second, however, is all it takes to get him knocked out.
Somehow, Modesty keeps intruding into his life and while he knows he should just refuse to help her, he can’t do that. He refuses to love her – he certainly won’t marry her – but he’ll do all in his power to keep her safe when her father disappears.
At the same time, Rowden is doing his best to avoid Modesty, his manager, Chibale, is actively pursuing a popular French modiste, Therese. Chibale is a great character and I liked him very much. His grandfather emigrated from Africa to England before Chibale’s father was born. His parents are lovely people and they have raised a loving family while running a successful imported spice business. Chibale is smart, articulate, confident, and very caring. Therese has a sad history that she left behind in France and doesn’t trust men. However, Chibale is such a caring man – so attentive and loving toward his sister – how could she not come to respect – and even care for him.
When both Modesty and Therese are threatened by the same evil, Rowden and Chibale will each do all they can to save the ladies.
I absolutely loved the book and highly recommend it. You can’t go wrong with two romances, wonderful characters, and exciting, dangerous adventures. I felt Chibale and Therese’s romance took time and development away from Rowden and Modesty. I understand the current requirement that every book have some sort of racial or sexual preference segment in it. However, I would have loved to see Chibale and Therese in their own novella. That would have allowed further development of each of the characters and their romance. I think the author did an outstanding job with the combination of romances, but I was left wanting more of each of them. I would also have loved to see some hint of a softening in Rowden’s father as well.
Bottom line – it is a wonderful read and you absolutely cannot go wrong by reading it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/15/21
Period: Regency
** 5-Stars **
This book is fast-paced, interesting, and adventurous while easily entwining romance and love with danger and suspense. I read it through in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down – so imagine my bleary eyes at 7:30 AM when I finally read the last word. The characters are compelling, interesting, strong, complex, and absolutely perfect for each other. We met and got to know Rowden Payne in book 9 of the series, Sweet Rogue of Mine, when Rowden helped his fellow survivor, Nash Pope, find his way back from the dark abyss in which he’d been living. We actually have two romances in this book – one between Rowden and Modesty and another between Rowden’s manager, Chibale Okoro, and a French modiste, Therese Renauld. The main romance, of course, is between Rowden and Modesty, but Chibale and Therese’s story takes up quite a bit of real estate in the story as well.
Since being disinherited by his father, a duke, Rowden Payne has earned his living as the pugilist known as the Royal Payne. It pleases Rowden that his success as a pugilist rankles his father, and Royal Payne just adds to that. Rowden may be large, strong, handsome, and a celebrated war hero, but he is also one of the nicest and most caring people we’ll meet. It will make your heart hurt to learn that he will never marry and have a family of his own. He’s so lonesome and in need of a family since he no longer has the one into which he was born.
Modesty Brown is the daughter of a very strict, uptight, puritanical preacher, Samuel Brown. After losing her mother around the age of five, Modesty had no one except her father. She idolized both of her parents and did her very best to emulate them in all facets of her life. She was obedient and dutiful as any good daughter should be. How could she be otherwise when her father was perfect? Or is he?
The meeting between Rowden and Modesty is priceless. He’s seconds away from winning a lucrative match when he is distracted by a group of religious zealots who march into the audience shouting and urging the attendees to repent and leave that evil place. He’s distracted by the riveting eyes on the young woman in the group – but only for a second – that second, however, is all it takes to get him knocked out.
Somehow, Modesty keeps intruding into his life and while he knows he should just refuse to help her, he can’t do that. He refuses to love her – he certainly won’t marry her – but he’ll do all in his power to keep her safe when her father disappears.
At the same time, Rowden is doing his best to avoid Modesty, his manager, Chibale, is actively pursuing a popular French modiste, Therese. Chibale is a great character and I liked him very much. His grandfather emigrated from Africa to England before Chibale’s father was born. His parents are lovely people and they have raised a loving family while running a successful imported spice business. Chibale is smart, articulate, confident, and very caring. Therese has a sad history that she left behind in France and doesn’t trust men. However, Chibale is such a caring man – so attentive and loving toward his sister – how could she not come to respect – and even care for him.
When both Modesty and Therese are threatened by the same evil, Rowden and Chibale will each do all they can to save the ladies.
I absolutely loved the book and highly recommend it. You can’t go wrong with two romances, wonderful characters, and exciting, dangerous adventures. I felt Chibale and Therese’s romance took time and development away from Rowden and Modesty. I understand the current requirement that every book have some sort of racial or sexual preference segment in it. However, I would have loved to see Chibale and Therese in their own novella. That would have allowed further development of each of the characters and their romance. I think the author did an outstanding job with the combination of romances, but I was left wanting more of each of them. I would also have loved to see some hint of a softening in Rowden’s father as well.
Bottom line – it is a wonderful read and you absolutely cannot go wrong by reading it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 5, 2021
Since his ducal father disowned him, Rowden Payne has made his living with his fists, first with the army and now as a bareknuckle boxer known as the Royal Payne. He needs the focus and discipline of his training to keep himself from dwelling on the pain of his past. Just when he’s about to win his latest match against one of his most competitive rivals, Rowden is distracted by a woman in the crowd with the most beautiful hazel eyes he’s ever seen. The next thing he knows, Rowden is down and out, and short the fifty pound purse he was set to win.
Modesty Brown returns from an errand to find her father has disappeared. He’s an uptight minister who adheres to very strict routines and has never done anything like this before. Left to her own devices, Modesty decides to try seeking out her aristocratically connected aunt whom she’s only ever seen once before. Modesty can’t think of anyone who could help her other than Rowden Payne, even if she did just cause him to lose his fight.
Rowden doesn’t want to become emotionally involved with anyone ever again, but helping Modesty find her father should be quick work and then he can be rid of her. But her father has secrets and when other situations put Modesty, Rowden, and their friends in danger, Rowden will lose Modesty forever if he can’t admit to the inevitable feelings he has for her.
If I could get a few more books like this that I can really enjoy, I might be able to pull myself out of my book slump at last. While I didn’t care for Modesty’s uptight prudishness at first, she rapidly grew past that, developing into her own person while maintaining her faith on her own terms and out from under her father’s dictates. I also enjoyed Rowden’s useless fighting against his feelings and most especially his eventual giving in to them. His pain was heart wrenching and I loved how perceptive Modesty was to what he needed. I would’ve liked to see more apology from her father and more on page comeuppance for our villain here, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. Several of the supporting characters did rather steal the show but I liked them, so I didn’t mind. I found myself most especially charmed by bumbling, good-natured Trogdon surprisingly enough. I loved that this story had enough intrigue and plot to keep me interested while keeping the angst levels low. This was another hit for me, and this remains one of my favorite series. I look forward to Aiden and especially reclusive Nicholas’ stories now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Modesty Brown returns from an errand to find her father has disappeared. He’s an uptight minister who adheres to very strict routines and has never done anything like this before. Left to her own devices, Modesty decides to try seeking out her aristocratically connected aunt whom she’s only ever seen once before. Modesty can’t think of anyone who could help her other than Rowden Payne, even if she did just cause him to lose his fight.
Rowden doesn’t want to become emotionally involved with anyone ever again, but helping Modesty find her father should be quick work and then he can be rid of her. But her father has secrets and when other situations put Modesty, Rowden, and their friends in danger, Rowden will lose Modesty forever if he can’t admit to the inevitable feelings he has for her.
