Prince of Blood and Steel

by Nazarea Andrews, A.J. Elmore

Seth Morgan has returned home after two years spent building an alliance that will take his family's crime syndicate to a new level in New York City's black collar society. He expects a warm welcome as heir of the Morgan empire. He hopes to finally marry Nicolette, the woman he's loved his whole life. What he finds is a different world, one where his family's legacy is in ruins. His big brother, Caleb, has changed into someone cold and bitter, plotting to overthrow their patriarch. And Nicolette, daughter of the criminal banking industry, has left the family entirely. When a vicious misunderstanding leaves Caleb dead, Seth is left reeling. Desperate for truth, Seth is forced to turn to his only remaining cousin, Emma, for support. As he tries to mend his relationship with Nicolette, he begins a search for answers that will take him from the dirty streets to the highest reaches of their illicit empire. Torn between the desire to protect those who mean the most to him, and a need to learn more about Caleb's death, he grows distant to protect them. As each secret surfaces, he realizes that the only way to restore his family is to take his place at its head, and fully embrace the brutal way they live.

Genres: New Adult, Romance

528 pages, Paperback

First published January 14, 2014

About the author

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.

Reviews

[P๏€cɨℓią* L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't get fooled by the 6-pack on the cover. This was not your ordinary romance story with alpha males. This was a dark edgy read of love and betrayal, set at the stage of the New York crime-infested underworld. The plot was solid with ingenious twists and turns, and full of vibrant characters. There was never a dull moment. Usually story needs time to build momentum and time for us to learn the characters, but not this one. We got plunged into story right away. Right from the start, we witnessed a twist. It was so unexpected that I felt blindsided by it somewhat.

The character development was amazing. We have unsuspecting demure little princess that eventually hardened and grew to become a critical part of the story. We have seemingly spoiled prince that become a real leader and with wit that can outsmart everyone. We have dubious foreigner that become a trusting ally. We have exotic "queen" and caring uncle that are not whom they seem to be. And, the list goes on....

The writing was superb. Some people said it was too descriptive, but I absolutely loved it! The authors have a talent to put the intangible into tangible. The atmosphere, the tone, and the scenes were all very cinematic. It was very much like watching "Internal Affairs". Ok, maybe not as complex as that but that's what this reminded me of. Here are a few scenes that I liked best, note the palpable tension:

Joint rage rises and refracts like sunlight through rain, ticking ever higher as each beat of silence marches after his words...

But the room has felt the shift. Influential family members, key players, watch Emma as if they have never seen her...

And, here for the internal turmoil of one of the characters:

Her muscles are rigid, and her anger is a molten torrent in her veins. Tears fight against her to rise, a flash flood of emotion for which she is unprepared. Now, she is shaking. Her fingers inch around the grip of one of her pistols...

I felt like quoting the action scenes too but then that would be quoting too much. You would just have to take my word for it. It was really THAT good!

The only reason I'm knocking a star off was because it really was just a start of a sequel, the tip of the iceberg, with the promise of a very enticing story yet to come. Don't let that deter you from reading this though, because it did not end on a cliffhanger. AMEN to that!

ARC provided by Inkslinger PR

[Holly Reads Xx · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

After having read and LOVED a previous book by Nazarea Andrews, and then reading the synopsis (after I managed to pull myself away from the smoking hot cover) for PRINCE OF BLOOD AND STEEL, I was definitely excited to get the chance to read this book. But my thoughts on finishing it, are mixed.

Seth Morgan is the prince of his family's crime syndicate. After being away for two years, he returns home to find his legacy on the brink of ruin. The empire that his father died protecting, is now being run on greed, betrayal, and lies. As Seth searches for the truths that lead to the murder of his brother Caleb, he unearths secrets that will force the family to embrace a new order. His order.

Books told in third person are not my favourite type to read. It can at times be confusing as to who the narrator is talking about until their name is mentioned so I often found myself skimming until I found a name, and then going back to the beginning of the chapter. The plus for third person narrative is that we get to know information about a variety of the characters, so the reader is let in on secrets and problems that the other characters will encounter at a later stage which definitely helped to keep things interesting.

For me, the first half of the book was pretty slow going. Not enough happened to truly hold my attention, and it wasn't until around 60% that I felt like the story really picked up, and the drama started to unfold. And once it did, I was hooked. I loved pretty much everything about the last half of the book.

