Seduced by the Spare Heir

Dynasties: The Montoros #3

by Andrea Laurence

Going from black sheep to king, with the help of one very special woman… 

Gabriel Montoro's worst nightmares are realized when his older brother abdicates the throne of Alma, leaving fun-loving playboy Gabe next in line. Now he needs to shape up—fast. That's where Serafia Espina fits in. 

The exquisite ex-supermodel can school him in the social niceties. But as they get into the royal routine, Gabe begins to see this old family friend in a very different light. Soon the protocols are out the window, and Serafia is sharing his bed. But is this angel hiding something that could threaten what they've begun?

Genres: Harlequin, Romance, Contemporary, Harlequin Desire, Contemporary Romance, Category Romance

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2015

About the author

Andrea Laurence has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she's working on her own "happily ever after" with her new husband and a golden retriever puppy.

Reviews

[StMargarets · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really need to stop reading the Desire line and dropping into series unannounced and without proper context. But these are the only categories my local library has been offering lately and I try to have an open mind . . .

*sigh * But I like what I like and I don’t like what I don’t like. So here are my issues with this story.

Plot – whiny (I mean Trump-level whiny*) playboy hero has to straighten up because he is the new king of a mythical island somewhere in the Mediterranean. The island has been a dictatorship for 70 years and now the people have voted to have a democracy with the royal family back. His father is ineligible because of his divorce. His brother abdicated to marry his bartender lover so the “spare heir” has to learn protocol.

Enter retired supermodel and family friend heroine whose family is also from this mythical island. After suffering a heart attack on the catwalk, at age 24, she is now an image consultant for rich families. The hero has the bright idea that the heroine can help him with all the new protocol and etiquette, while warming his bed.

Bottom line: she helps him. They become lovers. A court rival spreads ugly rumors about the heroine and the hero believes them. He rejects her. She goes back to Spain. Hero is set straight by an elderly handmaiden who witnessed the heroine’s family helping the royal family 70 years back. The crown jewels are returned. Hero begs forgiveness. He has a new queen. HEA


Character baggage:

Hero: was kidnapped and held for ransom in South America when he was in his early 20’s. He still suffers from panic attacks and claustrophobia. His parents never gave the kidnappers any ransom money so he had to devise his own escape. He still feels resentment for this, which is why he became a playboy.

Heroine: suffered from anorexia after being discovered as a model at age 16. She had a heart attack because her organs were shutting down. She still has disordered thinking when she is stressed and the reader is witness to this after the H breaks up with her.

This is triggering

TRIGGERING


There is a loaded gun of a passage – she talks about numbers (as in how tall she was and how much she weighed when she had her heart attack) She thinks about calories and minutes of exercise and is disgusted by food.


TRIGGERING

What the hell, Desire line? It’s fine to explore this subject, but don’t hide it in a royal princess fantasy trap for the unsuspecting.


On top of all this – this story was boring. There were lots of descriptions of other sequel bait characters and the inner workings of a mythical country that in no way would support an sustainable economy for the masses and lavish funds for a royal family without resorting to money laundering or crime.

WHINING*

I truly disliked the hero. Here are examples of his whines:

I have to wear a conservative suit and cut my hair?
I have to wear a military suit for the parade in my honor? It’s too hot.
I have to wake up at a certain time everyday?
I have to be nice to people I don’t like?
I have to go to parties and circulate. (Which made no sense because he was playboy partier and now he hates it?)
I have to listen to other people and think about their needs and wants?
I can’t just shack up with the heroine for a few years before marrying?

Whaaaa.

The heroine should run a mile from this man baby.

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combine I series I’m loving with an author I avidly watch for and what do you get? A novel I simply couldn’t resist. Laurence returns with her readers to Alma, giving us a sneak peek at the lives of the royalty. She combines realistic, real life characters with situations that many of us would never live. I loved the combination of everyday with the foray into royalty, the romance combined with family. The plot itself was original and kept me hooked.

I thoroughly enjoyed Laurence’s character development. These individuals were so lifelike, yet at the same time larger than life. The way that they grew as individuals throughout, combined with the choices that they made were things that were easy to relate to while also making them stand out. Their atypical responses to situations were at times comical, creating a bond between character and reader.

Not only is this novel a fantastic addition to the Montoros series but it’s also a great idea in and of itself.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Gabriel was the younger of the two Montoros sons, and the one with the reputation as a fun-loving, carefree playboy. When the family's homeland asked them to return to lead the country, Gabriel was happy that it was Rafe who would be stuck being the king, leaving him to continue his preferred lifestyle. That all came to a screeching halt when Rafe abdicated the throne to marry the woman he loved and the mother of his baby (Carrying a King's Child). Gabe had a very short time to learn what he needs to know, so he hired childhood friend and former crush Serafia to bring him up to speed. The former supermodel left the catwalk behind for a calmer, simpler life. She was happy with her consulting job and staying out of the spotlight. The last thing she expected was to find herself playing Pygmalion to a prince.

