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Princess Eleanor lives her life for everyone else. Her charities, her people and her advisors watching her every move. One step out of line, and she’s splashed across every major news headline. With a royal holiday in sight, she’s ready for a change of pace. But no one is quite prepared for how far she’ll go to step back from royal life.

Sean is trying to keep his head above water at his tattoo studio. After an investment gone bad, he wants to keep his head down and do the job he loves.

But when a mysterious woman stumbles in looking for a job, he can’t refuse her. He’s immediately drawn to her, with her infectious laugh and beautiful smile.

Eleanor never dreamed she would find the perfect man for her in a small tattoo studio. Her connection to him is palpable from their first meeting. For the first time in her life, Eleanor is thinking beyond what should be, and what she really wants out of life.

When the real world comes crashing back down on the princess, she’ll have to make the biggest choice of her life. Will she put her own wants and needs first? Or will she fall in line with the royal way?

Royal Reckoning is a happily ever after romance with no cliffhanger, and is the first in a new royal romance series, The Ainsworth Royals.

248 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2022

89 people are currently reading
658 people want to read

About the author

Emily Silver

49 books613 followers
After winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.

A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.

When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!

Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!

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5 stars
149 (37%)
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157 (39%)
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75 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for Angie.
1,405 reviews234 followers
April 15, 2021
My heart starts to flutter. Sean's hands move over my curves with a reverence I've never felt. Those lips I love so much move over my curves, curves that normally cause me so much pain. But right now? I feel like a sex goddess pulling my man into my siren song.

4 Pink-haired goddess stars!

ROYAL RECKONING was a sweet and steamy story about the effortless love that blooms between Princess Eleanor and tattoo artist Sean when Ellie takes an unsanctioned holiday from her royal duties. Ellie is third in line to the British Crown and is overwhelmed by her endless duties as Princess and the relentless paparazzi who criticize her weight, her appearance, and any other perceived slight misstep--while her brother lives the life of the adored Playboy Prince. Ellie is fed up with the unfair expectations placed upon her shoulders, so she leaves the duties of her royal life for one month and runs right into Sean's arms.

Sean is a successful tattooist who owns his own shop and who happens to be looking for a new receptionist. The chemistry between Ellie and Sean is tangible upon their first meeting, and the more time they spend together, the harder Ellie finds it to leave him behind and return to her palace life. I loved seeing Sean and Ellie/Kat together and how he made her feel more confident about her body after the constant criticism from the press. However, I do wish there had been more drama/angst as that's what I really look forward to in royal romances. Other than Ellie's sudden departure, I felt that their separation was fairly one-dimensional and I just wished there had been a more layered and dramatic fallout. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this story and look forward to Jamie's story next ♡

My Sean, the tattoo artist with a heart of royal gold...


*ARC provided by GMB Promo, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
Profile Image for Helen Power.
Author 11 books632 followers
January 9, 2023
This is a sweet royal romance. I love books where the heroine is hiding a secret, and this secret is pretty big - she’s a princess!
She’s given a month of reprieve from her royal duties, and she decides she wants to run away and pretend to be a normal person. So what does she do? She dyes her hair pink and goes to work as the receptionist for a tattoo parlour.
This book is an entertaining and shortish pick-me-up, especially with the darker books I’ve been reading lately!
4 stars
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
April 18, 2021
Princess Eleanor knew wat her future held but she also knew she wasn’t ready for it now or ever. Wanting to be someone else for a bit and wanting some freedom to make her own decisions she’s takes a leave from royal life- without getting approval.

When she stumbles into a tattoo studio and gets a job, she felt like she could get used to this freedom but what she didn’t expect was to meet broody Sean. Not recognizing that it’s Princess Eleanor he’s helping because she’s using an alias- Kat and is styling pink hair to disguise herself. Sean knows there’s something about her that makes him go crazy, but he keeps downplaying it.