If I could get a few more books like this that I can really enjoy, I might be able to pull myself out of my book slump at last. While I didn’t care for Modesty’s uptight prudishness at first, she rapidly grew past that, developing into her own person while maintaining her faith on her own terms and out from under her father’s dictates. I also enjoyed Rowden’s useless fighting against his feelings and most especially his eventual giving in to them. His pain was heart wrenching and I loved how perceptive Modesty was to what he needed. I would’ve liked to see more apology from her father and more on page comeuppance for our villain here, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. Several of the supporting characters did rather steal the show but I liked them, so I didn’t mind. I found myself most especially charmed by bumbling, good-natured Trogdon surprisingly enough. I loved that this story had enough intrigue and plot to keep me interested while keeping the angst levels low. This was another hit for me, and this remains one of my favorite series. I look forward to Aiden and especially reclusive Nicholas’ stories now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
June 1, 2021
Rowden Payne, the disowned son of the Duke of Comerford and the prizefighter known as the Royal Payne to his fans is in the middle of a fight when he is distracted by a pair of hazel eyes. That lapse in concentration costs him the fight and the fifty pound purse! Upset by the loss, he tells his manager, Chibale Okoro to reschedule and tries to put the woman with the eyes out of his mind.
Modesty Brown was just as stunned by her reaction to Rowden as he was to her, she was at the tavern with her father, a radical minister, warning people of the wages of sin. Never in her life had she reacted to a man like she did to Rowden and knows she is the reason he lost the fight. She tries to put it from her mind and notices her father speaking to a man across the street. When she asks, her father tells her it is nothing and they leave. The next morning, her father sends her on an errand, and on the way back, she sees Rowden and talks to him briefly before returning home. At home, she immediately knows something is wrong and her father is missing. She stays with some parishioners for a few days, but when her father has still not returned, she turns to Rowden for help. He returns to the house with her and they find some letters, he then knows she cannot stay there alone and takes her to the club and askes Ewan Mostyn to have his wife Lady Lorriane come and act as chaperone – but in true Lady Lorriane fashion – she takes Modesty home and insists she stays with them until her father is found. Once she is alone in a guest room, Modesty reads the letters and learns that everything she believed about her life was a lie!
Armed with the name of her father’s mistress, Modesty once again asks Rowden for help. His rescheduled fight with the German is in the same town her father’s mistress lives in and she asks him to take her and against his better judgment, he agrees. Rowden doesn’t want to be near Modesty, she makes him feel things that he never wants to feel again, and yet as much as he tries to push her away, he just can’t seem to stop wanting to be near her! But the trip will lead to much more than answers, it will make Rowden face his fears and choose between a life where his heart is safe or one with love.
This was a very well-written, nicely paced story with wonderful characters and lots of emotion. The book draws you in with a bruised hero (both inside and out), a prim and proper heroine who is suddenly questioning her life, cameos from previous characters, and the introduction of several new ones, a nice secondary romance that moves the story along without detracting from Modesty and Rowden, warmish love scenes, exciting fight scenes, a hypochondriacal valet, lies, secrets and finally a very sweet HEA. I enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it to historical romance lovers. This is the tenth book in the series, but I think it could be read as a standalone title with no problem, however, after reading this, you will probably need to make some room on your TBR pile for the previous titles :)
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Modesty Brown was just as stunned by her reaction to Rowden as he was to her, she was at the tavern with her father, a radical minister, warning people of the wages of sin. Never in her life had she reacted to a man like she did to Rowden and knows she is the reason he lost the fight. She tries to put it from her mind and notices her father speaking to a man across the street. When she asks, her father tells her it is nothing and they leave. The next morning, her father sends her on an errand, and on the way back, she sees Rowden and talks to him briefly before returning home. At home, she immediately knows something is wrong and her father is missing. She stays with some parishioners for a few days, but when her father has still not returned, she turns to Rowden for help. He returns to the house with her and they find some letters, he then knows she cannot stay there alone and takes her to the club and askes Ewan Mostyn to have his wife Lady Lorriane come and act as chaperone – but in true Lady Lorriane fashion – she takes Modesty home and insists she stays with them until her father is found. Once she is alone in a guest room, Modesty reads the letters and learns that everything she believed about her life was a lie!
Armed with the name of her father’s mistress, Modesty once again asks Rowden for help. His rescheduled fight with the German is in the same town her father’s mistress lives in and she asks him to take her and against his better judgment, he agrees. Rowden doesn’t want to be near Modesty, she makes him feel things that he never wants to feel again, and yet as much as he tries to push her away, he just can’t seem to stop wanting to be near her! But the trip will lead to much more than answers, it will make Rowden face his fears and choose between a life where his heart is safe or one with love.
This was a very well-written, nicely paced story with wonderful characters and lots of emotion. The book draws you in with a bruised hero (both inside and out), a prim and proper heroine who is suddenly questioning her life, cameos from previous characters, and the introduction of several new ones, a nice secondary romance that moves the story along without detracting from Modesty and Rowden, warmish love scenes, exciting fight scenes, a hypochondriacal valet, lies, secrets and finally a very sweet HEA. I enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it to historical romance lovers. This is the tenth book in the series, but I think it could be read as a standalone title with no problem, however, after reading this, you will probably need to make some room on your TBR pile for the previous titles :)
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
June 11, 2021
Rowden Payne disowned son of the Duke of Comerford is known as The Royal Payne & makes his living in the high stakes world of bareknuckle boxing. But just as he’s poised to knock out his biggest rival, The German, he’s mesmerized by a pair of exotic hazel eyes in the crowd. He finds himself flat on his back and short fifty pounds. Modesty Brown’s father has vanished. The strict minister has never disappeared before, and Modesty is left having to rely on elders of the church for help. But when she becomes a burden to them, she has to seek out her aunt, a woman of high rank. Modesty’s only way of finding her is by asking the only man she knows of that class—Rowden Payne. Unfortunately, she’s the one responsible for the Royal Payne losing his crucial fight. Rowden doesn’t want to care for anyone or anything he’s been there done that & suffered great loss. Soon the revelation of her father’s secrets and lies turns everything Modesty believed in upside down. Then there's Rowden's manager Chibale Okoro who is smitten with modiste Therese Renauld.
This is the tenth book in this wonderful series & we have not one romance but two. Another wonderful read which I just devoured, I've learnt that I only start one of the author’s books early in the day & when I won't be disturbed as once started I’m not putting it down – this book fell into that category. Wonderful characters & a well pace story had me glued to my kindle. I loved everything about it from Rowden literally being knocked off his feet when he first saw Modesty to them finding love. I also loved Chibale & Therese’s romance which was interwoven very well into the story. There is adventure, betrayal & someone out to spike Rowden & Chibale's boats, throw in a talkative parrot & a priceless servant & you've got an engrossing, enthralling read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the tenth book in this wonderful series & we have not one romance but two. Another wonderful read which I just devoured, I've learnt that I only start one of the author’s books early in the day & when I won't be disturbed as once started I’m not putting it down – this book fell into that category. Wonderful characters & a well pace story had me glued to my kindle. I loved everything about it from Rowden literally being knocked off his feet when he first saw Modesty to them finding love. I also loved Chibale & Therese’s romance which was interwoven very well into the story. There is adventure, betrayal & someone out to spike Rowden & Chibale's boats, throw in a talkative parrot & a priceless servant & you've got an engrossing, enthralling read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 29, 2022
oh well
didn't really buy the romance between rowden and modesty
didn't really buy the romance between rowden and modesty
June 28, 2021
Danger . . .
Adventure . . .
Heartwarming Romances….
Shana Galen combines these story elements perfectly in the latest installment of The Survivor series-Her Royal Payne.
I enjoyed this well-paced, character driven novel. Shana Galen’s descriptive prose transports the reader into the boxing ring with Rowden. I could imagine Rowden dodging punches, evading his opponent and could sense the excitement of the crowd. I loved Rowden – his caring and protective nature appealed to me. The attraction between Rowden and Modesty is apparent from their first meeting and I loved how their feelings deepened. Modesty reaches out to Rowden for help after her Father disappears. Rowden arranges for Modesty to stay with Ewan Mostyn and Lady Lorraine and it was great fun to visit with one of my favorite couples!
Rowden’s manager Chibale Okoro was featured in this novel. Loved the relationship between Rowden and his boxing manager. Rowden trusted Chibale and took his advice on improving his boxing skills without hesitation. The author showed that even though Chibale was confident in giving orders to Rowden, he was hesitant in pursuing his relationship with modiste Therese Renauld. I rooted for this ‘s romance and enjoyed every word of their story.