I really liked both Gabe and Serafia. In spite of the royalty/supermodel personas, both characters felt like real people with relatable issues. Gabe is one of those guys who seems to be the life of the party, and who everyone wants to be friends with. Though he gave a good impression of being carefree, Gabe suffered from some well-hidden fears. Years earlier he was kidnapped and held for ransom for a week before finding a way to escape. He now suffers from claustrophobia and panic attacks, something he doesn't talk about to anyone. Serafia was at the top of her profession when stress-induced health issues forced her to quit. The only way to avoid a relapse is to maintain rigid control over her feelings and actions.

I liked the development of their relationship. Gabe's reluctance to become king was glaringly obvious, and Serafia had no trouble calling him out for what she saw as his selfishness. The sparks flew between them as Serafia attempted to turn Gabe into the king that his people needed, while Gabe resisted at every turn. It wasn't until they arrived in Alma that Gabe seemed to finally accept what was happening. As they worked together on Gabe's transformation friendship and trust grew between them as well as passion. It wasn't long before Gabe realized that he wanted more, but Serafia feared what the spotlight would do to her. Challenges arose that played on their fears, and Gabe lashed out at Serafia with hurtful accusations. I wanted to shake him for the things he said and felt that he deserved every minute of the misery he felt. I liked his big moment at the end as he did a pretty good job of groveling. There was an interesting twist involving Serafia's father that put a new light on the rumors that had caused part of the blowup.

[Tilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5/5.
Είναι μια βαρετη, υποτονικη ιστορια προβληματικων ανθρωπων, με γενναια δοση βασιλικου πρωτοκολου. Ο,τι πιο ξενερωτο και αυτοκαταπιεζομενο δηλαδη.
Η συγγραφεας εχει το κακο χουι να προσπαθει να προσαρμοσει τα ζευγαρια της στο ευρυτερο οικογενειακο και κοινωνικο περιβαλλον. Δεν υπαρχει πιο σιγουρος τροπος να χαθει η προσοχη απο το ζευγαρι και να ασχολουμαστε με τους γυρω τους. Αυτό θα ηταν αρκετος λογος για να μην ξαναδιαβασω ποτε ρομαντζο. Αδιαφορω τελειως για τη σχεση των ζευγαριων με φιλους/συγγενεις/γνωστους, μονο η μεταξυ τους σχεση μ' ενδιαφερει.
Κατι μου λεει ότι είναι καιρος να τη βαλω σε μαυρη λιστα και το εχει κερδισει με το σπαθι της.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed the first book in the Dynasties: The Montoros series, Minding Her Boss's Business. So when the chance came to read another book in the series by one of my favorites, Andrea Laurence, of course I jumped for it.

Gabriel needs help changing his image, and Serafia, an old friend, is just the person to help him. She steps in to get his life to where it needs to be for the sake of his family. It doesn't take long before their attraction grows stronger, and how much they care about each other becomes a defining thing in each of their lives. It leads them to a kiss, which takes them down a new road. Gabriel needs to start making some serious decisions, and figure out where Serafia fits into his new life--if she wants to remain in it.

Seduced by the Spare Heir was an alluring and sweet story. I loved how there was more below the surface for Gabe with an event that happened years before, and the same with Serafia's past. It drew them closer, and the romance that bloomed from it felt so much more real. I can't wait to see what else is in store in this series!

My Rating: Very Good

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book interesting because the hero Gabriel who set to be the next King is in need of a makeover. Plus both Gabriel and Serafia both feel damaged on the inside that no one can see. The Montoros are set to reclaim the throne with Gabriel's brother out of running he is next in line, but this play boy prince is anything but ready for the new role. Thank god for Serafia her life's work is being a consultant and Gabriel thinks hiring her will be the perfect solution, she can help him and he can be closer to temptation. Serafia hates the spotlight. She has spent years keeping on the down low, but helping her people making Gabriel into the best King overrides her anxiety. Challenges are sure to come with jealous potential candidates for the Queen. Gabriel did come off sort of jerky to me at first, but that soon was remedied. Can Gabriel handle the pressure of being King? Will he let fears rule him and let the best thing to happen to him slip through his fingers?

[Melody Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabriel Montoro was in a fix. His brother in 'Carrying a King's Child' has just abdicated the throne for a life in the US with his wife and the child they are expecting.

