Royal Scandal (Royals in Exile, #1) by Marquita Valentine

Jan 23, 2017 Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog rated it liked it

Shelves: contemporary-romance, dual-pov, friends-to-lovers, marriage, 2017-reads, arc, royal

3 stars!

Review at Of Pens and Pages.

They can pretend we don’t exist, but that doesn’t mean we have to pretend we don’t exist as well.”

The members of the royal house of St. Claire––or what’s left of it, at least––are exiled to a small town in North Carolina after the gruesome murder of their parents. Colin Sinclair, the eldest of the siblings, is left to pick up the pieces, take care of his brother, twin sisters, and act as father to his baby brothers, both of whom are barely toddl ...more

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Jan 18, 2017 Dash fan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, profile

Royal Scandal is exactly what this book is based on.

Colin and he's family, are Exiled from the British Isle, due to their parents murder.
They escape to the States to start a new life. Leaving their Royal Heritage behind.

Colin has a lot to deal with including protecting he's 2 sisters Charlotte and Imogen and he's twin brother's who are very young.
Imogen is the rightful Queen and it's Colin's duty to protect her from the outside world and their identity a secret.

Beaumont is the Royal head of sec ...more

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Dec 15, 2016 Nicola added it

Shelves: dnf

DNF @ 35%.

I was looking forward to this after the little hints we were given in the last of Marquita Valentine's Take the Fall series, and whilst in theory it sounded great, in practice, sadly it wasn't to be.

"Princes don’t move to suburbs outside of Charlotte and live there for ten years without someone noticing."

description

And there lay the sticking point #1 as I couldn't get past this slightly ridiculous notion that these characters were high ranking royalty, yet able to live rather normal lives i ...more

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Dec 12, 2016 Dali rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-read, contemporary-romance, standalone, friends-to-lovers, published-2017

An adorably sweet and sexy story about Royal Scandals and fairytale love.

After forced to leave their country right on the heels of their murder, Prince Colin Sinclair and his brothers and sisters hide royal identities in a small town in North Carolina. Having only themselves to rely on, a barely old enough Colin assumes the role of guarding to his teenaged brother and twin sisters and as a father to his two baby brothers, yet he knows nothing about bottles and diapers. Fortunately the gr ...more

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Dec 02, 2016 Lady Heather rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-release, erotica, domineering-alpha-lead, adult, dual-pov, fiction, 1st-in-a-series, love-the-author-a-must-buy, marquita-valentine, holy-hell-this-author-can-write-som

Publication Date: January 24, 2017

Talk about royal scandals.
The Sinclair children are the victims of their Parent's selfish lifestyles and egos.

https://youtu.be/nlcIKh6sBtc

Great story!
Wonderful, colorful characters.
I think this is the most erotic book Ms. Valentine has written (or that I've read by her).
Holy Shit! This book was HOT!

I look forward to reading more stories about the Sinclair children (I think Charlotte's going to shock everyone).

"A copy of this book has been provided by the publis ...more

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Feb 07, 2017 Mercedes rated it really liked it

Crown Prince marries his best friend who happens to be a maid? Definitely a fairytale . . . right? Less of a fairytale when you take into account the fact that Prince Colin, his two sisters and three brothers have all been exiled from their home after their parents brutal death. With Della’s help Colin manages to provide a stable life for himself and his siblings, but thoughts of home are never far from their minds.

Well, you know how we Americans are. Rebelling against the Crown since 17

Crown Prince marries his best friend who happens to be a maid? Definitely a fairytale . . . right? Less of a fairytale when you take into account the fact that Prince Colin, his two sisters and three brothers have all been exiled from their home after their parents brutal death. With Della’s help Colin manages to provide a stable life for himself and his siblings, but thoughts of home are never far from their minds.

Well, you know how we Americans are. Rebelling against the Crown since 1776.

Colin Sinclair assumes the role of head of the family and takes his siblings to a sleepy town in North Carolina where he does his best to keep them safe, happy, and out of the eye of the media all while trying to find someway for them to go home again. Colin befriends the caretakers daughter, Della, and their friendship becomes a cornerstone of his and his family’s lives.

I bet he's royally endowed.

Della Hughes first meets Colin just after he’s callously evicted her and her step-mother from their home. She seems him struggling with his two young boys and offers to help care for them. Before she knows it, she’s so deeply enmeshed in their lives it’s like she’s part of the family.