Her Royal Payne has the perfect amount of passion, intrigue and danger. Shana Galen blends two romances with the excitement and danger of the boxing world. I enjoyed reading this novel because the author gave each couple time for their relationship to evolve. Rowden’s soft spot for Trogen, Modesty’s desire to find her father, Chibale’s love for his family and Therese’s colorful bird Bluette enabled me to relate to each of the main characters. Loved the elements of danger that was threaded throughout the storyline.
I loved the characters and their stories in this fast paced story and highly reccomend it.
Adventure . . .
Heartwarming Romances….
Shana Galen combines these story elements perfectly in the latest installment of The Survivor series-Her Royal Payne.
I enjoyed this well-paced, character driven novel. Shana Galen’s descriptive prose transports the reader into the boxing ring with Rowden. I could imagine Rowden dodging punches, evading his opponent and could sense the excitement of the crowd. I loved Rowden – his caring and protective nature appealed to me. The attraction between Rowden and Modesty is apparent from their first meeting and I loved how their feelings deepened. Modesty reaches out to Rowden for help after her Father disappears. Rowden arranges for Modesty to stay with Ewan Mostyn and Lady Lorraine and it was great fun to visit with one of my favorite couples!
Rowden’s manager Chibale Okoro was featured in this novel. Loved the relationship between Rowden and his boxing manager. Rowden trusted Chibale and took his advice on improving his boxing skills without hesitation. The author showed that even though Chibale was confident in giving orders to Rowden, he was hesitant in pursuing his relationship with modiste Therese Renauld. I rooted for this ‘s romance and enjoyed every word of their story.
Her Royal Payne has the perfect amount of passion, intrigue and danger. Shana Galen blends two romances with the excitement and danger of the boxing world. I enjoyed reading this novel because the author gave each couple time for their relationship to evolve. Rowden’s soft spot for Trogen, Modesty’s desire to find her father, Chibale’s love for his family and Therese’s colorful bird Bluette enabled me to relate to each of the main characters. Loved the elements of danger that was threaded throughout the storyline.
I loved the characters and their stories in this fast paced story and highly reccomend it.
July 16, 2021
I should begin by saying that, yes, this is the 10th book in Shana Galen's The Survivors series but, no, you don't have to have read the earlier books to thoroughly enjoy this one. The 9th book, Sweet Rogue of Mine is the only other book in which Rowden Payne is featured. However, The Survivors is one of my all-time favorite historical romance series and I do highly recommend all of the books.
After meeting Rowden Payne in Nash's book, I was curious about what type of heroine Galen would create for him. I have to admit, I never guessed it would be the prudish daughter of a puritanical, fire and brimstone preacher! But, as unlikely as that pairing may seem, these two are so good together, each being exactly what the other needs to fill their hearts with happiness. I loved Modesty's evolution as she throws off the yoke of perfection she's spent her life carrying and begins to discover who she is and what she wants. I adored Rowden, ached for his anguish over what he'd lost, and cheered for what he found with Modesty. I loved the caring between them, the humor, and the passion.
Leading a wonderful secondary cast of characters are Rowden's boxing manager, Chibale Okoro and London's most sought after dressmaker, Madame Renauld. Their romance was sweet, passionate, and definitely sigh-worthy. I loved seeing this successful Black couple prominently placed in the book.
Other secondary characters evoked a plethora of emotions, enriching the overall story. Highlights for me included Rowden's manservant, Trogdon (I could so vividly envision this character!), and former hero and heroine, Ewan Mostyn (still a man of few words) and Lady Lorraine (still a force to be reckoned with).
Shana Galen once again has created a world of passion, danger, brotherhood, and love that reeled me in and kept me engaged from beginning to end. Ten books in and I'm still eager for more.
After meeting Rowden Payne in Nash's book, I was curious about what type of heroine Galen would create for him. I have to admit, I never guessed it would be the prudish daughter of a puritanical, fire and brimstone preacher! But, as unlikely as that pairing may seem, these two are so good together, each being exactly what the other needs to fill their hearts with happiness. I loved Modesty's evolution as she throws off the yoke of perfection she's spent her life carrying and begins to discover who she is and what she wants. I adored Rowden, ached for his anguish over what he'd lost, and cheered for what he found with Modesty. I loved the caring between them, the humor, and the passion.
Leading a wonderful secondary cast of characters are Rowden's boxing manager, Chibale Okoro and London's most sought after dressmaker, Madame Renauld. Their romance was sweet, passionate, and definitely sigh-worthy. I loved seeing this successful Black couple prominently placed in the book.
Other secondary characters evoked a plethora of emotions, enriching the overall story. Highlights for me included Rowden's manservant, Trogdon (I could so vividly envision this character!), and former hero and heroine, Ewan Mostyn (still a man of few words) and Lady Lorraine (still a force to be reckoned with).
Shana Galen once again has created a world of passion, danger, brotherhood, and love that reeled me in and kept me engaged from beginning to end. Ten books in and I'm still eager for more.
September 13, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK. GET IT NOW ITS 99C ON AMAZON KINDLE. GET IT NOOOWWWW. SUPPORT MISS SHANA GALEN!
I THOUGHT IT WAS SO GOOOD UGH I REALLY HAVE NO COMPLAINTS HER HEROS ARE ALWAYS FANTASTIC. HER HEROINES ARE ALWAYS FANTASTIC. I AM SO IMPASSIONED. I FUCKING LOVE THIS BOOK IM SO EXCITED ALSO THE 11TH ONE IN THE SERIES COMES OUT TOMORROW ON 9/14 GET IT NOOOWWWWW WOOOO LETS GOOOOO
I THOUGHT IT WAS SO GOOOD UGH I REALLY HAVE NO COMPLAINTS HER HEROS ARE ALWAYS FANTASTIC. HER HEROINES ARE ALWAYS FANTASTIC. I AM SO IMPASSIONED. I FUCKING LOVE THIS BOOK IM SO EXCITED ALSO THE 11TH ONE IN THE SERIES COMES OUT TOMORROW ON 9/14 GET IT NOOOWWWWW WOOOO LETS GOOOOO
June 19, 2021
This Survivors series story is a twofer, there are two couples who find love and it’s delightful. First up we have Modesty Brown, who has been raised in a strict religious family, preaching to others about sin and damnation. When she meets Rowden Payne, a pugilist, she’s intrigued even though she knows it’s sinful to watch him sparring half clothed. Rowden, The Royal Payne as he is known in boxing circles, is the disowned son of a duke and his only family is the one he’s made with his fellow Survivors. When Modesty's father goes missing, she’s left destitute and on her own and Rowden is the only person she can think of to ask for help to find an aunt she hasn’t seen in years. During her search, Modesty learns the life she knew has been a lie, it leads to all sorts of new experiences and she begins to learn that everything different and fun in life is not sinful. I didn’t like Modesty much at first, her mind seemed closed to everything but the strict religious teachings of her church, but once she began seeing things differently and enjoying herself a bit, she definitely grew on me. I’ve loved Rowden since he helped Nash in the last book, so I enjoyed seeing him find happiness. The second romance is Rowden’s manager, Chibale Okoro who has fallen for the French modiste Therese Renauld and is determined to convince her to change her mind about love. Chibale was such a nice man, I was happy to see him begin to win over Therese, since she had been so abused and made a new life for herself in England. When danger threatens both women, the two men must step up to protect their ladies, which gave them both a chance to get to know the ladies better. Throw in Rowden’s quirky manservant Trogdon, Madame Renauld’s parrot Bleuette, and several of Rowden’s fellow Survivors, and it was an absolutely lovely story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 12, 2021
This series has become such a creative paring romances. I never in a 1000 years would put these two individuals together to fall in love and yet with Shana's touch for troubled hearts it comes out perfectly. We even get another twofer, two love stories in one book! The heroes of this series are war heroes but at a price to their mental and physical health. They are survivors of a suicide squad in the Napoleonic war who considered themselves throwaways, disposable. They are emotionally and or physically injured from the events in their lives. They have found family together and the brotherhood of support each gives the other is heartening. I love this series!