So now it is left up to Gabriel to step in as the King of Alma and he needed help, a tutor if you will. Serafia has been a close friend who knew all the ins and outs of royal etiquette and PR so she agreed to help.

We all know what happens in romance novels when a hunky guy and a beautiful woman work together...right? We also know to expect the illusive separation at approx 75-80%. Everything is going so well and then the hero shows his ignorance...sends the woman he now loves away...accusing her of heinous wrong doings when she is totally and completely innocent and comes close to destroying her. The things Gabe said/yelled at her were ridiculous. She deserved better.

For me, the author did not redeem this hero's stupidity in this read. A three-star rating is generous IMO.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was certainly a lot of drama in this story! I loved Gabriel and Serafia together; they had a special connection that's hard to describe. While the story was a mix of fairy tale and hard knocks, it came together well. The story moved at a nice pace, and I quickly found myself at the end of the book before I knew it.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: M
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
HEA: Yes
Stand Alone: Yes
Potential for Additional Stories: Yes (There was just enough information to draw my interest regarding Rafe and Emily, Belle and Juan Carlo.)

[Joy Strother · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.It is a romantic book.I loved every page of this book.It is very well written.The only thing is that I was hoping the book would go further with Gabriel and Serafina's wedding.That would have been awesome but I love this book anyway.

[Hsiau Wei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabriel is the a fun loving carefree playboy and he never expected to play the role as the King of Alma. His brother has just abdicated for a life with his wife and child that they are expecting. Gabriel need to change his image and he seek his friend Serafia for help. Serafia is a supermodel who left the glamour life behind. She doesn’t need another spotlight after trying to keep low but helping Gabriel to be the best King is her priority.

Both Gabriel and Serafia’s character had a special connection that hard to describe. They both wounded by life and I love how their friendship grew and turn into love. It does come across as a fairytale story where there is a King as the main characters but the story line came together well. Overall it is a good read to me.

[Tim Covell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got off to a bad start with this book because the spare heir is already the heir when we meet him. The (multi-author) series revolves around a recently restored monarchy in a tiny European nation, which is a chance to have royalty and a modern settings, but the politics of this, combined with a Romeo-and-Juliet type conflict between the lovers, requires a lot of suspension of disbelief. The characters are both wounded individuals, which adds some complexity and helps make the rich and famous more relatable, but the resolutions of their wounds are not entirely satisfactory, and there are troubling unanswered questions which I hope are addressed in other books in the series.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabriel Montoro's brother decided to marry a barmaid instead of setting on the throne of Alma. Gabe has been a playboy and is not considered a responsible man. He hires an family friend to help him upgrade his image. Serafia is an ex-supermodel and does not want to be in the spotlight anymore. She agrees to help but is that going to be enough for either of them?

[Ronda Six Garnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictible but fun story..happy ending

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted on What I'm Reading

I basically spent most of the early morning (before the sun had the decency to grace us with its presence) reading Andrea Laurence's Seduced by the Spare Heir. I have to say that I enjoyed the story immensely, and it has me wanting to go back and read the other stories from the other authors that are part of this dynasty collection. Anyway, in Seduced by the Spare Heir we meet Gabriel Montoro (Gabe) who is about to have his world turn upside down. He is now forced to be come the King of Alma after his father is no longer in line, because he didn't followed the correct procedure in a divorce and his brother abdicated the throne. Lucky him. Now he has change his playboy ways and he's going to need help. Fortunately, he knows someone who can help him, Serafia Espina. Now Serafia use to be a model, but her career was cut short due to health issues. Now she's teaches young ladies or whoever in need of help in decorum.

Yes, Gabe is selfish, but he's the second son and normally they live a life whatever goes. However, we learn that he used to follow the rules until an incident that happen which changed his attitude. I can't fault the guy for being a bit selfish and willing to do whatever he wants to get his way. Then we have Serafia who was working her way to the top of modeling when her heart gave out. She actually had to learn how live again. I liked how she helps Gabe to become the man his country needs. I liked the story. I actually, like how Andrea incorporated Serafia health problems to be anorexia. It's something you hear about, but we kind of gloss over because the thing that is talked about is obesity. Anorexia can be just as scary. I knew a guy who actually died of health complications due to anorexia when he was younger. I liked that Andrea was able to work issues into Gabe and Serafia. I did like that they weren't perfect, but looked on the outside. Looks can be deceiving.

Overall, Seduced by the Spare Heir is a pretty good story. I did enjoy how Gabe decided he needed to fix things with Serafia and make everything right. Like I said it makes me want to read the previous books in the series, and the future stories.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

[Leone (She Reads too Much Romance) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one romance novel that did not fit with me. It was a book that a didn't favor nor did I overly enjoy majority of what was written and I do not think it is material that I would want to read again.