Special but not welcome. Gotcha . . . I'll say 'bless your heart' a lot.

Colin and Della have a tough road ahead of them. He can’t be honest with her and it creates distance between them but she’s his best friend and when he needs help she’s there in the blink of an eye. Della and Colin work well together when they’re both honest with each other but with a few big secrets between the two, there are some definite hurdles to overcome.

Did you think perhaps our mother was a lonely, bored sociopath, just like our father?

Ultimately, this book was sweet and easy to read. I enjoyed both Della and Colin, but I’m also intrigued by the other siblings. I didn’t so much care for the drama with Parliament and the relationships their parents had but there was a lot of looking back that needed to happen before everyone could move forward. I’m definitely interested to see what happens with Charlotte but I’m most excited to see how Theo’s story pans out.

**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book

I won a copy from ❄️ Shh… Holiday GIFT Giveaway 2016! ❄️
https://goo.gl/OS0PDN
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Nov 29, 2016 Jennifer rated it really liked it

ARC received for review

3.5 stars

Great start to the series, but I don't like the cover at all. Royal's in exile and the prince falls in love with a maid. Loved that their country passed from Queen to Queen and that the King is a figure head. Lots of surprises along the way. Collin and Della were hot in between the sheets, but their romance and chemistry was just a little blah. Great epilogue and preview to the next book. ...more

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Jan 05, 2017 Lover of Romance rated it liked it

Shelves: genre-contemporary, topic-laughs-and-giggles, trope-marriage-of-convenience, topic-secrets, trope-rags-to-riches, characters-royalty, characters-maid-or-servant, pub-2017

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary
When crown Prince Colin Sinclair's parents were assassinated, both he and his siblings were placed into exile and had to take care of each other in American while trying to figure out a way to get back in the good graces of Parliament, so that his sister can rule. Colin knows that it won't be easy but will do everything he can to see that his family are placed in their rightful place as they were meant to be This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

Summary
When crown Prince Colin Sinclair's parents were assassinated, both he and his siblings were placed into exile and had to take care of each other in American while trying to figure out a way to get back in the good graces of Parliament, so that his sister can rule. Colin knows that it won't be easy but will do everything he can to see that his family are placed in their rightful place as they were meant to be. With two infant brothers to take care of, he hires on a local, to help be a caretaker for them. Delia Hughes is a home service maid, and even though she has always had feelings for Colin, she will do anything for him and his two boys. And when the secret is out, and he is in need of a wife out of convenience, she accepts not knowing what will happen in the future or what Colin expects of her. The last thing she ever imagined would be falling in love with a prince.
Plot and Story Line
This is a classic maid falls in love with royalty scenario but I enjoyed certain details that this author shows in this one. This royal family was fun, their bantering with each other pretty lively and you quickly fall in love with each of them, especially the youngest two boys. This royal family rules by the female, which I found to be very interesting. Even though Colin is the Crown Prince, it is his sister who is the true future Queen. In the beginning of the story, we see Colin and our heroine meet and not under the best of "circumstances" but you sense the chemistry flare between them. And then we skip ahead ten years later. Colin and Delia are still working together, but Colin is very close to having his family return to their home. Now Colin and Delia have had ten years of working together closely, so we sense that they already care for each other. But then Colin has a idea, and at first its a platonic agreement, but both of them soon realize they have too much chemistry to keep it that way. Now I found this story to be quite charming at times, the characters were easy to love but the actual romance fell a bit flat for me. I couldn't quite feel anything from their romance, which was a bit disappointing however I was fascinated with every other aspect of the story. So guaranteed I will be picking up book 2 because I can't wait to see how this family gets back their kingdom.
The Cover
Interesting...I like the yellow and her shoes are gorgeous!!
Overall View
Royal Scandal is a lively and charming romance that will leave you wanting more from this delectable family and their antics!!

Click To Buy On Amazon
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photo Addicted To Romance Reviews 2_zpsplp8m0tb.png

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Jan 24, 2017 Karen Mc rated it really liked it

Shelves: friends-to-lovers, royal

"Every once in a while, in the middle of our ordinary lives, love gives us a fairy tale.”