Rowden Payne is the disavowed younger son of the Duke of Comerford. He married a Catholic woman without his father's approval and for that he was cast out of the family. His heart was then broken when she Mary died in childbirth with their stillborn son. He promptly enlisted in the army and welcomed death. Now back in London he makes his living in bare knuckle fighting under the name The Royal Payne. He's good and getting close to being the top fighter in the sport. His manager is Chibale Okong, who's father is quite successful in the import business & part of the negro merchant's association. Chibale is sweet on a local dressmaker Madame Renauld lately from France. He is obsessed with her and invites her to the association's ball. Their courtship plays a major part in this story and is delightful to watch.
Modesty Brown is the only child of a hellfire street preacher. She lives alone with her Dad and stands with him on street corners while he exhorts sinners, & bare knuckle fighters, to turn from their sins and be saved. When Rowden is snagged by her remarkable hazel eyes during an important bout, he's flattened by The German and looses his fight & a sizeable purse. The next day Modesty's Dad sends her on an errand and Modesty stumbles upon him at Ewan Mostyn studio and apologizes. When she arrives home she discovers her Dad's missing. After weeks have passed and he hasn't returned she learns her mother had a sister in the gentry. She goes to the only person she knows of that class, Rowden. He doesn't want the complication but he can't leave a damsel in distress. And so begins the search for her estranged Aunt and missing Father. I loved watching Rowden falling under the spell of Modesty's innocence as she discovers her life with her father was based in lies, All her underpinnings for her life and faith fall out from under her. She's now an orphan and struggling to find answers in a world she doesn't understand. Rowden's brotherhood comes to the rescue and through their kindness and contacts she finds help. I loved watching them fall in love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rowden Payne is the disavowed younger son of the Duke of Comerford. He married a Catholic woman without his father's approval and for that he was cast out of the family. His heart was then broken when she Mary died in childbirth with their stillborn son. He promptly enlisted in the army and welcomed death. Now back in London he makes his living in bare knuckle fighting under the name The Royal Payne. He's good and getting close to being the top fighter in the sport. His manager is Chibale Okong, who's father is quite successful in the import business & part of the negro merchant's association. Chibale is sweet on a local dressmaker Madame Renauld lately from France. He is obsessed with her and invites her to the association's ball. Their courtship plays a major part in this story and is delightful to watch.
Modesty Brown is the only child of a hellfire street preacher. She lives alone with her Dad and stands with him on street corners while he exhorts sinners, & bare knuckle fighters, to turn from their sins and be saved. When Rowden is snagged by her remarkable hazel eyes during an important bout, he's flattened by The German and looses his fight & a sizeable purse. The next day Modesty's Dad sends her on an errand and Modesty stumbles upon him at Ewan Mostyn studio and apologizes. When she arrives home she discovers her Dad's missing. After weeks have passed and he hasn't returned she learns her mother had a sister in the gentry. She goes to the only person she knows of that class, Rowden. He doesn't want the complication but he can't leave a damsel in distress. And so begins the search for her estranged Aunt and missing Father. I loved watching Rowden falling under the spell of Modesty's innocence as she discovers her life with her father was based in lies, All her underpinnings for her life and faith fall out from under her. She's now an orphan and struggling to find answers in a world she doesn't understand. Rowden's brotherhood comes to the rescue and through their kindness and contacts she finds help. I loved watching them fall in love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 19, 2021
Modesty is an interesting character, she had an extremely strict upbringing and an ultra pious father, but looked at the world with curiosity and an inquiring mind. Rowden doesn’t know what hit him, literally, when he catches sight of her for the first time. The biggest mystery is how long it will take for him to realize how smitten he is. Throw in an amusing manservant, someone bent on revenge, and a second (delicious) romance, and you have a really great book to lose yourself in.
dnf
August 9, 2025DNF at 13%
Not vibing with this. Not sure why.
8.8.25
Not vibing with this. Not sure why.
8.8.25
May 28, 2023
3 stars because I actually loved the secondary romance between Chidale and Madame Renauld (I love POC in fiction! They were much more interesting!).
First you have Rowden, who is a boxer (blah) and Modesty, who is a religious zealot, well her father is one and she tags along. Seeing her at a match causes Rowden to lose and then Modesty's father disappears and he winds up taking care of her. Well, he fobs her off on Ewan and Lady Lorraine (from Book #1) and I was happy about this because I love those characters!
I didn't really care for Rowden (again... boxing is not a fav sport) and Modesty... sigh. She's like a poorer version of Prudence from Book 9.
And don't even get me started on her dad.
Spoilers:
So it turns out that Modesty's dad, the hypocrite, has had a SECRET family the entire time! Modesty finds out and is crushed. She rebels (by giving up wearing black and going with slightly lower necklines. The scandal!)... and then, conveniently, her father's mistress and his family (like several kids!) live near the big boxing match.
And she finds out that he broke his leg and hasn't been able to leave.
This is what pissed me off. Because you never get the feeling that Modesty's father really liked her. He seems far more invested in his "new" family. I mean, it took him DAYS to write her. And yet, suddenly he's all "I'm sorry, please forgive me" and she holds out for like a day. WHY? He doesn't even seem to care about you, girl, AND he's a total hypocrite.
It really bothered me. I hate "you have to forgive him because he's family!" tropes. Do away with those. Modesty deserved better.
I was much more invested in the secondary plot and loved Chibale's family and Madame Renaud's spirit and resilience. More of them.
First you have Rowden, who is a boxer (blah) and Modesty, who is a religious zealot, well her father is one and she tags along. Seeing her at a match causes Rowden to lose and then Modesty's father disappears and he winds up taking care of her. Well, he fobs her off on Ewan and Lady Lorraine (from Book #1) and I was happy about this because I love those characters!
I didn't really care for Rowden (again... boxing is not a fav sport) and Modesty... sigh. She's like a poorer version of Prudence from Book 9.
And don't even get me started on her dad.
Spoilers:
So it turns out that Modesty's dad, the hypocrite, has had a SECRET family the entire time! Modesty finds out and is crushed. She rebels (by giving up wearing black and going with slightly lower necklines. The scandal!)... and then, conveniently, her father's mistress and his family (like several kids!) live near the big boxing match.
And she finds out that he broke his leg and hasn't been able to leave.
This is what pissed me off. Because you never get the feeling that Modesty's father really liked her. He seems far more invested in his "new" family. I mean, it took him DAYS to write her. And yet, suddenly he's all "I'm sorry, please forgive me" and she holds out for like a day. WHY? He doesn't even seem to care about you, girl, AND he's a total hypocrite.
It really bothered me. I hate "you have to forgive him because he's family!" tropes. Do away with those. Modesty deserved better.
I was much more invested in the secondary plot and loved Chibale's family and Madame Renaud's spirit and resilience. More of them.
May 31, 2021
I'm a great fan of Ms. Galen and absolutely love her "Survivors" series. The latest installment, "Her Royal Payne" is unfortunately my least favorite of all the books though. I usually devour any of Ms. Galen's books in a day or two, but this one took me almost a week to finish. I did enjoy the main story line of Rowden and Modesty, but wasn't a fan of the secondary characters (Okoro and Madame Renauld) taking over so much of the book. I would have preferred more of the story to include Modesty and her half-siblings.
Ms. Galen is a talented story teller. The book is well-written and there are some twists and turns to surprise the reader. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Galen's books.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
Ms. Galen is a talented story teller. The book is well-written and there are some twists and turns to surprise the reader. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Galen's books.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
May 30, 2021
🥊 Her Royal Payne 🥊
The Survivors # 10
✒️ Shana Galen
https://www.facebook.com/ShanaGalen/
Release Date 06/15/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0927X9W47/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He’s a pain…literally.
