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The Line of Succession #1
The Line of Succession
Families are built on secrets, but when it's the royal family, the stakes-and the secrets-can be deadly. Fifteen years ago, Prince James's father, Prince Richard, was killed in a mysterious helicopter crash, along with his secret Irish lover. The young James became heir to the British throne over his twin sister, Princess Alexandra. With Queen Victoria II turning ninety, James's personal life, now that he's thirty, has come more into the public spotlight as he's expected to marry and produce an heir. Known for his playboy lifestyle, he'd gladly accept that reputation to hide the truth that he's gay and in a secret long-term relationship with his best friend and press secretary, Andrew. His twin sister knows his secret, and plans to use it to create a scandal that will help her take the crown for herself, but her plans rely on trust, and she will soon learn her allies are not as trustworthy as she thought. Will James win his throne, while keeping the love of his life? Or will the monarchy topple in the face of naked ambition and public scandal? The Line of Succession is a 38,000 word erotic romantic drama. If you love TV's The Crown or The Royals, then you'll love this deliciously sly royal drama filled with sex, secrets, and lies. Buy The Line of Succession now and dive into a royal family of secret gay lovers, ambitious lusts for power, passions for revenge and hidden secrets that will shake the monarchy to its very core. This isn't your real-life fairy-tale wedding; this is a royal family at war.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2018
42 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Harry F. Rey
30 books98 followersHarry F. Rey is an author of over a dozen fiction novels. He's a graduate of Penguin WriteNow 2020, a member of the TV Foundation's New Writers Collective 2024, and has been Pushcart-nominated for his short stories.
Harry's main works include the MM royal drama series The Line of Succession from Deep Desires Press, the queer sci-fi series The Galactic Captains from Nine Star Press, the WWII-era gay historical novel Why in Paris? from Encircle Publications and the historical romance Six Days in Jerusalem.
His debut young adult gay romance - Of Gods and Boys - from Deep Hearts YA recently topped the Amazon teen charts. His other works include the rom-com All the Lovers from Deep Desires and the forthcoming sci-fi thriller The Dorvethan Conspiracy from Rebel Satori Press.
Harry's work has also been featured in anthologies including Not Meant for Each Other from Lost Boys Press and Queer Life, Queer Love from Muswell Press.
Harry can often be found scouring second-hand bookshops for the lost classics of gay literature, which he blogs about on his website and social media.
Harry's main works include the MM royal drama series The Line of Succession from Deep Desires Press, the queer sci-fi series The Galactic Captains from Nine Star Press, the WWII-era gay historical novel Why in Paris? from Encircle Publications and the historical romance Six Days in Jerusalem.
His debut young adult gay romance - Of Gods and Boys - from Deep Hearts YA recently topped the Amazon teen charts. His other works include the rom-com All the Lovers from Deep Desires and the forthcoming sci-fi thriller The Dorvethan Conspiracy from Rebel Satori Press.
Harry's work has also been featured in anthologies including Not Meant for Each Other from Lost Boys Press and Queer Life, Queer Love from Muswell Press.
Harry can often be found scouring second-hand bookshops for the lost classics of gay literature, which he blogs about on his website and social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 24, 2018
*** 3.5 stars ***
That was fun!
But there are two things you must know before reading this:
1. It's the first installment in a series, NOT a complete stand-alone novel.
2. It's NOT a romance, although two gay men in a long-term relationship are among the main characters.
An alternate-universe version of the modern-day British royal family, headed up by a formidable Queen Victoria II, seethes with behind-the-scenes intrigue and power plays. As the narrative shifts among multiple POV characters, secrets are revealed that have the potential to rock the nation -- and perhaps permanently shatter the institution of the monarchy.
I loved how information was doled out to the reader bit by bit. I loved seeing the story through different POVs. I loved all the twists and reveals and surprises.
In summary:
Entertainment value: 4 (Fun!)
Writing quality: 3 (Average, i.e., it won't be winning any literary prizes.)
Copy-editing: 2 (Seriously, "his taught stomach"? Twice? Typos cost it 1/2 a star.)
Next, answers to the questions you didn't even know you had:
Will I be reading the next in the series? Yes, but April 2019 sure is a long way away. :(
Will I be reading more by this author in the interim? Hopefully, but only if my TBR pile allows.