I’ve loved fairy tales since I was a little girl—from Cinderella to Beauty in the Beast to modern romances that feel like fairy tales. Fairy tales are just…SIGH…magical and mesmerizing. These magical stories transport me to a wonderful fantasy world that sometimes feels very raw and real. Royal Scandal by Marquita Valentine is a feel-good, friends-to-lovers fairy tale of a romance dipped in suspense that mak ...more

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Jan 23, 2017 ♥ WishfulMiss ♥ rated it liked it

Shelves: arc

I was expecting a sweet romance between best friends. With some humor, light angst and some heat. What I got was an overload of sweetness, two best friends that have been in love with each other for years (so much so that the H has'n't been with any OW in years because he only desires Della) little to no angst and nuclear meltdown heat (the scenes are borderline kink, who new rigid Colin was such a dominate stud?)

Colin's been in love with his best friend Della for years. But he's never been able I was expecting a sweet romance between best friends. With some humor, light angst and some heat. What I got was an overload of sweetness, two best friends that have been in love with each other for years (so much so that the H has'n't been with any OW in years because he only desires Della) little to no angst and nuclear meltdown heat (the scenes are borderline kink, who new rigid Colin was such a dominate stud?)

Colin's been in love with his best friend Della for years. But he's never been able to reveal to her his royal blood, or the fact that they have been living in the states and in exile from their home country. When he proposes a marriage in name to safe guard his sister's claim to the throne, it doesn't take long for these two to chuck the idea of temporary for the promise of forever.

I like Colin and Della, they were perfect for each other and I loved that they have a history together, a genuine friendship that cemented their bond to each other. Did I mention that Colin stayed celibate for his h as soon as he realized he was in love with her? For years, he's been in love and hasn't thought, let alone, touched another because it felt wrong when he only wanted Della. I absolutely love that about him.

The only gripe I have about Royal Scandal is the speed in which their relationship went from platonic friends to intimate sex partners. One minute their both convinced they can only be friends and that a future is unlikely and that crossing that line would be a very bad idea, and the next, their tearing each others clothes off and jumping right into being physical. It was a bit jarring. I expected more of a struggle or at least a deeper emotional response to the huge change in their relationship. Also I felt like Della deserved a good drawn out grovel from Colin for his intensional deception. When we constantly get told he loves her and trusts her 100%, his actions contradicted that.

Still this was a solid 3 star read for me. I liked it and I'm definitely intrigued to see what's in store for the rest of the royal siblings.

Safety: H/h have been celibate once they realize they are in love with each other. Neither is a virgin, there is no OM/OW drama/cheating. The H is 29 and the h is 27. Triggers: h can't have children and this causes some angst in the story. There is death of parents (both the H and h), adultery (by H's parents) and a short separation between the MCs that lasts a few days.

* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * * ...more

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Nov 28, 2016 Erin rated it liked it

Shelves: 2016

Okay..

I loved a lot of things about this book:
*All of the characters
*The overall plot
*The "tone" of the story
*The banter
*The sex was even adequate

That's a lot of stuff, right? If I were doing my normal review layout, I would give the H, h, plot, and sex scenes all 4 or 5 stars.

But my rating is 3 stars.

All that great stuff doesn't work if it's not executed properly. There were times were we were at point "x" in the story and a sentence later we go to point "a". That doesn't make a whole lot of ...more

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Jan 24, 2017 Sarah rated it really liked it

****AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW *****

4 Scandalous CROWNS

Royal Scandal, by Marquita Valentine, follows the exiled children of the Sinclair monarchy as they struggle to uncover the secrets that are hidden regarding their parents and their exile from their country, while the oldest son, Colin, tries to balance fighting for the love of his life and the protection of his family.

The whole royal family is interesting. Every single story line she has planned for this series has me intrigued based on the ****AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW *****

4 Scandalous CROWNS

Royal Scandal, by Marquita Valentine, follows the exiled children of the Sinclair monarchy as they struggle to uncover the secrets that are hidden regarding their parents and their exile from their country, while the oldest son, Colin, tries to balance fighting for the love of his life and the protection of his family.

The whole royal family is interesting. Every single story line she has planned for this series has me intrigued based on the characters alone, especially the second epilogue (book 2, please, ASAP). Even though all the siblings are involved in the story, Royal Scandal focuses on Colin and Della. Best friends for 10 years, secretly in love with each other, but both unwilling to take the leap, until they are pushed into it. Once together and feelings have been shared, let the sexy times roll. That honeymoon is the stuff of dreams, and who would have ever thought Colin was a little rough and dirty underneath that polished royal exterior. The whole relationship was enjoyable to watch, and the love and support between the two is fantastic, a true representation of a good and real relationship.