Rowden Payne, known as The Royal Payne, makes his living in the high stakes world of bareknuckle boxing. The disavowed son of a duke likes the focus boxing requires. It keeps his mind off the tragedies in his past. But just as he’s poised to knock out his biggest rival, he’s mesmerized by a pair of exotic hazel eyes in the crowd. He finds himself flat on his back and short fifty pounds.
She’s a prude with a problem.
Modesty Brown’s father has vanished. The strict minister has never disappeared before, and Modesty is left having to rely on elders of the church for help. But when she becomes a burden to them, she has to seek out her aunt, a woman of high rank. Modesty’s only way of finding her is by asking the only man she knows of that class—Rowden Payne. Unfortunately, she’s the one responsible for the Royal Payne losing his crucial fight.
Sometimes the hardest hit is the one to the heart.
Rowden doesn’t want to care for anyone or anything, but if he can just help Modesty find her father, he can be rid of her. Soon the revelation of her father’s secrets and lies puts Modesty, Rowden, and their friends in danger, and if Rowden can’t admit his feelings for Modesty, he’ll lose her forever.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they decide for security or take the risk of love ...
What a lovely journey this two romances packed in one book is.
I loved The Highlander’s Excellent Adventure for its two love stories, but I thought it was a one time occurrence. So it was my pleasure to read two kind hearted fellows get their HEA.
Rowden like all the survivors was at one time the expendable younger son of a peer, in his case, he is a Duke’s offspring who has been disowned for marrying a woman deemed unsuitable in his titled sire’s eyes.
He survived it, he lived through the horrors of war, he endured the loss of his love, but now he refuses to go through this pain again.
He is a successful bareknuckle boxer, he has plenty of women willing to warm his bed, he has his group of friends, why ask for more.
Until stunning hazel eyes disturb his last fight and get him knocked down.
This is the beginning of a long race to unearth hidden verities, right wrong done to an abused woman, win back his reputation and decide what is worth for.
Modesty has been the obedient daughter her whole life, following all her father’s edicts, never asking for a farthing, making do with near to nothing. Until upon his disappearance, she is left with even less. And has to rely on a stranger to help her dig out her father’s secrets. Secrets which will shatter everything she thought true.
And made her question who she is and what she wants.
Rowden is a sweetheart, while he could have turned her down when she asked for his help, he can’t let a woman alone face the hardship life has in stock a single young woman. He could have run the other way, but this hazel look has mesmerized him.
Chibale is Rowden’s manager, he faces excited crowds and angry mobs but he is like a youngster quaking in his boots when he has to talk to the woman who haunts his dreams.
Thérèse escaped France to build a whole new life, but men while she enjoys the pleasures they can give, she prefers to keep them at arm-length. So Chibale’s courting surprises her, she is not used to be wooed, why she is the one to take charge once she ascertains he is reliable.
Yet will she be willing to give more than a few stolen moments when he wants for more.
Each one of the romances is lovely, Rowden and Modesty’s has a slower pace, as they must learn to let the past go while Chibale and Thérèse’s is boosted by a dash of danger, yet once things quiet down, which path each one of them will choose, going to one’s old life and its security or risking pain but gaining a love that endures.
One more 5 stars read in this series.
Now I await Nicholas and Aiden stories.
My first read by the author was Colonel Draven’s story, the fifth book in this series, so I did not know Ewa and Lorraine who were starred in the first book, but after the glimpse of them here I definitely now want to read it.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Survivors # 10
✒️ Shana Galen
https://www.facebook.com/ShanaGalen/
Release Date 06/15/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0927X9W47/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He’s a pain…literally.
Rowden Payne, known as The Royal Payne, makes his living in the high stakes world of bareknuckle boxing. The disavowed son of a duke likes the focus boxing requires. It keeps his mind off the tragedies in his past. But just as he’s poised to knock out his biggest rival, he’s mesmerized by a pair of exotic hazel eyes in the crowd. He finds himself flat on his back and short fifty pounds.
She’s a prude with a problem.
Modesty Brown’s father has vanished. The strict minister has never disappeared before, and Modesty is left having to rely on elders of the church for help. But when she becomes a burden to them, she has to seek out her aunt, a woman of high rank. Modesty’s only way of finding her is by asking the only man she knows of that class—Rowden Payne. Unfortunately, she’s the one responsible for the Royal Payne losing his crucial fight.
Sometimes the hardest hit is the one to the heart.
Rowden doesn’t want to care for anyone or anything, but if he can just help Modesty find her father, he can be rid of her. Soon the revelation of her father’s secrets and lies puts Modesty, Rowden, and their friends in danger, and if Rowden can’t admit his feelings for Modesty, he’ll lose her forever.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they decide for security or take the risk of love ...
What a lovely journey this two romances packed in one book is.
I loved The Highlander’s Excellent Adventure for its two love stories, but I thought it was a one time occurrence. So it was my pleasure to read two kind hearted fellows get their HEA.
Rowden like all the survivors was at one time the expendable younger son of a peer, in his case, he is a Duke’s offspring who has been disowned for marrying a woman deemed unsuitable in his titled sire’s eyes.
He survived it, he lived through the horrors of war, he endured the loss of his love, but now he refuses to go through this pain again.
He is a successful bareknuckle boxer, he has plenty of women willing to warm his bed, he has his group of friends, why ask for more.
Until stunning hazel eyes disturb his last fight and get him knocked down.
This is the beginning of a long race to unearth hidden verities, right wrong done to an abused woman, win back his reputation and decide what is worth for.
Modesty has been the obedient daughter her whole life, following all her father’s edicts, never asking for a farthing, making do with near to nothing. Until upon his disappearance, she is left with even less. And has to rely on a stranger to help her dig out her father’s secrets. Secrets which will shatter everything she thought true.
And made her question who she is and what she wants.
Rowden is a sweetheart, while he could have turned her down when she asked for his help, he can’t let a woman alone face the hardship life has in stock a single young woman. He could have run the other way, but this hazel look has mesmerized him.
Chibale is Rowden’s manager, he faces excited crowds and angry mobs but he is like a youngster quaking in his boots when he has to talk to the woman who haunts his dreams.
Thérèse escaped France to build a whole new life, but men while she enjoys the pleasures they can give, she prefers to keep them at arm-length. So Chibale’s courting surprises her, she is not used to be wooed, why she is the one to take charge once she ascertains he is reliable.
Yet will she be willing to give more than a few stolen moments when he wants for more.
Each one of the romances is lovely, Rowden and Modesty’s has a slower pace, as they must learn to let the past go while Chibale and Thérèse’s is boosted by a dash of danger, yet once things quiet down, which path each one of them will choose, going to one’s old life and its security or risking pain but gaining a love that endures.
One more 5 stars read in this series.
Now I await Nicholas and Aiden stories.
My first read by the author was Colonel Draven’s story, the fifth book in this series, so I did not know Ewa and Lorraine who were starred in the first book, but after the glimpse of them here I definitely now want to read it.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
June 14, 2021
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of Her Royal Payne and the views expressed are my honest opinions. This is the tenth book in the Survivor Series.
Rowden Payne, a disinherited younger son, is an accomplished boxer. However, one night during a very important fight, a religious group invaded the tavern. Despite knowing better, Rowden stares into the unusual shade of hazel eyes sported by one of the female members and loses. Coincidentally though, his path crosses with this mysterious, pious woman.
As the daughter of a minister, Modesty Brown finds herself leading a very simple life. Obeying her father’s commands to preach and teach people to repent from their sins, she often found herself in taverns, brothels, and seedier places in London. However, she could not help feeling some guilt at being the cause of Rowden’s bruised face. Acting impulsively, she follows him into a boxing studio to apologize.