As she lives her life without eyes always on her, Kat (Eleanor) knows this is the life she’s been wanting. Knowing that she must make a decision if royal is really for her, Kat (Eleanor) must first come clean and be honest with Sean of who she is. Get ready for what comes next!! Kara~ 4 Stars
Profile Image for Karrie.
380 reviews
April 5, 2021
Eleanor knew that she was not cut out to be in line for the throne. Her whole life has been training for when the time would come for her to step up and take her place as queen. While she was supposed to be on "vacation" which really wasn't going to be one, she ran away to go see what life was about besides what life had handed to her. On her first day away from the palace with only a hair color being her only disguise she meets Sean. Their attraction to each other is off the charts from day one. Sean not only offers her a temporary job, but also a place to stay once he found out that she had no where to go after she asked for a reccomndation on where she could stay for the time being. While being away from the palace she learns a lot about herself and who she really is. They fall in love and Eleanor feels guilty for not telling him who she really is. She was going to tell him since her time was coming up for her to go back to her real world and the palace until tragedu strikes her family and finds out that way.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
55 reviews
May 12, 2021
Oh my gosh! I cannot wait to see what else this series has in store! There are so many royal stories that end with a royal happy ending. And frankly those stories get old. That was not the case in this story, Eleanor is tired of the royal lifestyle and wants an out. In a split decision she decides to plan her own holiday. Then she meets Sean and loves his wild side and his freedom. There is an instant attraction and I loved reading each page to see how this love story played out. Eleanor has the change to make her own HEA and she doesn't have to be royal to do it!
Profile Image for _TheReadingmama.
58 reviews14 followers
April 20, 2021
A royally good book!

Princess Eleanor lives her life for everyone else. Everything she has ever done is watched under a microscope. When her holiday is coming up she decided to take advantage of it and seize the moment. Keeping her royal identity hidden she meets Sean, a commoner tattoo artist. Sparks fly, and the attraction is undeniable. Falling for someone isn’t an option when this holiday isn’t permanent. But when the heart is involved, there is no telling what could happen. Back to the throne or follow her heart? Will taking control of her own life and living for herself be worth it? Even if it is only temporary?

READ THIS! I’ve never read a royal romance, but it was amazing! Quick read, attraction, love and lots of steam! Sean is such a tatted up gentleman that makes you wish he called you “love.”

So excited to see what is next in the series!
Profile Image for Zoe_isreading.
633 reviews61 followers
April 17, 2021
As someone who reads a lot of dark romance, I do love finding the occasional light romance and this one definitely didn't disappoint!

I loved everything about this. Ellie is second in line to the throne, and just wants a normal life. She takes off, dyes her hair pink and becomes a receptionist at a tattoo shop. Sean is a sweet and kindhearted tattoo artist who falls for Ellie.

Emily wrote this beautifully and you can really envision everything that's happening and all the different places in London. If you're looking for a lovely, sweet but also super steamy book - this is one for you!
Profile Image for Katie | Bewitchedbookmama .
70 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2021
"But you want to kiss me?"
More than I want my next breath.

Royal Reckoning is the perfect, feel good HEA 5 star read to add to your TBR. Emily Silver killed it yet again - this time with her portrayal of the royal family and the dynamic of the constraints and stressors they face.

Even though Ellie is second in line to the throne, there is something about her that is highly relatable. She is still a breath of fresh air and stands out in comparison to other female leads. And Sean is everything you want for the hero in the story -broody, incredibly good looking and very talented in bed. From the first chapter, I was hooked and as I finished it, not even close to disappointed! Easily one of my favorites for 2021!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
243 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2021
Excellent modern fairy tale. Kat and Sean are amazing together. I loved reading how they help each other realize what is important in life. Look forward to reading more
Profile Image for Charl  Newton.
12 reviews
March 22, 2021
I just couldn’t put this book down!
Eleanor and Sean are from two completely opposite walks of life but they are so perfect together. Their chemistry is amazing and I was rooting for them from the moment they met.
I felt so many emotions while reading this, even cried a couple of times.
I can’t wait for the second book!
Profile Image for Gillian.
13 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2021
Wow I just fell in love with these two, feisty, beautiful woman finds the love she deserves .... Love love love
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Robin Orgera.
156 reviews5 followers
April 21, 2021
Princess Elle is 2nd in line to the throne is barely living for herself. Her every minute is manage and planned by the palace and the paparazzi is always putting her down about her weight. Even her vacation is planned without her input. Sean is a grumpy tattoo artist who is struggling with disappointment. She finally has enough, dyes her hair pink, runs away and gets a job at Sean’s Tattoo parlor. Author Emily Silver does a great job weaving the love story between the two. Loved the secondary characters of Prince Jamie, Ruby and Pierce. This is a fast-paced romance and is heartfelt. Can’t wait for Jamie book. This was my first time reading this author and will not be my last. I really enjoyed this book.

