The Marriage Claim

Reigning Hearts #1

by Evie Mitchell

"As the warrior who saved your life, I ask for the right to invoke the akaternok ah yalonel—the Marriage Claim."

I have no choice but to marry. I need an heir—for the good of the country and the continuation of my bloodline.
If I could, I'd do it alone. But as Queen, I need a consort—and the only option is for me to take a husband.
Jonathan is completely unsuitable. Charming, powerful, attractive—and vying to be our country's next Prime Minister. He's a terrible choice.
But when he saves my life and requests akaternok ah yalonel—the Marriage Claim—I'm left with the hardest decision of my life.
Does he want my heart... or my crown?

Genres: Romance, Novella, Royalty, Marriage Of Convenience, Contemporary Romance

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling romance author. Evie Mitchell, delivers steamy, inclusive, body-positive romance filled with heat, heart, and happily ever afters.

Evie lives with her husband, their sausage dog, and an ever-growing collection of book-related mugs. When she's not writing, Evie loves curling up in the sun with an excellent book and a cup of tea.

You can find her at @EvieMitchellAuthor on all socials or EvieMitchell.com

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was LOVING the beginning of it. And then … it got weird. Like Jon loving her forever from afar and her not thinking that’s creepy???? And the sex scene was awkward. I wish this was a full novel and maybe it wasn’t he was in love with her but like drawn to her instead. I dunno. I love Evie Mitchell’s writing tho

[elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

lmao i reviewed the wrong book.

some novellas are worth reading. this book was so cute...well until he said "i love you" during the bedroom scene. we will excuse him though.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read the second book in the series, Silent Knight before this one, as it was a (very delayed, because of Amazon) part of the Polar Bear, Alaska series that came out this past holiday season, so I knew the outcome of this book, but that didn't stop me from wanting to know more about this couple. Hell, as I finished that book, I wondered if there was going to be one for Kit and Jon and it's like Evie Mitchell anticipated this and sent out a link to download this in her newsletter. (Yes, she did anticipate our wanting to know more - especially due to the Amazon stupidity - because she is very smart.)

Kit is the Queen of a small island nation since the death of her father, two years before. She's spent those two years determined to show that she is more than capable of reigning, when she is told that she needs to get married and produce an heir. As Queen, who would she choose? And what about marrying for love? Just as she has decided against love and to marry for duty, she gets a surprise. Jon is a rising member of Parliament whose party is forcing the Prime Minister to resign, however, Jon has other things in his sight. He is a warrior who wants to protect his Queen, at any cost. When he steps in to save her from an assassination attempt, she thanks him by offering him help with anything he wishes, but she didn't expect what came out of his mouth. Jon has had feelings for Kit for one hell of a long time and will do anything to have her, but will she have him?

This was a well told story that left me wanting more with this world - it definitely didn't need to be longer, but I would not have been disappointed if it were. Once the offer was made and the decision made, things moved quickly. I would have loved more time with them as a couple, but I was not disappointed. Not at all. Evie Mitchell always puts a smile on my face as I don't want to put her books down as she has a talent for drawing the reader into the world. She has not written a world/community/family that I don't want to be a part of - I'm looking forward to whatever she publishes next!

[Ignacia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I (finally!!!) finished with exams and finals, I've been searching for a light and short read, and found the perfect story.
I'm not normally a fan of the monarchy but I loved this novella about a fictional family of Aboriginals Monarchy (I suppose it's based in the Australian Aboriginals) of the imaginary isle of Astipia. I loved everything related to customs and the beautiful languague of the Manari.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Brittany bee_lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

queen + warrior

Short and sweet
-political/monarchy
-she’s the Queen
-he’s a warrior & politician
-both are virgins
-they knew each other as children
Kit + Jon were perfect for one another, I enjoyed their love story.

[Stacy Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did I miss this story?

How did I miss this story? I love Evie Mitchell and watch for her stories faithfully. This jem slipped through and I have to say I loved this quick read. Long live the Queen.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to this as the heroine takes on the role of queen and seems to have a rival in the candidate for Prime Minister. I was not sure about all the characters having such caucasian names but their culture feeling like it is inspired by the Native Americans or aboriginals (I might be wrong). The story starts heavy and somber as her father is on his death bed and Katherine "Kit" needs to be strong and hide all her emotions. She sounds like she gives too much of herself to her job. I usually complain at how draggy most romances are but this one felt too short?