When her father goes missing, she seeks shelter with the church elders temporarily but finds herself seeking Rowden to help her find her father. Little does she know that her life will change forever… her life was a jumble of lies and danger was just around the corner. With the help of fellow survivor Ewan Mostyn and his wife Lady Lorraine, Modesty starts getting out of her shell, making it impossible for Rowden to ignore her or his feelings, despite his inhibitions to commit. Will Rowden consider Modesty as the most important thing in his life or will the fears of past experiences keep him living an isolated, lonely life?
Rowden was previously introduced in the ninth Survivor Book, where he helped Nash get his life back together. While he appears to be a tough cookie, he too has his fair share of baggage. While he does not want any commitment with anyone, he finds himself unable to refuse Modesty help, especially since it is clear that she is struggling. Modesty herself is different from the usual heroines. Having been brought up in a strict, religious environment by her father, following the death of her mother, she views the world through a religious lens. This contrasts deeply with Rowden’s ‘illegal’ milling coves.
Ms. Galen’s books never disappoint. While the book has a Bridgerton vibe with the boxing scenes and the interracial characters, avid readers of Ms. Galen’s books have been looking forward for Rowden’s story, ever since being a Royal Payne in the backside to Nash. The characters are vivid, with secondary characters such as Trogdon, Rowden’s manservant and Aiden Sterling, a fellow survivor who are funnily exasperating. Concurrently, Rowden’s manager Chibale, tries to woo his love interest Madame Renauld, providing two interconnected love stories within the book.
Rowden Payne, a disinherited younger son, is an accomplished boxer. However, one night during a very important fight, a religious group invaded the tavern. Despite knowing better, Rowden stares into the unusual shade of hazel eyes sported by one of the female members and loses. Coincidentally though, his path crosses with this mysterious, pious woman.
As the daughter of a minister, Modesty Brown finds herself leading a very simple life. Obeying her father’s commands to preach and teach people to repent from their sins, she often found herself in taverns, brothels, and seedier places in London. However, she could not help feeling some guilt at being the cause of Rowden’s bruised face. Acting impulsively, she follows him into a boxing studio to apologize.
When her father goes missing, she seeks shelter with the church elders temporarily but finds herself seeking Rowden to help her find her father. Little does she know that her life will change forever… her life was a jumble of lies and danger was just around the corner. With the help of fellow survivor Ewan Mostyn and his wife Lady Lorraine, Modesty starts getting out of her shell, making it impossible for Rowden to ignore her or his feelings, despite his inhibitions to commit. Will Rowden consider Modesty as the most important thing in his life or will the fears of past experiences keep him living an isolated, lonely life?
Rowden was previously introduced in the ninth Survivor Book, where he helped Nash get his life back together. While he appears to be a tough cookie, he too has his fair share of baggage. While he does not want any commitment with anyone, he finds himself unable to refuse Modesty help, especially since it is clear that she is struggling. Modesty herself is different from the usual heroines. Having been brought up in a strict, religious environment by her father, following the death of her mother, she views the world through a religious lens. This contrasts deeply with Rowden’s ‘illegal’ milling coves.
Ms. Galen’s books never disappoint. While the book has a Bridgerton vibe with the boxing scenes and the interracial characters, avid readers of Ms. Galen’s books have been looking forward for Rowden’s story, ever since being a Royal Payne in the backside to Nash. The characters are vivid, with secondary characters such as Trogdon, Rowden’s manservant and Aiden Sterling, a fellow survivor who are funnily exasperating. Concurrently, Rowden’s manager Chibale, tries to woo his love interest Madame Renauld, providing two interconnected love stories within the book.
January 14, 2022
Rowden is the son of a duke who has been eliminated from his family. He is also a war hero. He had the medals to prove his heroics. He threw them away. Presently, he is a bare knuckle boxer. He is very successful. His ring name is The Royal Payne.
Modesty is the daughter of a very strict evangelist. Her mother is dead and she does whatever her father instructs her to do. She is treated like a servant. Her life is made up of following instructions and doing without. In her heart, Modesty yearns to be a young girl who lives like a young girl. She knows there are other things in the world that what she has. She just does not know how she would ever have any of the joy.
When she interrupts a bare knuckle fight, Rowden is knocked unconscious because he paid attention to the young woman who was shouting in the audience.
I liked Rowden. He is a man with honor and integrity. He carries the burdens of loss in his life and those losses have made him believe he does not deserve happiness. He has a well developed sense of humor and a well developed intellect. He also has a kind heart.
Modesty slowly sees that there is another world available to her. She is drawn to Rowden. I believe it is because he is the first person who has ever shown her kindness. And he introduces her to a world where people are kind and friendly and caring.
I am a huge fan of Ms Galen’s Survivors Series. For me, this is my least favorite of the series. I liked the secondary story about Madame Renauld and Okoro. I would really have liked to get to know more about Modesty’s half brothers and sister.
I am not sure why but as much as I liked Modesty and Rowden, I could not get immersed in this story. I think it is just me.
I do know that Modesty found a wonderful man who changed her life forever.
Modesty is the daughter of a very strict evangelist. Her mother is dead and she does whatever her father instructs her to do. She is treated like a servant. Her life is made up of following instructions and doing without. In her heart, Modesty yearns to be a young girl who lives like a young girl. She knows there are other things in the world that what she has. She just does not know how she would ever have any of the joy.
When she interrupts a bare knuckle fight, Rowden is knocked unconscious because he paid attention to the young woman who was shouting in the audience.
I liked Rowden. He is a man with honor and integrity. He carries the burdens of loss in his life and those losses have made him believe he does not deserve happiness. He has a well developed sense of humor and a well developed intellect. He also has a kind heart.
Modesty slowly sees that there is another world available to her. She is drawn to Rowden. I believe it is because he is the first person who has ever shown her kindness. And he introduces her to a world where people are kind and friendly and caring.
I am a huge fan of Ms Galen’s Survivors Series. For me, this is my least favorite of the series. I liked the secondary story about Madame Renauld and Okoro. I would really have liked to get to know more about Modesty’s half brothers and sister.
I am not sure why but as much as I liked Modesty and Rowden, I could not get immersed in this story. I think it is just me.
I do know that Modesty found a wonderful man who changed her life forever.
February 18, 2025
ETA - you know what, I'm giving it 3 stars to even out all the other 5 star reviews. I don't want to encourage Galen or any writer to do the "you must forgive them, they're family" BS ever again.
This book had so much potential. I love the series, and enjoyed the characters and storyline. However - I hate when people try to force you to do something that they didn't do and to rush ahead with "just get over it" when you don't even have time to be upset about what that person did.
I.e. Modesty's family. She's been all over town at all hours of the day and night forced to proselytize with her father and previously mother. Then her father disappears and she's left with no money, food, etc. While her father was around they gave away all the "extra" money they had to be more religious. So she engages Rowland Payne, one of "the survivors" to help her find the only relative she knows about, her aunt on her mother's side. Payne foists her off on his friend and his wife and his wife helps Modesty as best as she can.
Meanwhile Payne is a boxer, and is training for a big fight. So while we have Modesty's story, we also have Payne's and his manager's stories. I listened to the audiobook so I don't know the manager's name, but his family is from Africa and he falls in love with the modiste who is French but also of African descent, and their story is a good part of this book as well, and enjoyable.
I really enjoy the Survivors series, and I liked everything about this book except Payne's being on the side of Modesty's family (I'm purposely leaving this family stuff vague) and encouraging her to just forgive them because he had a bad experience with his family and is still estranged, and she does forgive them. Modesty is supposed to turn the other cheek even though she was dragged around as a child to all of these bad areas and "forced" to judge and yell out about religion while her family was able to have a normal upbringing.
This book had so much potential. I love the series, and enjoyed the characters and storyline. However - I hate when people try to force you to do something that they didn't do and to rush ahead with "just get over it" when you don't even have time to be upset about what that person did.