I wasn't a fan of Nic at all, even from the very beginning. There was just something about her that I didn't like so I really hoping that Seth wouldn't marry her like he was hoping to on his return. Emma was a completely different story though. I LOVED her. I could list all the reasons why I liked her but I won't, because there's honestly no way that you could not like her. And then of course we have Seth, and also Rama who I actually loved equally.

Romance wise, I'm not really sure how this series will play out. Part of me wants Seth and Emma to get together, but like I said, I love Rama just as much as Seth, so I'd also be happy if Emma and Rama ended up together. And as far as the storyline is concerned, I'm very excited to see where AJ and Nazarea take us in the next installment in the series due out in the Summer of 2014.

After a slow start, PRINCE OF BLOOD AND STEEL turned out to be a great book with lots of unexpected twists, backstabbing and one heck of an explosive ending! I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the sequel.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

[Lisa (A Life Bound By Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy shit this book! It's NOTHING like what I was expecting. It took a bit to get used to the writing and how detailed and descriptive everything is but once I got used to that the book just unfolded before me and was pretty great! Full review to follow for the blog tour.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

This book is one of those that leaves you absolutely reeling after you read the last word. Prince of Blood and Steel was nothing like I expected, and I feel like my thoughts and emotions are all over the place. I have read books by Nazarea Andrews before and really loved them, but never having read anything by AJ Elmore I didn't really know what to expect from her. I really enjoyed the content of this story, even though I did have a few issues with it. Seth and Emma really drew me in though, and I found that I absolutely had to keep reading to see what would happen.

After his father's death, Seth is sent by his Uncle to build the family relations in Cuba. He returns after two years and quickly finds that nothing is as he left it. He is hoping to be welcomed back as the rightful heir to the family empire and finally marry the love of his life Nicolette. Nic is the daughter of a family ally and even though their relationship was arranged, they fell in love with each other. Upon returning home though, he finds that Nic has left the family completely, and his family's empire is completely falling apart. His older brother Caleb is nothing like he had been, now he is cold and unwelcoming. When things get out of hand, Caleb ends up dead and Seth is left wondering what happened in the two years he was gone and who he can really trust. Seth begins searching for answers and surrounding himself with those that he knows he can trust. Seth turns to his favorite cousin Emma to be his right hand, and together they begin to take their rightful place of ruling their family empire. But the current leadership under their Uncle isn't so quick to give up everything that they have under their power. Will Seth be able to finally marry his fiance and rule the city he has always felt was his?

I liked Seth. I feel like as much as we get to know about him in this story, we really don't know much about him at all. He is one of those guys that always keeps his guard up and refuses to let others in. He doesn't give much away, and is very careful who he allows to see him. I will admit I didn't really understand some of his actions. He would claim that Nicolette was the love of his life, and yet he was drawn to Vera and would mess around with her with little effort on Vera's part. I loved that he was really close to his cousin Emma though and their relationship was one of my favorite parts of the whole book. Emma and Seth had a really great connection, and I loved their loyalty to each other. I didn't care for Nic from the beginning. She seemed to be cold and secretive. She was often described as icy, and I think that word fit her perfectly. I also thought it was kind of strange that we find her completely out of the family and living on her own when the story starts, and then after Seth is back all of a sudden she is back in the thick of it immediately. She never really seemed to have many feelings for anyone including Seth. I did however really like Emma. She was smart and strong, and so much more than anyone gave her credit for. She was really underestimated and I loved her standing up for herself and taking her rightful place in the family. She was unwavering in her trust and devotion to her cousin, and that just made me love her even more. I also liked Rama. At first I wasn't sure what to think of him, especially with the secrets both he and Emma were keeping from each other. But he really seemed to like her and want to protect her. He definitely grew on me as the story went on.