I hate to find a book that I have to add to my unlikable list because it is rare and I know that the author spent a lot of time writing this material. So out of respect to the author and the time it took to write this book I am going to start out with what I did like about the book. Mostly it was the plot.

The plot was very refreshing as it was a far cry from what I have been seeing in romance novels. I liked the idea of a heroine falling in love with royalty more importantly a spare who has recently heired a throne. This trait was what drew me into reading the book in the first place. So I did in fact enjoy the plot.

However the romance was the biggest letdown in this book next to Gabe, the hero. There was too much drama overload in the story to the point that it suffocated the romance almost entirely. The constant back and forth between Gabe and Serafia was too tiresome to want to continue to read this book. I pushed through in my reading but by the time I reached the ending I was ready to end this book.

Then there was Gabe. I did not like his character. He's a bit shelfish and more so child-like in his behavior that for my own taste did not fit the tone of this book. Royalty perhaps has a reputation as being spoiled but Gabe is a grown man that has a woman at his side who truly loves him and yet he refused for the largest part to accept his newly appointed duties as both lover and on the throne.

I doubt this is a series that I will continue. The author does have talent. The writing was easy and flowed well-enough but there are some major kinks that would have to be worked out before I could continue this series.

[Paula Legate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the (Dynasties: The Montoros series) but can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading other books in this series.

Gabriel is a prince, and is about to be King of Alma. He seems like a everyday guy, someone you'd be friends with. He has fears just like everyone does. His fear is being in small spaces. He has panic attacks when he finds himself in a basement, or other dark, small spaces. He was not raised as royalty. About to be King, is taking some adjusting too. He hires his long time friend Serafia to help him with the make-over, and to teach him protocols, and the do's and don'ts. Serafia was a model, but battled anorexia. She stopped modeling, and went into treatment when she had a heart attack. she is better now, but it is a disorder that she will always have to face. The world saw her as beautiful, but she saw herself flawed. The one thing I loved about this book, is even tho she saw her flaws, it was never a pity party. the disorder was talked about. I think more people should talk about it. At the same time, the information was said one time, and not repeated. I hate those books where the information is repeated throughout the story. I also hate the books where the heroine is oh, poor me, He can't ever love me... yada yada, yada

I love how the friendship grew and turned into love. I do think she was a little too quick to forgive when Gabriel acted like a jerk. On the other hand, she was in love, so all is forgiving. I loved reading about the history between the two families. This was a fun book to read.

[Judyrudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by the Spare Heir is Andrea Laurence’s contribution to Harlequin Desire’s Dynasties: The Montoros series. I love this series and Ms. Laurence’s contribution was a fantastic addition. Gabriel Montoro is forced to take the throne of Alma after his brother Rafe abdicates. Rafe not only doesn’t want the throne, he’s still dealing with some emotional baggage after being kidnapped, beaten and held for ransom. This ordeal led him to his playboy ways as he wanted to live life to its fullest.

Serafia Espina has known Gabriel since childhood. She became a model and was cast onto the fashion scene which had lifelong consequences.

When Serafia and Gabriel catch up at a party prior to his leaving for Alma, he requests that she help him make himself over—to become the face of a king his country would respect. An instant attraction is felt by both Serafia and Gabriel. As she aides with his makeover, he discovers a past that caused Serafia’s life as a model to end. Can Serafia change Gabriel into the man that is heading towards coronation and can Gabriel help Serafia deal with the past that changed the course of her life.

I highly recommend Seduced by the Spare Heir. It is a standalone book but the reader would benefit from reading the other books in the series. I’d like to disclose that I received an advance copy of Seduced by the Spare Heir in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Susan Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by the Spare Heir by Andrea Laurence starts when the dynasty that forcibly took over the Alma country and knocked of the Montoro's off their thrown has now ended and this story is about the spare heir to the throne, who because his brother abdicates to be with the woman he loves then becomes the next in line to be King of Alma when the Montoro's are finally set to reclaim their family throne once again. However Gabriel is not what the people may want - he is a playboy - who loves the bars and woman, so he asks the help of a childhood friend Serifia to help do a makeover on him because that is what she does for her living now since she left the model industry where she was a very famous model.

Gabriel had a crush on Serifia when he was a child but because she was 10 years older than him, nothing happened. However on meeting her again the instant attraction is still their for him so he hopes that Serifia will agree to help him. When Gabriel makes it known that he would like more than a business relationship - Serifia tells him no as she does not feel she could be his queen because she does not want to be in the spotlight again.