Royal Scandal has two main plot lines. Readers will encounter the relationship between Della and Colin, and while I enjoyed it, what really sucked me into the story is the royal secrets and scandal. Each illicit act drew me further in, as well as how each secret that was exposed would affect the Sinclair royals. Readers will be anxious to see how each of the siblings will react to the secrets that have been exposed, and I just know Ms. Valentine is going to continue to deliver the scandal and outlandish behavior in the next couple of books.

Marquita Valentine’s Royal Scandal is such a fun read. The relationship between Della and Colin is enjoyable, and the the deception and secrets of the royal family kept me entertained from the first pages. After that epilogue, I need book 2 stat!
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ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com. ...more

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Jan 18, 2017 The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) rated it liked it

Shelves: arc-s

Link to full review below! Cute, sweet, friends to loversSee full review on The Book Disciple ...more

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Nov 14, 2016 Sheryl C. Nash rated it liked it

Shelves: romance-erotica, romance-contemporary

*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*

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Jan 24, 2017 Tori rated it really liked it

Shelves: series, read-in-2017, romance-contemporary, humor, e-book, arc, review-for-smexybooks, net-galley, kids, marriage-of-convenience

Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/01/review-...

Favorite Quote: “Well, you know how we Americans are. Rebelling against the crown since 1776.”

Crown Prince Colin Sinclair and his royal siblings are forced to flee to to the United States after a coup in their country results in the assignation of their parents. Settling in Charlotte, NC Colin becomes the official caregiver with some help from friend. When their cover is blown and plastered all over the tabloids for the worl ...more

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Apr 25, 2017 Amanda rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2017, banter-gives-me-life, catnip-reads, friends-to-lovers, pining-hearts, clashes-of-class, hero-is-in-awe-of-the-heroine, scene-stealing-kids, sweetheart-heroes, reviewed-books

Reading Royal Scandal was like eating a store bought cupcake: it was sweet, easily consumed and I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t anything special. I should do more food analogy reviews, lol.

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Jan 22, 2017 Heather C rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, jan-2017-release

~ 2.5 Stars ~

This is my first Marquita Valentine book and I was excited about the whole scandalous Royals who are in exile story. However, I was looking for more of the scandal. This story has more of a Cinderella feel to it.

Prince Colin Sinclair and his brothers and sisters were forced to flee from their ruling country when their parents were assigned, forcing them into exile. For 10 years, Colin has played father to his two younger brothers while living completely under the radar in North Caro ...more

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Jan 29, 2017 (Nat) Reading Romances rated it really liked it

Very entertaining

Royal Scandal is the first book by Marquita Valentine that I read - and the first book in the Royals in Exile series. I love a good twist on a fairy tale, they can be so much fun!

In the second chapter we learn they were already in love - there’s a 10 year jump from the first chapter. They just didn’t have an excuse to do the deed yet. I didn’t feel like there was a romance building, but the consolidation of a romantic relationship. I wish I could’ve seen the moment they re ...more

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Feb 07, 2017 Sterling rated it liked it

Royal Scandal
Marquita Valentine
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cinderella and prince charming come true. Who doesn't want a happy ending? Collin is the embodiment of a true prince sandly one true love is a maid. But love always win everybody.
So let's talk about the fact that this story is good one, for starters who wouldn't fall in love with Collin. Him being a prince is just a bonus. I really just want to focus on the twists and the complications of the story cause this is where the meat it.
The part where almost all o ...more

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Feb 10, 2017 GimmeAllTheWerdssss rated it liked it

Shelves: just-ok, safe

2.5

Fairly lackluster. I may read the next book but I probably won't touch the next two as the H is a major manwhore and the h isn't much better. ...more

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Jun 10, 2019 Sarah rated it did not like it

Shelves: do-not-recommend, romance

This book is one of the more terribly written books I’ve ever read. Nothing about the dialogue felt natural, the plot moved way too quickly, and the way the characters behaved was painful.

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Feb 17, 2017 Monique rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews-all, reviews-netgalley, booklength-200-pgs, genretype-prose-novel-novella-short, format-ebook-kindle, source-netgalley, format-ebook-epub, timeframe-2000-2020-present, timeframe-2000s, fiction

Review written: February 17, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼

An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.

You know how sometimes people talk about romance as sort of a fantasy world or best picture world. Well, this is one of those romantic fantasies. It's a sort of Cinderella story (maid weds prince) but it's steeped in a world where things are half reality and half fantasy.