I.e. Modesty's family. She's been all over town at all hours of the day and night forced to proselytize with her father and previously mother. Then her father disappears and she's left with no money, food, etc. While her father was around they gave away all the "extra" money they had to be more religious. So she engages Rowland Payne, one of "the survivors" to help her find the only relative she knows about, her aunt on her mother's side. Payne foists her off on his friend and his wife and his wife helps Modesty as best as she can.
Meanwhile Payne is a boxer, and is training for a big fight. So while we have Modesty's story, we also have Payne's and his manager's stories. I listened to the audiobook so I don't know the manager's name, but his family is from Africa and he falls in love with the modiste who is French but also of African descent, and their story is a good part of this book as well, and enjoyable.
I really enjoy the Survivors series, and I liked everything about this book except Payne's being on the side of Modesty's family (I'm purposely leaving this family stuff vague) and encouraging her to just forgive them because he had a bad experience with his family and is still estranged, and she does forgive them. Modesty is supposed to turn the other cheek even though she was dragged around as a child to all of these bad areas and "forced" to judge and yell out about religion while her family was able to have a normal upbringing.
June 20, 2021
Her Royal Payne is the tenth book in The Survivors Series. This has been such an amazing series and each book can be read as a standalone but once you start reading one, you will want to read them all. The series is based on a group of soldiers during the Napoleonic war called the Survivors. They were a team of soldiers that Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Daven (from the fifth book in the series) was ordered to put together that took on suicide missions. There were thirty men in the group but only twelve made it back to England alive. Now they are trying to adjust to civilian life but still need the help of their comrades when they are in a bind. So, starting at the beginning gives the reader a chance to meet all the men that are in the series.
Rowden Payne, known as The Royal Payne, was a disowned son of a duke who makes his living from bare-knuckle boxing. He had lost his wife and child in childbirth. Now he avoids responsibilities, but he can’t ignore Modesty’s problem. Modesty Brown’s father was a minister who seemed to disappear one day while she was running errands. Modesty went to the church elders, but they had no information. Modesty has no funds which leave her with the option to find her mother’s sister who is part of society. The only person she knew that had access to society was Rowden, the bare-knuckle boxer she had caused to lose his match.
This was another wonderful book for the series, and it was beautifully written. The pacing was perfect, and the characters were developed. Once I started reading, I could not put it down until I was finished. The intrigue of Modesty’s father's disappearance kept me reading and I was very surprised by where they found him. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rowden Payne, known as The Royal Payne, was a disowned son of a duke who makes his living from bare-knuckle boxing. He had lost his wife and child in childbirth. Now he avoids responsibilities, but he can’t ignore Modesty’s problem. Modesty Brown’s father was a minister who seemed to disappear one day while she was running errands. Modesty went to the church elders, but they had no information. Modesty has no funds which leave her with the option to find her mother’s sister who is part of society. The only person she knew that had access to society was Rowden, the bare-knuckle boxer she had caused to lose his match.
This was another wonderful book for the series, and it was beautifully written. The pacing was perfect, and the characters were developed. Once I started reading, I could not put it down until I was finished. The intrigue of Modesty’s father's disappearance kept me reading and I was very surprised by where they found him. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 23, 2021
Rowden Payne is disavowed son of a Duke. Being a younger son, he knew would have to find a way to support himself.
Coming back from the war, he used his hands to make a living.
Being of The Survivor who were send on death missions, Rowden learned to use his skills and strength to help his fellow soldiers to protect and defend his enemies.
Rowden Payne made a name for himself in Bareknuckle fighting. Used his skills he learned in service helped to create a living and become undefeated as Royal Paine.
During of his biggest fights of his career, she walks into the arena and changed his life.
Modesty Brown’s father has vanished. The strict minister has never disappeared before, and Modesty is left having to rely on elders of the church for help. But when she becomes a burden to them, she has to seek out her aunt, a woman of high rank. Modesty’s only way of finding her is by asking the only man she knows of that class—Rowden Payne. Unfortunately, she’s the one responsible for the Royal Payne losing his crucial fight.
Working together Rowden and Modesty need to find out where her father disappeared too.
Modestly's father living two separate lives, one as a minister and another with a wife and children in another county.
During their journey, they found heartache, anger and love. Modesty has to learn to cope with her father's betrayal and realize her life wasn't a lie.
Coming back from the war, he used his hands to make a living.
Being of The Survivor who were send on death missions, Rowden learned to use his skills and strength to help his fellow soldiers to protect and defend his enemies.
Rowden Payne made a name for himself in Bareknuckle fighting. Used his skills he learned in service helped to create a living and become undefeated as Royal Paine.
During of his biggest fights of his career, she walks into the arena and changed his life.
Modesty Brown’s father has vanished. The strict minister has never disappeared before, and Modesty is left having to rely on elders of the church for help. But when she becomes a burden to them, she has to seek out her aunt, a woman of high rank. Modesty’s only way of finding her is by asking the only man she knows of that class—Rowden Payne. Unfortunately, she’s the one responsible for the Royal Payne losing his crucial fight.
Working together Rowden and Modesty need to find out where her father disappeared too.
Modestly's father living two separate lives, one as a minister and another with a wife and children in another county.
During their journey, they found heartache, anger and love. Modesty has to learn to cope with her father's betrayal and realize her life wasn't a lie.
June 18, 2021
There are two intertwined HEAs in this book. One for "the Royal Payne" and one for his manager/promoter. Either one would have been enjoyable on its own
The two heroines are very different on first glance, but are more alike and uncover things about themselves as the story progresses. One is the very sheltered daughter of a strict minister; the other is a modiste with a flourishing business. The two heroes are both protector personalities with a quick wit.
The clothing descriptions were lush and vivid (Duh. One of the main characters is a modiste). There are several bits of drama and a fair amount of humor.
I really love that the author is not only adding people of color in her stories, but either giving them strong roles or making them main characters. In this case, she shows the proud African background of the male and has a vibrant negro business association.
I also liked the return of Ewan Mostyn who supplied some humor as did Payne's manservant.
Although this could be read as a standalone book, I think it is more enjoyable after reading Ewan's story ("Third Son's a Charm").
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The two heroines are very different on first glance, but are more alike and uncover things about themselves as the story progresses. One is the very sheltered daughter of a strict minister; the other is a modiste with a flourishing business. The two heroes are both protector personalities with a quick wit.
The clothing descriptions were lush and vivid (Duh. One of the main characters is a modiste). There are several bits of drama and a fair amount of humor.
I really love that the author is not only adding people of color in her stories, but either giving them strong roles or making them main characters. In this case, she shows the proud African background of the male and has a vibrant negro business association.
I also liked the return of Ewan Mostyn who supplied some humor as did Payne's manservant.
Although this could be read as a standalone book, I think it is more enjoyable after reading Ewan's story ("Third Son's a Charm").
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
June 19, 2021
The tenth installment of The Survivor's series, this book is filled with love, adventure, intrigue and suspense and captured my attention and pulled me in from the very beginning. It's no surprise, really, as Ms. Galen's books always have a way grabbing my interest and never letting go! The character development was brilliant and Rowden and Modesty worked so well together and had chemistry that was just undeniable. Rowden has been a working as a pugilist ever since he was disinherited by his father from the dukedom. It gives Rowden some amount of pleasure knowing that his work really irks his father. Modesty and Rowden meet in a very unique way, and after that moment she always seems to be appearing in his life. She needs his help and he finally agrees to help her, but was not expecting the secrets and danger that he encounters in the process. He also did not expect to lose his heart to her, either. A wonderfully captivating and engaging story that I could not put down. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend! You cannot miss this amazing story!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
January 13, 2023
Another enjoyable addition to this series. This is Rowden Payne, The Royal Payne's story.
Rowden is the disavowed son of a duke, disavowed for marrying a Catholic against his father's wishes. When his wife and unborn child died, he had no reason to live so Rowden became part of a suicide squad against Napoleon. They had been a squad of thirty, eighteen died on the continent, twelve returned, they call themselves The Survivors. His profession now is professional pugilist.