Overall, this book leaves me with mixed feelings. I really loved the story. It was interesting and different, and it kept me so invested in the characters and outcome that I didn't want to put it down. But I will admit that I almost DNF'd (did not finish) because of the delivery. The style it was written in was extremely hard to get into and get used to. If it wouldn't have been for how great the story was, I would have given up. Everything was so detailed and wordy. Although I enjoy details, it was too much at times. It's hard to really describe what I mean, and for me it was just a personal preference on what I like to read. I just didn't personally like the style this book was written in. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, just wasn't for me. I really am glad that I stuck with it though, as I can truly say that I enjoyed the story. I had to keep reading to see how everything played out, and I couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold. I know that I will read the next book because I have to see what happens from here. Without spoiling anything, we are left not with a cliffhanger exactly, but there are things definitely left up in the air after the events of this book. I am really excited to see what happens in the future and what is in store for the characters and their empire. I think that this story is worth giving a shot, and I think a lot of people will really enjoy this book. It leaves you wondering what will happen next and who is trustworthy. I was guessing the entire book through, and I can honestly say that I didn't see all the twists and turns. Even with the issues I had, I am anxiously awaiting the next book about the Morgan Syndicate and look forward to reading more in the future from Andrews and Elmore.

**ARC provided by Inkslinger PR**

[Roxanne Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fantastic read. It had a solid plotline, riveting writing that captured me the second I started reading, and it was well paced with enthralling twists. There was never a dull moment and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.


The characters were all really well written and defined, and with so much going on things could have easily become confusing, but they didn’t. I clearly knew everyone’s place within the underworld. I was a little surprised when a few characters seemed to drop off the pages. I had expected them to be key players, and even though in many ways they were, they just vanished only to pop up at the pivotal point of this book. It left me wondering what they had been up to, and why they weren’t heard from until the end. It didn’t, however, take anything away from this story.


I hadn’t expected Emma to play such a large role in this book, but she, of all the characters was the only one I saw develop and grow. Seth grew into a real leader, realizing his mistakes and his weaknesses, but I had expected that from him; Emma on the other hand, she just became more fierce and feisty as the story progressed. Her passion intensified and she really found her place within the family business. I was proud of her for standing up for herself, and for having the guts to put the Prince in his place from time to time. The final dining scene was the most shocking for me. She really proved that she could make it in a world of violence, and brutal disloyalty and dishonesty.


This was a thrilling ride filled with passion, love, lust, betrayal, heartache, and so the list goes on. It was dark and gritty, with a lethal dose of passion that saw its characters in a fight for the empire that was on the brink of destroying them all. Absolutely brilliant. A definite MUST READ!

[Tana Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prince of Blood and Steel is filled with love, lies, and betrayal. This book hits the ground running leading with the death of Seth’s father the Morgan King. A high profiled crime boss who rules the Upper East Side. His death leaves his two twenty something son’s to take the thrown. Soon filled with grief and a sense of responsibility to his family Seth the younger of the two brothers is sent on a mission to find allies to aid the family business in the wake of his father’s death. After two long years Seth returns to find his whole life hanging on by a thread. Nothing is the way that he left it. As much as his life in the Upper East Side has changed in his absence the care free playboy changed even more the once immature boy who only care in the world was which party to attend; returned a hardened man determined to get back all the things he lost in the two years he was away; including his throne and the love of his life.

Upon his return he faces more loss with the death of his only brother. The struggle to regain his rightful place as king of the Morgan Empire is only rivaled by his need to avenge his brother’s death. He doesn't know who to trust or where to turn but he does know that he can always count on his two favorite girls; his beautiful cousin Emma a Princess to this life and the only women he ever loved Nicolette. This unstoppable threesome plan to take what has always been theirs. The Morgan Empire. This book constantly kept you guessing what was coming next. Filled with twists and turns but it always came down to who was loyal and who was only loyal to your face.

Full Posting--> http://herjuicyreads.com/?p=1853

[Dawn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this book by the authors in exchange for an honest review. I loved both the synopsis and the cover of this book. Luckily, neither disappoint. This read was a little darker than I expected, but I absolutely loved that. Prince of Blood and Steel is well worth a read. Let’s start at the beginning, Seth Morgan is home after two years away from his family and their crime syndicate. Only problem is that the operations are virtually in ruins. Everything is a gigantic mess of corruption, greed and evil after the death of his father. Seth is forced to step up to the plate and try to repair all the damage that has been done. Unfortunately, his brother Caleb is killed among the chaos as Seth tries to find out what happened to his father’s beloved empire. This book is more action oriented than I usually read but that did not deter me one bit from enjoying the story. Honestly, there were some characters that I did not like- note to Nic, but then there were characters such as Emma that I adored. I found it hard not to like her. Seth was intriguing due to his intensity and drive. He would be a polarizing as the leader of his family’s business. There are a couple of times when the book felt a little slow but then something would happen to pull me right back in. I’m really glad that I was able to read this book. The two authors definitely have a new fan in me.