I received an ARC for an honest review
Profile Image for Tara.
1,194 reviews8 followers
March 16, 2021
That was an intoxicating read. AMAZING. An absolute 5 star must read alert. I'm still trying to come down from the absolute high that these characters gave me. It was just the read I needed: a sweet, loveable escape that kept me completely enthralled. This story is fun, sexy, heartwarming, moving & romantic. Kat and Sean are amazing together. I love their personalities, strength, and especially their hearts. What an amazing start to a new series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lager Lefse Book Blog.
563 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2021

In a modern world, what happens to a royal that has bigger and better goals in mind? What happens when that royal is second in line for the crown? Is she able to fulfill her personal endeavors and do what makes her soul sing? Well, Royal Reckoning answers these questions and more in this meet-cute fairytale romance.

Princess Eleanor has always felt love from her family, but not necessarily love for her future. When given the opportunity to have a royal holiday, she takes it and runs (literally).

The princess and the tattoo shop owner, sounds like a cliché, but Ellie and Sean are anything but that. Within each other they find that missing piece to make the other whole. Ellie was looking to spread her wings and let her true self out for a bit, while Sean needed more fun and ‘stop and smell the roses’ moments in his life. He has been so busy with opening his shop and other things, that he has lost/forgotten what enjoying life was all about.

Royal Reckoning was a quick read, both pleasant with some fog your glasses moments. As with most fairytales, there is a HEA that makes you smile!









Profile Image for Love Books Addict.
316 reviews33 followers
March 20, 2021
5 Stars! Loved loved loved this! Can't wait for the rest of the series!

Ellie/Kat - she's second in the line for the throne, and fed up of royal life. Unlike her 'Playboy Prince' brother who can do no wrong, she's under constant scrutiny. From her weight and outfit choices to who and how many she dates. She decides to take a 'holiday' from her duties, and escape to the real world for a few weeks. Step one: dramatic new pink hairdo. Step two: taking a receptionist jobs at a tattoo parlour in Shoreditch. Step three: definitely don't fall in love. And definitely not with her new boss. This is all temporary...right?

Sean - devastated that his art school project dream is over before it even got a chance to start, he puts all his time and energy into his work. Suddenly his life starts to feel less stressed, due to a certain pink haired goddess he can't get off his mind, the new receptionist he hired. He knows she's hiding something, but he just can't figure out what. So what happens when she's due to leave in a few weeks? Where is she going back to?

Tattooed bad boys with hearts of gold are like catnip to me! On top of the opposites attract feel of this book, I thought it was just great! It was fun to watch Ellie start to experience everyday things, like having fish & chips at the pub...under the guise of 'Kat'. I also loved the camaraderie between the other guys at the parlour (Pierce & Trevor), plus not forgetting Ruby!

Ellie & Sean have so much chemistry and passion between them, it simply burns though the page!
I can't wait for Jamie's story next in Reckless Royal!

**Honest ARC review**

No cheating. No cliff-hanger. HEA guaranteed.





Profile Image for Jennie.
247 reviews7 followers
October 17, 2021
This was my first book by Emily Silver and it was wonderful. I love a sweet and sexy Royal romance. This is the first book in the Ainsworth Royals series, featuring princess Ellie, second in line to the English throne. Ellie was strong but reserved in the public eye but had a sweet, vulnerable, curious side we got to see once she was able to get away from the responsibility of being a royal.

This story had a kismet vibe, because no matter what Ellie and Sean were always meant to cross paths. Their chemistry was passionate and sweet. I loved how they each brought out the best in each other and were the perfect match! This story was captivating from the start and filled with funny, delightful characters. I enjoyed the banter between the Bond brothers, haha and the beautiful friendship Ellie and Ruby developed.

The narration was great! It was my first time listening to Will Watt & Charlotte Cole. They did a great job bringing out all the emotions both Sean & Ellie had. I’m excited to listen to more in this series and can’t wait to find out if Pierce or James find their perfect royal match.
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,288 reviews20 followers
April 15, 2021
I have become such a big fan of Emily Silver’s and when she announced she was writing a book, based in London and involving Royalty, I jumped at the chance to read it.