The hero, Jonathan comes out of nowhere and I felt that their past is not explained enough before he is saving her life and then calling on an old practice of a marriage claim because he feels they are destined to be together. But it was really sweet how he just wanted to support her and allow her to let her guard down in private.

I liked reading about how Kit performs her role as queen and how royal life is not as glamorous as most think. I would have like more pages to flesh out their relationship and romance. The way her mother sees through to how her daughter really is was sweet.

[Katherine Gisleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice

LOVES:
- Katherine has my name with my spelling so I started out at least a little endeared to her 🙃
- I really appreciated the political aspects (especially poignant right now, see below 👇) and the representation of the indigenous people and their customs
- Learning of Jon’s whole scheme was a little strange, but also weirdly satisfying. I really appreciate his honesty and the easy way he explains how he feels.
- The tie-in to an event from another series of Evie’s was really interesting.
- Super cute ending!

“My biggest fear remained polarization of ideals, that political system would become so corroded, so infested with personality and ego rather than integrity and community that we disintegrated into infighting.”

[Lupe Dominguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh my. I wasn’t sure if I would like this, give the monarchy in Britain, but this was enjoyable! Very quick, not entirely sure why I didn’t finish it, but it all wrapped up very fast. I think this would be great as a longer book, flesh out everything. There was literally zero conflict, so that made it all HEA…like the whole time. Jon was part of the other party, I find it hard that Katherine would just take his word for it, that he only did it to get near her and what? Dismantle the Conservative Party from the inside??? That would have made for a GREAT plot. But oh well.

[Joyjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet, The Marriage Claim has the Queen of Astipia needing to secure an heir as part of her duty, but she longs for love. The frontrunner for Prime Minister saves her life and invokes the Marriage Claim. This is a sweet but sexy read, no cliffhanger, no cheating, happily ever after. Standalone within an interconnected series.

Contains: explicit sex, attempted assassination, historical parental death, he falls first, and a moving marriage ceremony ritual.

[Kate Khavari · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sweet and so cool?!

So pleasantly surprised by this novella! The romance was a sweet mix of insta love and male pining. But for me I loved the world building most of all. It was contemporary romance with a refreshing take on a royal family of an island nation similar to New Zealand or other Pacific nations and I loved it.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Queen is being "forced" to marry to produce an heir by her cabinet. During this time there is a parliamentary election and in the midst there is an assassination attempt on her life and one of the men who are running for office helps to save her life...and it's instalove. But only kinda since they knew each other as children.

This is short and simple.

[maru · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5


“The woman across the table considered me over her wine glass. She'd greeted me with the same ready warmth that she offered to every person she met, but I wanted more.
I want lust and love. I want desire and flushed cheeks. I want glassy eyes and panting breaths. I want her under me. I want her nights and her days.
I want her heart.”

[Jes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy Royalty!

Short, spicy, and surprisingly sweet! Kit is Queen. Jon is the up and coming favorite to be the next Prime Minister but he is keen on becoming something much more important. Evie can write anything and I will be instantly charmed.

[Charliegirl1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick fun read

Spoiler Alert:


Although at first this seems to be a stereotypical "forced" arranged marriage story, it's actually a quick, romantic read; a good palate cleanser between longer, more angsty books.

[EllieGraceReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This was such a great read!

110 pages yet it felt like so much more! Nothing felt rushed and I felt like I really got to experience these characters!!

I absolutely adore Jon and I love him and Kit together🥹🫶

[Yvonne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five huge stars

I loved this book. The twists and turns the love. It was hot. Another great Evie book. Highly recommended read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and unique story

My only wish - that this had been a longer story! Loved the details and the characters. So much. Highly recommend.

[Megan]

Originally read this as part of Reign: A Romance Anthology.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

[Vanessa Lawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I held out so long on reading this book.
I started it and couldn't put it down.
I cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Astrid · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

[Debra's Midlife Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick little read packed with such a lovely story. Insta love, second chance, must marry for an heir, and amazing honor to their ancestors. Evie is one of my favs, never disappoints.

[Kaeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

i haven’t read all of evie’s books but this will probably be my favorite. 🥹

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting much from the title and cover but I really enjoyed it. An easy read and bought tears to my eyes

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but cheesy- quick novella

[katsbookfixation · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really liked this it was very short and an insta love but it was done in a good way it didn’t feel rushed at all

[Emma :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

the marriage claim review

Oh my gosh! I loved loved loved this book! I loved the representation and the fierceness! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast and sweet. Evie’s books are the ultimate comfort read.