Modesty Brown, daughter of a strict minster, they protest, public houses and pugilistic bouts. But she is fascinated by Rowden and when her father disappears, Rowden is who she goes to for help. Among her father's meager possessions, they find a stack of letters, letters that once she reads shatter her world. She sees no reason to continue to follow her father's dictates.
Meanwhile, Rowden's manager, Chibale, is pursuing a romance of his own. A romance that manages to involve Chibale's family, Rowden and Modesty.
Can Rowden move on from grief, does Modesty find her father and does Chibale's romance succeed?
Rowden is the disavowed son of a duke, disavowed for marrying a Catholic against his father's wishes. When his wife and unborn child died, he had no reason to live so Rowden became part of a suicide squad against Napoleon. They had been a squad of thirty, eighteen died on the continent, twelve returned, they call themselves The Survivors. His profession now is professional pugilist.
Modesty Brown, daughter of a strict minster, they protest, public houses and pugilistic bouts. But she is fascinated by Rowden and when her father disappears, Rowden is who she goes to for help. Among her father's meager possessions, they find a stack of letters, letters that once she reads shatter her world. She sees no reason to continue to follow her father's dictates.
Meanwhile, Rowden's manager, Chibale, is pursuing a romance of his own. A romance that manages to involve Chibale's family, Rowden and Modesty.
Can Rowden move on from grief, does Modesty find her father and does Chibale's romance succeed?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
If you know me, then you know I am a HUGE fan of this entire series. The stories get richer, and more intriguing with each installment, and I am in awe of how Shana Galen comes up with such distinct and unique characters.
The main story is between Rowden Payne, aka The Royal Payne, and Modesty Brown. They are an unlikely pair, but since this is a romance they do manage to find their way to be together. I enjoyed their story very much, especially how Modesty changed and grew as a person through her friendship with Rowden.
For me, the real star of the book is the sub plot involving The Royal Payne's boxing manager, and the celebrated French modiste who's been mentioned in almost all of the Survivor's stories. Their relationship is rocky at best to start, but the way it grows, and how they bring out the best in each other is just a joy.
This is the 10th book in the series, and while it does stand very well on its own, I do recommend reading the rest - if for no other reason than they are all equally as enjoyable.
The main story is between Rowden Payne, aka The Royal Payne, and Modesty Brown. They are an unlikely pair, but since this is a romance they do manage to find their way to be together. I enjoyed their story very much, especially how Modesty changed and grew as a person through her friendship with Rowden.
For me, the real star of the book is the sub plot involving The Royal Payne's boxing manager, and the celebrated French modiste who's been mentioned in almost all of the Survivor's stories. Their relationship is rocky at best to start, but the way it grows, and how they bring out the best in each other is just a joy.
This is the 10th book in the series, and while it does stand very well on its own, I do recommend reading the rest - if for no other reason than they are all equally as enjoyable.
September 22, 2024
Rounded up to 2.5 stars.
I mean, this was fine. The beginning was actually interesting, and the religious trauma backstory was a nice touch to a regency/Victorian style era book. But this book dragged on forever and at the same time felt incredibly rushed.
The Chibale and Therese storyline added absolutely NOTHING to the plot. That could have been cut out completely or replaced with more storyline for Rowden and Modesty, but for some reason, the author thought that the readers would care about these people. I don’t know why though because they were really fucking boring, and I didn’t give a shit about either of them.
Also, what the fuck kind of name is Modesty? If I met someone with that name in real life, I would have to control my laughter because that is just one of the most ridiculous names I’ve ever heard of for a book character, even though she was this chaste, religious woman.
At least it’s another book I’ve read, but I don’t think I’ll read anything else from this author in the future.
I mean, this was fine. The beginning was actually interesting, and the religious trauma backstory was a nice touch to a regency/Victorian style era book. But this book dragged on forever and at the same time felt incredibly rushed.
The Chibale and Therese storyline added absolutely NOTHING to the plot. That could have been cut out completely or replaced with more storyline for Rowden and Modesty, but for some reason, the author thought that the readers would care about these people. I don’t know why though because they were really fucking boring, and I didn’t give a shit about either of them.
Also, what the fuck kind of name is Modesty? If I met someone with that name in real life, I would have to control my laughter because that is just one of the most ridiculous names I’ve ever heard of for a book character, even though she was this chaste, religious woman.
At least it’s another book I’ve read, but I don’t think I’ll read anything else from this author in the future.
May 1, 2021
Number 10 in The Survivors series, this one features Rowden Payne, a boxer billed as the Royal Payne and Modesty Brown (don’t you love these names?), the daughter of a devout crusading preacher. They meet by chance when Modesty is proselytizing against a boxing match with her father. Her father then mysteriously goes missing and Modesty asks for Rowden’s help to find him.
Rowden was my favorite character. As a man of the world, he has seen a lot of loss in his life (both personally and in war). But he still maintains a soft heart and a giving nature. He’s a born protector, and as Modesty is very much an innocent in the world, he seems the perfect match.
While not my favorite of the series, I did enjoy the story which contains surprises and villains as well. A nice addition for the series.
Many thanks to the author for providing me an early ARC for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
Rowden was my favorite character. As a man of the world, he has seen a lot of loss in his life (both personally and in war). But he still maintains a soft heart and a giving nature. He’s a born protector, and as Modesty is very much an innocent in the world, he seems the perfect match.
While not my favorite of the series, I did enjoy the story which contains surprises and villains as well. A nice addition for the series.
Many thanks to the author for providing me an early ARC for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
June 16, 2021
The Reformer and the Sinner
What’s as fun and delicious as sunshine and grump? The reformer and the sinner!
Modesty’s father disappears and the mystery of where he’s gone and why leads her into the world of The Royal Payne and Draven’s Dozen.
I loved Modesty’s journey of self discovery and acceptance as well as Payne’s battle to figure out his next steps and that his greatest battle is with his heart. But what I loved even more was that there was not just one but two love stories in this book.
Payne’s manager, Chibale is in love with the most sought after modiste, Therese Renauld. Now he just needs to convince her that he wants her for more than a night and that their love will outshine her most beautiful gown.
My favorite things about this book are that it features couples who are not aristocracy, or even gentry, but are simply working class Mr. and Mrs. and one of the couples is a Black couple. Including successful Black characters is so needed in historical romance, as it is reflective of what Regency England actually looked liked.
I’m so ready for the last two of the Dozen to find their matches and hopefully give us a huge reunion.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
What’s as fun and delicious as sunshine and grump? The reformer and the sinner!
Modesty’s father disappears and the mystery of where he’s gone and why leads her into the world of The Royal Payne and Draven’s Dozen.
I loved Modesty’s journey of self discovery and acceptance as well as Payne’s battle to figure out his next steps and that his greatest battle is with his heart. But what I loved even more was that there was not just one but two love stories in this book.
Payne’s manager, Chibale is in love with the most sought after modiste, Therese Renauld. Now he just needs to convince her that he wants her for more than a night and that their love will outshine her most beautiful gown.
My favorite things about this book are that it features couples who are not aristocracy, or even gentry, but are simply working class Mr. and Mrs. and one of the couples is a Black couple. Including successful Black characters is so needed in historical romance, as it is reflective of what Regency England actually looked liked.
I’m so ready for the last two of the Dozen to find their matches and hopefully give us a huge reunion.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
June 25, 2021
4-4.5 Stars! I really enjoyed Rowden and Modesty’s book! And I loved how the secondary characters, Chibale and Theresa, had their story in the book too! It was like a 2 in 1 book. This was book 10 in ‘the Survivors series’ but could be read as a standalone and has an HEA ending. This is an awesome series and I’d recommend it to anyone that likes historical romance books with strong women and damaged war hero’s. Rowden and Modesty have had such opposite upbringings but both have had troubles in life. I love how different Modesty was from other women in historical romance and how she grew as a woman right before our eyes. I hope the series continues! This author got me hooked and I’m invested in the lives of the fictional characters I read about.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
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