Princess Eleanor is in line for the British throne. Everything she does is under constant scrutiny from what she wears to how she looks. Feeling the pressure, she runs from the palace to be able to breathe. Walking by a tattoo shop where she sees that they’re hiring a receptionist. We meet Sean, the hot and swoony owner of the tattoo shop. She tells him her name is Kat. Sparks fly between the two and it’s life changing.

I loved Ellie/Kat. Her personality spoke to me and I loved the kind of person she is. Wanting to do right for her family but also wanting to be her own person. Super relatable. And Sean? Whew. He’s one special guy who I wouldn’t mind finding a real life version of.

I have loved watching Emily grow as a writer and I can’t wait for the next book. It focuses around her twin brother, James. More of the modern day fairy tales set in London? Yes, please!
Profile Image for SaucyBishReads.
154 reviews15 followers
April 20, 2021
Royal Reckoning is incredible! It’s my first book by Emily and I was hooked from the first word!

Ellie is second in line to the throne and she’s so overwhelmed by her life. She hates being ridiculed by the press and never having any time to herself or for the things she wants to experience or the things she loves to do. She decides to use her royal holiday to her advantage and does a few things completely out of character for a Royal but not herself.

Sean loves art and is a tattoo artist. He owns his own shop and works with his brother and his best friend. He’s looking for a new receptionist... again and wouldn’t you know that a pink haired woman walks in asking about a job?!!

The chemistry between these two is oh so hot and instantaneous! I love tattoo shops and tattoos, so I was so excited about that and their story was perfect for them. The sweet and simple gestures and then the steamy and sensual moments had me swooning.

I absolutely recommend this book! Can’t wait to read the other books in this series! Five stars without a doubt!
Profile Image for Donna.
1,431 reviews14 followers
April 1, 2021
The Ainsworth Royals #1

Every day Princess Eleanor's every step is watched and commented on in a negative way as well as having every minute managed and planned out for her, including her upcoming vacation. So she changes her appearance, runs away to Shoreditch and sees a tattoo shop that is hiring and meets the owner Sean. He's grumpy and not so happy that she's there even though he knows he needs a receptionist.
She starts coming out of her shell and there are sparks between them but will he figure out who she really is and if so what then.
This is a sweet story of finding your voice and going for what you want. This is also a new author for me and one I will be reading again.

5 stars
Profile Image for Lyla Grace.
Author 10 books106 followers
March 18, 2021
I absolutely loved Eleanor and Sean's story. So much that I finished the whole thing in one night because I just could not put it down.

It's a modern day royal tale with a sexy tattoo artist as the hero. The chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts and Silver does an amazing job at setting the sexual tension between them.
But it wasn't just the characters or the storyline that drew me in, it was the whole world that she creates. The secondary characters are just as amazing as the MCs and leave you wanting to know more.

This is the first book that I have read by Silver and she's got me pulled in. I cannot wait for the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
2,043 reviews
April 18, 2021
"Legend has it that it's good luck to see the bridge open." ~Tour Guide

Ellie (or Kat) will take all the luck she can get. Growing up royal with the future weight of the world on your shoulders can get to be too much. When she escapes palace life for a holiday of her choosing, she finds her destiny. Sean is just trying to get by with his shop and live in the disappointment of his failed dream. He never expected a "pink pixie" to upend his life and feel his soul. The attraction between Ellie and Sean crackled, together they were lightning. Sometimes one change can alter the trajectory of your life. Luck, maybe, fate yes! So good. I cannot wait to read more of this series.
Profile Image for Norma .
383 reviews6 followers
April 13, 2021
What an emotional ride! This book had everything I love about romance. From the very start, I'm captivated in the story that Emily weaves.

Ellie and Sean will pull you in without fail and you'll fall in love with them as they fall in love with each other. Emily creates a world that has you smiling, laughing, crying and threatening to throw your reading device across the room as you dive deeper into this story.

Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for this amazing read that had me wishing there were more pages because I just wasn't ready for it to end.
Profile Image for Danielle Keil.
Author 58 books357 followers
March 20, 2021
OMG THIS BOOK!!! I stayed up way past my bedtime because I just Could. Not. Put. It. Down!
I was obsessed with this book and the life of Ellie and Sean. The instant connection they had made my heart aflutter. The push and pull they tried to do, the dancing around the chemistry made me crazy in the best way.
I cannot wait for the rest of this series. It was an amazing start! The characters are fleshed out so well, the locale perfect, I felt like I was inside the book.
Amazing!
Profile Image for Snem.
993 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2024
We’ve seen the reluctant princess trope before, but this was very sweet. I like the tattoo thing and I really enjoyed Sean and felt like we got a good idea of his character. Love our female lead taking control of her own life. Entertaining and read quick. Satisfactory albeit predictable ending.

The stuff I liked I wanted more of. More of his mom and grandfather, more on the art program. I know I was ready a saucy romance, I get it. But there were a lot of explicit parts and I wanted more narrative to balance it out. The writing was good, it would have held up.

I’m reading a lot of these quick bangers this year and this is a very worthy contender for a freebie. I was entertained and looked forward to reading it, what more could one ask for?
7 reviews
April 17, 2021
I loved this book! Pink haired princess, hot as hell tattoo artist, royal drama? Sign me up. This story was so fun right from the start. Emily does such a good job pulling you into a story and making you want more. I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
Profile Image for Jodi - JodiReadsnListens.
1,275 reviews50 followers
October 11, 2021
I hadn't read a "royal" book in a while, and Royal Reckoning was a refreshing, intriguing, and steamy read! This was a my first book by Emily Silver, and it won't be my last. I adored everything about this book!

Ellie is a princess, and is in the line of succession to someday be the Queen of England. However, Ellie is not feeling it. She is already tired of being in the spotlight and constantly being criticized by the press for her every move. I love how brave Ellie's character is. She steps out of her comfort zone and truly fights for what she wants. I admire that in a woman! Sean is a tattoo artist who is passionate about his job and a few other things in life. I love Sean's personality and charm! When these two meet, the chemistry is instant and undeniable!

Emily Silver has written quite a royal, radiant read! I loved it so much! All of the characters in this book have such fun and lively personalities! I look forward to more in this series, including James' story next!

***Audiobook Review***

Royal Reckoning by Emily Silver was a royally refreshing, intriguing, and steamy romance! This was my first book by Emily Silver, and it won't be my last. I read the ebook back when it was first released, and listening to the audio was such a delightful treat for my ears!

Charlotte Cole and Will Watt narrate this audio, and are absolute perfection as Ellie and Sean! Charlotte Cole truly shines bringing all of Ellie's passions, secret ambitions, and of course her love for Sean and her family to life in all the best ways! Charlotte captured Ellie's essence brilliantly. Will Watt's performance of Sean's determination, vulnerabilities, and charm is spot on as well! Will brought a certain tone to his voice that made Sean such a swoony and lovable guy!

Emily Silver has written quite a royal, radiant read! I loved it even more in audio! All of the characters in this book have such fun and lively personalities! If you love a royal romance with dedicated and loyal families, a hot tattooed hunk, a woman on a mission, a secret identity (pink hair!), delicious steamy time (hello hallway), and HEA perfection, then you will love this book!
Profile Image for Audrey.
24 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2021
ROYAL RECKONING REVIEW

Emily Silver may be a new author, but she writes like it’s built into her DNA. Royal Reckoning is her 3rd book, and she is bringing it with this one! “Thank god I’m sitting, because this man is absolutely swoon-worthy.” Emily herself described Sean perfectly I don’t think I could pick a different set of words for him, Sean is the perfect British gentleman that you dream of while Kat (Eleanora) is the loyal friend you hope for. She gave me goosebumps from beginning to end. Yes, I cried but I promise not all bad tears. This is a strangers to lovers, opposites attract book. It’s not a high angst book and is one you’ll want to read all at once then regret finishing to soon and you’ll defiantly want more from these characters. She pulled out all the stops touching my HEA soul. It was a perfect example of "I'm going to read one more chapter, maybe one more, another won't hurt" I 100% felt every feeling they had as if I were experiencing them for myself firsthand. I love a HEA, strangers to lovers and everything British. They are my favorite things to read so to have all three rolled into one book was FANTASTIC. I’m already looking forward to the second book in this series.
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