Let's start with the obvious fantasy part of it. Colin is Review written: February 17, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☼☼

An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.

You know how sometimes people talk about romance as sort of a fantasy world or best picture world. Well, this is one of those romantic fantasies. It's a sort of Cinderella story (maid weds prince) but it's steeped in a world where things are half reality and half fantasy.

Let's start with the obvious fantasy part of it. Colin is a prince... from the Isle of Man. Now, I happen to know a little bit about the Isle of Man because when I was younger I was beyond fascinated by the history of the British Isles. I knew I didn't know enough about it though, so I did some research to figure out if there was any plausibility to the story. And the answer was... it's not really plausible. Personally, I'd rather some fictitious place be made than take a real place and twist it all around, but that is my personal preference.

Since my plausibility meter was already shattered, I started noticing all sorts of other things that just felt "off" to me. It's just so ridiculous that she'd keep her job after marrying the prince - that job of being a maid and cleaning other people's houses. It's even more ridiculous that he would ok with that. I mean, seriously, she could have decided to be a stripper or a whore and I think he would have been ok with it because it would be what she wanted to do. That level of "empowerment" isn't exactly what I'm looking for in a guy.

And then there's the story behind their exile. I was rolling my eyes over it all. And the story of how their parents met. More eye rolling ensued. And the evil Prime Minister. By this time, I wasn't sure if my eyeballs would stay in my head. Like I said, this is every bit of romantic fantasy.

But then... here's the thing. Why did I like it if it was so eye-rolling-ly annoying? Because despite all the frustration with it, Valentine made me care about these people. I loved how Colin took care of his family and how Della took care of Colin's family. I lapped up Theo's pain. I watched Imogen and Charlotte struggle. I raced to the door with Aiden and Pierce. I ached with Beaumont. I want to read more about these people.

This review is ©February 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley. ...more

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Dec 29, 2016 Vika aka ♔ of GIF & Grumpy Smut-ateer *P/T Freebie Fairy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: series, freebie-or-arc, apart-too-long

Oh wow! Oh Wow!!! OH WOW!!! This has been the best read of 2017 for me! This book drew me in and didn't want to let me go!!! The characters, the plot, the action!!! All of it was perfection in the hands of Marquita Valentine. It's really been a while since I wholeheartedly fallen in love with characters AND secondary characters at the same time.

The premise of the entire series is quite unique what with exiled Royal Family that is matriarchy in nature! So that is where we find our poor Prince

Oh wow! Oh Wow!!! OH WOW!!! This has been the best read of 2017 for me! This book drew me in and didn't want to let me go!!! The characters, the plot, the action!!! All of it was perfection in the hands of Marquita Valentine. It's really been a while since I wholeheartedly fallen in love with characters AND secondary characters at the same time.

The premise of the entire series is quite unique what with exiled Royal Family that is matriarchy in nature! So that is where we find our poor Prince Colin Sinclair at the beginning of the book. Having to grow up and become a caregiver of his numerous siblings ranging from under a year old to late teens in the wake of their parents' assassination and consequent exile from their motherland. I just wanted to hug Colin and take some of that burden that has fallen on his shoulders. But Colin is a true class act giving it all knowing all this caregiving is to make sure a proper queen is put in place once the exile order is lifted meanwhile trying to stay under the radar in their new home of small town North Carolina, USA.

However, don't feel too bad for him as he meets a pretty amazing woman, Della, to navigate his new role of being the primary caregiver the very first day of the exile. It's truly a fairy tale story if Cinderella (minus wicked step sisters and mother) was written in present day. Della got herself some great attitude to keep all those royals in check while keeping all their hearts. It really is no wonder that this Royalty bows down to females because all the females in this book are pretty amazing. Yep, that's right no eye rolling for me when Della or one of the Queens pulled some stupid stuff.

What I loved most about the series is because Marquita wrote in a love story (and if I got all the hints the series will continue to provide such surprises) of unconventional love stories.

So I highly recommend grabbing this bad boy of a series by putting on your best ball gown, pretty shoes and snagging yourself a nice prince (or no prince at all) charming. But like I said even if Della and Colin won't do it for you (which I will judge you highly if they don't) there are a bunch of Sinclair siblings who are just itching to create the next Scandal!

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Nov 18, 2016 Elle Christensen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ultimate-re-read

Marquita has given me yet another story and alpha to swoon over! Like every time before, I raced through this story, loathe for it to end but unable to put it down. It’s sexy, fun, and intriguing, with some great twists. And, of course, a fantastic HEA.