4 out of 5 stars.

[Gabic Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Original review at Gabic Reads. (Coming February 16) Review copy received from author for an honest review.

I couldn't get through this book. It was so confusing to follow. There was an over-excessive use of the pronouns "he" and "she." At the beginning, Seth sees a girl in a bar and buys her a drink. He then follows her (Emma) out to the alley and tells her he loves her. She gets mad and runs away. Then he wanders around the city until he ends up outside "her" house. Imagine to my surprise, that it wasn't the first girl's house. It was a different girl's house, Nicolette. Later, he thinks about how much he loves her. I had to go back to the description to understand what was going on. Then, later, a third girl comes into play. Apparently, Seth cheated on Nicolette with a reporter named Vera. But back to the pronouns. Characters would come into the scene and the only introduction would be "He/she walked into the room" (or something like that). There was one whole scene where a girl walked up to Seth and she was there for a little bit and then she left "as suddenly as she came." There was no mention of the girl's name at all in the scene. After that, I pretty much gave up on the book and couldn't bring myself to finish it.

[Sandie Book Boyfriend Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 hearts

How you ever read a book that was hard to put down? That is what happened with this book. I didn't know too much going in all I knew was that it was about a mob family, and that was enough for me. Plus did you see the cover? Holy hotness Batman!

This story is thrilling and exciting, it had me on the edge of my seat. Seth is sent away after his father's death. He returns home 2 yrs later and lets just say its not at all what he expected. His family's empire is falling apart and the love of his life is no longer apart of the family. His brother Caleb is not the same guy he was prior to Seth leaving. All of this and then his brother ends up sleeping with the fishes or you know he dies. Seth doesn't know who he can trust any longer. The only person he can turn to is his cousin Emma. I really enjoyed Emma. She doesn't seem like the type to be bad ass but the further I read the more I liked her.

This book has intrigue, drama and suspense but the only downfall that I had was that its too detailed. At first I had a hard time getting into the book. It took me a while to get used to the writing but once I got to a certain point, I was in like sin.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince of Blood and Steel by Nazarea Andrews and AJ Elmore is a gripping story of family, mafia, crime, love and betrayal like nothing I've ever read before. From the beginning of the story this story pulls no punches. You are immediately immersed in the drama and betrayal.

Is Seth successful in saving the "Family" business? Can he win back his childhood sweetheart? Put on your big girl panties, settle in with some wine, and dive in to this thrilling, sexy tale. I warn you - It's intense!

[Simone Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out my rev:

http://makemydaybooks.blogspot.co.uk/...

[Stephanie McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please, please tell me there is a second book.

[Lidia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's strange but I agree with both , good and bad reviews I read. Much confused the use of third person and for me there wasn't one character who lovable and nice...maybe Emma, sure not Seth. Also ,all speaking to love but then Seth and Emma are cousins, Seth cheats on Nic, Rama think at Caleb, and Nic...
Maybe is only the genre, the criminal stuff but is very unpleasant to read .
While If I think of this book like a film then I appreciated the photograph, the dark atmosfere of New York and how the author was able to portray the world of family's crime syndicate , decadent and harsh, where beauty, money,power are more important than love and family.

[WiLoveBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark, intense story about a mafia prince returning home to find his place in "the family" after two years away. Full of violence, suspense, secrets, betrayal, and more. There is some romance, but the focus is on Seth and his cousin Emma and how they fit into this mafia family.I had a hard time at first with the shifts in POV, trying to figure out which characters were important and who I was supposed to care about. Between that and the descriptive writing I had to re-read parts to figure out what was going on. But the story was good and there was plenty to keep the pages turning.

[Rumpled Sheets Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince of Blood and Steel is an unexpected journey.

The story pulls you in from the start and has you hooked on it.

Twists and turned, drama and the unexpected things make the story intense. Seth makes this story sexy and addictive.

Authors did a great job in writing the story and crafting the characters.

Very enjoyable and interesting read.



≧◔◡◔≦ 4 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦

>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<

[April Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

i won this from the goodreads contest and it wasnt what i expected. it sounded interesting from the synopsis but i was very bored with it. it could be that the book was way too long with not a whole lot going on to make it good for the length. i found myself skimming paragraphs which i only do when im bored with it. it just didnt do much for me if im being honest. it wasnt a terrible book but just not a book for me