The story continues with the makeover off Gabriel and how he tries to win Serifia over. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, its characters where realistic and you could feel the pain and love coming out of the pages. Congrats Andrea Laurence on a lovely romantic story.

[Busy Bumble Bee Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book of The Montoros series we follow Gabe and Serafia. Gabe finds himself now becoming king of Alma after years of his family being thrown from power of Alma. Where he hires Serafia to help him become a king. After his father can't take over and neither can his brother.

I thought Gabe was a likable character. It was obvious that he had been through a lot, and that he had the pressure of being the best king he could be.

I'm not really sure about Serafia. I just couldn't really connect with her character.

I have to say I love a prince story and couldn't wait to read this one. I love author Andrea Laurence's other books. But I'm not sure what it was about this one. I just couldn't really get into as much as her other books. Now in no way does that mean it's a bad book.

I'm giving this book 3.5 Stars out of 5!!!!!

***I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for my honest review***

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by the Spare Heir is the 3rd book in the Dynasties: the Montoros. I have enjoyed reading this series so far and highly recommend this series as a must read.

Gabriel Montoro does not want to be King but has been left with little choice when his brother abdicates the throne. For the people of Alma to accept Gabe as their King he needs to change his lifestyle and prove that he can be responsible and the type of King the people deserve.

Serafia Espina is an ex- supermodel and a family friend whom Gabe had a childhood crush on years ago. Serifia is now an image and etiquette consultant and Gabe decides that her expertise is exactly what he needs to win over the people of Alma, unfortunately Serafia has a secret that may just do the opposite.

The attraction between the two of them is evident from the first and keeps you turning the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and once again Andrea Laurence has written a book that I couldn't put down until the end.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love royal stories so no wonder this book by Andrea Laurence swept me away. Seduced by the Spare Heir is delightful and entertaining from beginning to end. The characters portray their roles in a believable manner. Colorful, well-written scenes sweep you away into the fictional world of Alma where we meet Gabriel Montoro and Serafia Espina. Once you start reading you’re hooked. However this story wouldn’t be such an entertainer if the characters didn’t face the worst of trials. Interwoven back-stories give readers a clear glimpse into the lives of the characters and as Gabriel and Serafia get past their personal problems we see how the romance between them bloom. Overall, fast-paced and interesting!

Highly Recommended
5 Stars

[Tammy Wooding]

Going from black sheep to king, with the help of one very special woman...

Gabriel Montoro's worst nightmares are realized when his older brother abdicates the throne of Alma, leaving fun-loving playboy Gabe next in line. Now he needs to shape up--fast. That's where Serafia Espina fits in.

The exquisite ex-supermodel can school him in the social niceties. But as they get into the royal routine, Gabe begins to see this old family friend in a very different light. Soon the protocols are out the window, and Serafia is sharing his bed. But is this angel hiding something that could threaten what they've begun?

[Tina White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by the Spare Heir is another winner for Andrea. Gabriel and Serafia are two people who are a little broken but together the pieces fall into place. Gabriel is a reluctant King to be with some issues from his past and Serafia is a former supermodel struggling everyday with anorexia. They come together with a little drama and alot of heat. You have to read this one for yourself. Thanks Andrea for keeping all of your books unique and interesting.

[Michelle Padilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two secrets??

Both Gabriel and Serafina have secrets. Will those secrets destroy them or find them true love? He has just found out he is to be king and she is the childhood crush he had as a boy. Are these two to broken to be fixed or can they find love and trust in each other??

[Tia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall I wasn't too impressed. With his father not allowed to take the throne and his older brother abdicated, responsibility falls onto our here. He gets close to his childhood friend, the heroine, and then makes a total ass of himself, losing her. For him to only go back and grovel and ask her to marry him.

[Harlequin Books]

"They (Serafia and Gabriel) help each other heal from personal insecurities, and their transformations turn them into a stunning couple made to rule a kingdom. This is one makeover story you won’t want to miss!" (RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars).

Miniseries: Dynasties: The Montoros

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this book I could not put it down. The storyline is adorable and well written with remarkable characters. There are mysteries and lies as well as understanding, loyalty and love. This was and enjoyable read!

Received copy as gift for an honest review.

[karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Serafia and Glad Gabriel faced his demons. But I wanted more. What of the wedding and coronation. I am disappointed that Alex and Maria who were instrumental in bringing the Montoros back to the throne in book 1 have not been mentioned

[Geraldine Sadiku · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that brings together two people who with the help of each other unite in a passionate romantic love story well worth a look. Loved it.

[Fernande · Rating 5 out of 5]

great ending and the story was good too