Colin is such a strong character. Despite being young and immature, the product of selfish and careless parents, when the time comes for him to step up, he does so with complete commitment. He’s only 19 when his parents are assassinated and he is Marquita has given me yet another story and alpha to swoon over! Like every time before, I raced through this story, loathe for it to end but unable to put it down. It’s sexy, fun, and intriguing, with some great twists. And, of course, a fantastic HEA.

Colin is such a strong character. Despite being young and immature, the product of selfish and careless parents, when the time comes for him to step up, he does so with complete commitment. He’s only 19 when his parents are assassinated and he is forced into exile with his four five siblings, two of which are under the age of two. He becomes a father, a business owner, and the one responsible for finding a way for them to return home.

All of this weighs on his shoulders, especially the secrets since they have to keep their royal heritage under wraps. It doesn’t help that his neighbor is not only appealing physically, she becomes his best friend and over the years, helps him to handle the struggles in his life, even if she doesn’t realize it. Eventually, he accepts the fact that he is in love with her, but due to so many things, he assumes they can never be together. Colin seems stiff at first, but I grew to love his character quickly. Then he whipped out his deliciously dirty mouth and seductive skills and I was lost to him. He’s incredibly intelligent, determined, and loves fiercely.

Della has the natural instinct to mother everybody and she is more than happy to be a part of their lives. Particularly playing a solid role in raising Colin’s youngest brothers, whom he has let everyone believe are his sons. You can’t help but love her. There isn’t a malicious bone in her body. She is loving, understanding, and so forgiving. It was kind of obtuse of Colin not to realize he could trust her with the whole truth in the ten years they are just friends.

Circumstances force Colin to ask Della if she will help him by agreeing to a sham marriage. She loves him enough to agree even though the outcome is likely to hurt her in the end. But, Coin quickly comes to the conclusion that he’ll do anything to keep Della as his wife permanently. He woos her, seduces her, and inevitably, they admit to wanting the same things.

This doesn’t mean everything is suddenly solved, there are still a plethora of obstacles that they face. As more and more come out, it’s clear that their whole lives have been a lie and not just the secrets they have guarded.

I’m so happy that this will be a series because not only did I fall for Colin and Della, I’m completely intrigued with the other siblings and can’t wait for their stories. Marquita Valentine is one of those authors that I drop everything to read when they have a new book and I’ve never been disappointed. They have heat, action, intrigue, and so many things that go into making a story compelling and ones that put this book firmly on my re-read shelf! I’ll continue to eagerly stalk her, waiting for the next time I get to immerse myself in one of her worlds.
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Jan 18, 2017 monica ♪ rated it it was ok

Shelves: arc, dual-pov, erotic-romance, netgalley, new-adult, read-in-2017

2.5 Stars

I think 'Royal Fucked-up' will be more suitable for the title because this story is so fucked-up and confusing.
It's like I'm reading a fanfiction that is not written by a professional writer.

As much as I adore the British Royal Family, it's so hard for me to get into this story because:

1. I never read any Royal Family story before so I have no comparison. Actually when the first time I read the synopsis of this book, I was so excited to finally read a book about a Royal Family. But hon ...more

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Nov 21, 2016 Amy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017, 4-stars, review-books, 2016

4 Royal Stars!!

“In our fairy tale, anything is possible.”

I’ve been on a real royal kick lately, so snagging myself a copy of Royal Scandal was a no brainier. This book had it all from secrets and lies to a marriage of convenience, to a fantastic friends to lovers romance. Marquita Valentine totally knocked it out of the park with this one!

Royal Scandal pulls you in from the very first moment Colin is introduced. You see, after Colin’s parents were murdered, he had to grow up rather quickly. He s 4 Royal Stars!!

“In our fairy tale, anything is possible.”

I’ve been on a real royal kick lately, so snagging myself a copy of Royal Scandal was a no brainier. This book had it all from secrets and lies to a marriage of convenience, to a fantastic friends to lovers romance. Marquita Valentine totally knocked it out of the park with this one!

