
Series: The Royals #1
Published by Nichole Chase on April 23rd 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 464
Source: Purchased Amazon
Goodreads
Amazon
Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.
Alex D’Lynsal is trying to keep his name clean. As crown prince of Lilaria, he’s had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women—especially women in the public eye. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She’s stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone’s front-page news.
While Sam tries to navigate the new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.
Samantha Rousseau is used to working hard. She is working on her master’s degree in wildlife biology. All the while taking care of her sick father. One day she is asked to dinner with the Duchess of a country called Lilaria. Samantha is surprised to find out that she herself is a duchess and they want her to go back to Lilaria to reinstate her title. Prince Alex takes notice of Samantha and not only is she royal but the prince wants a relationship with her. Samantha makes the hard adjustment of coming from a normal life into a royal one.
In ” an Oyster Shell – An uplifting rags to riches story with a steamy romance.
The Pearls – The concept of a commoner becoming Royal is a classic storyline. I feel like the author executes this well. It’s an enriching story that has its own unique twists. I like that the author was not afraid to create a modern day fairytale.
The character was distinctive and well-developed. I really like Sam. She had the right amount of edginess to round out her Royal fulfillment. She went into her role well, while staying true to herself. Alex was a sexy love interest. The contrast of the two of them made for an interesting story.
The romance was steamy but made the story. I like how Alex pursued Sam. It was an instant attraction but it wasn’t instant love. The relationship was appropriately drawn out.
The Sand – There were slightly explicit sex scenes which I would prefer were not there.
4 Pearls!