Royal Scandal pulls you in from the very first moment Colin is introduced. You see, after Colin’s parents were murdered, he had to grow up rather quickly. He suddenly found himself exiled from the only home he’s known and is now the only parent to his younger siblings. In order to start a new life, Colin’s identity and past must be kept a secret. And Colin will do anything to keep his family safe. However Colin will quickly find that he can not do it all on his own….As the years go by, Colin will forever be indebted to Della. Not only is he secretly in love with her, but she is his best friend. She is the glue that holds him and his family together….That is until his secret comes out. When the time comes and the truth must be aired out, will Della continue to stand by his side? Will Della and Colin take a chance on what has always been in front of them?

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was well written and entertaining. Royal Scandal is a fast-paced and quick read, but I promise you, this book delivers in every way that counts. I loved the slow burning romance between Colin and Della. I couldn’t help but root for the two of them and hope that their relationship would turn into something more. I adored Colin’s family. I loved watching Colin care for his siblings as if they were his own children. I really liked how Della stood by Colin’s side, through it all. Even when certain moments of truth came to light, Della remained a strong female character.

Royal Scandal is the first book in the exciting new Royals in Exile Series. I think this series is off to a wonderful start. I’m already hooked on the Sinclair family and am so excited to see where this story is going to go next.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review* ...more

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Jan 24, 2017 Emma rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-wishlist

Royal Scandal is a quick read full of secrets, lies, family, love and friendship.

Colin is an outstanding character, assuming the role of protector and patriarch at the tender age of 19. His selfless transition into parent to two very young siblings was heart warming and inspiring. Colin puts aside all of his own plans to care for his family while trying to re-establish his families position within his own country, although his battle is hindered by speculation, rumour and scandal created around Royal Scandal is a quick read full of secrets, lies, family, love and friendship.

Colin is an outstanding character, assuming the role of protector and patriarch at the tender age of 19. His selfless transition into parent to two very young siblings was heart warming and inspiring. Colin puts aside all of his own plans to care for his family while trying to re-establish his families position within his own country, although his battle is hindered by speculation, rumour and scandal created around his parents and their subsequent assassination. There are a number of inconsistencies within the narrative, with regard Colin's parents, for the reader to pick up alongside Colin giving more of a personal connection to the characters and the outcome.

Della is at the opposite end of the social scale to Colin, working class but embodying contentment. Living within the grounds of Colin's estate and related to the estate manager, Della and Colin are thrown together from the beginning. Della is a caretaker by nature, kind and compassionate she naturally falls into the role of surrogate mother and sister to Colin's family and Colin's best friend. Although there is attraction on both sides, neither Colin or Della are willing to cross over their friendship line when there is so much more at stake than just themselves. However, a situation concerning Colin's home country forces them to negotiate a marriage contract in order to remain in control of their personal lives.

Things quickly escalate into the real deal however, Della has secrets of her own that overshadow her happiness. Insecurities tend to amplify negative emotions creating a downward spiral and further emotional barriers.

I loved Colin and Della's relationship, they fit perfectly together - the fairytale is real I tell you ;)

The other members of Colin's family are introduced and a few details to their personalities and lifestyles are woven through the narrative paving the way for their stories later in the series. As seems to be the current trend, Royal Scandal ends with the perspective changing to one of the other characters paving the way for the next book. ...more

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Dec 17, 2016 book bruin rated it liked it

Royal Scandal was a fun friends to lovers romance with a few twists and turns along the way. The book is the first in the new Royals in Exile series which follows the lives of the Sinclair family, but can be read as a stand alone.

The story is told from the alternating view points of Colin Sinclair and Della Hughes. They've been best friends for 10 years, but they've also been secretly in love with each other and too afraid to act on it for fear of ruining their friendship. I liked the back and f ...more

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Jan 27, 2017 Chasing Away Reality rated it really liked it

I absolutely adored Colin and Della’s love story. It was lighthearted, funny, sexy, and a bit intriguing. There’s nothing that I love more than the friends-to-lovers trope. Add in a marriage of convenience, no matter how quickly the fakeness of it all ends, and you’re golden. It was clear from the moment Della came barreling into Colin’s crazy and secretive life that these two were meant to be. I just don’t know how or why they held out for so long or why it took a threat from Parliament to forc ...more

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Jan 18, 2017 Laura rated it liked it

***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***
3.5 Stars

There were a lot of things I liked about this book, and there were things that did not work for me.

This was, essentially, a fairy tale. And that is a lot of fun when done well. The exiled Prince, the woman who has been in love with him and spending time with his family for years, of course with no idea he is actually a Prince. His insane wealth and all of the things that make him a prince are all there, and they are all fun.

I liked the sl ...more

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