Don't I think this book could fairly be described as somewhat... cheesy? Yes!
Wait, wasn't that supposed to be an insult? But cheese is so tasty!
Do I think this book could be described as a guilty pleasure? No, but only because I don't believe in feeling guilty about pleasure. ;)
That cover -- yea, or nay? Five MCs are depicted on the cover, and 4 of them look exactly as they should. How often does THAT happen? So a big "Hell, yeah!" for the cover.
Why did I round up instead of down? Because the fun factor ended up outweighing everything else. And part of the fun was the sheer novelty of reading something unexpectedly different. :D
That was fun!
But there are two things you must know before reading this:
1. It's the first installment in a series, NOT a complete stand-alone novel.
2. It's NOT a romance, although two gay men in a long-term relationship are among the main characters.
An alternate-universe version of the modern-day British royal family, headed up by a formidable Queen Victoria II, seethes with behind-the-scenes intrigue and power plays. As the narrative shifts among multiple POV characters, secrets are revealed that have the potential to rock the nation -- and perhaps permanently shatter the institution of the monarchy.
I loved how information was doled out to the reader bit by bit. I loved seeing the story through different POVs. I loved all the twists and reveals and surprises.
In summary:
Entertainment value: 4 (Fun!)
Writing quality: 3 (Average, i.e., it won't be winning any literary prizes.)
Copy-editing: 2 (Seriously, "his taught stomach"? Twice? Typos cost it 1/2 a star.)
Next, answers to the questions you didn't even know you had:
Will I be reading the next in the series? Yes, but April 2019 sure is a long way away. :(
Will I be reading more by this author in the interim? Hopefully, but only if my TBR pile allows.
Don't I think this book could fairly be described as somewhat... cheesy? Yes!
Wait, wasn't that supposed to be an insult? But cheese is so tasty!
Do I think this book could be described as a guilty pleasure? No, but only because I don't believe in feeling guilty about pleasure. ;)
That cover -- yea, or nay? Five MCs are depicted on the cover, and 4 of them look exactly as they should. How often does THAT happen? So a big "Hell, yeah!" for the cover.
Why did I round up instead of down? Because the fun factor ended up outweighing everything else. And part of the fun was the sheer novelty of reading something unexpectedly different. :D
December 11, 2020
I love books about royals. Ones with glitz, glamour and drama. Quieter ones too. (His Royal Secret and Red, White & Royal Blue come to mind.) So this had been on my radar for a while. But I held back because some reviews, like that of my friend Teal, said this was not a romance. (I'm sorry. I still don't know how to link reviews here.) I need the romance. I crave the romance. But I found myself in a mood for royalty. So I tried this.
And?
Reviews, like Teals, were right. I would not call this a romance. Although there are moments where I felt it was trying desperately to be one. Those parts were the weakest for me. They felt sappy, over done and full of flowery language. I wish I had highlighted some parts. I cringed a lot.
I also want to note that there are many characters and many POVs. It also alternated between the past and the present. None of this was a deal breaker for me. What I did struggle with was that the timelines and POVs shifted rapidly. Often there would just be a paragraph or two with one POV then it would switch to the past from that same character's POV then it would suddenly switch to a new character's POV within the same chapter. Talk about whiplash!
All of the above being said, I can't say it was a complete win for me. And yet, I wasn't bored and was mostly entertained. It definitely fit my glitz, glamour and drama requirements. Don't be looking for realism here. You won't find it. But then, I don't really read these types of books for that. The steam level was fairly low if this matters to you. Honestly, I had initially expected low steam but then had seen some reviews describing it as high and very erotic. For me, it never got to that level.
I enjoyed this one enough to check out book two in the future when I get my next craving for royalty glitz, glamour and drama.
And?
Reviews, like Teals, were right. I would not call this a romance. Although there are moments where I felt it was trying desperately to be one. Those parts were the weakest for me. They felt sappy, over done and full of flowery language. I wish I had highlighted some parts. I cringed a lot.
I also want to note that there are many characters and many POVs. It also alternated between the past and the present. None of this was a deal breaker for me. What I did struggle with was that the timelines and POVs shifted rapidly. Often there would just be a paragraph or two with one POV then it would switch to the past from that same character's POV then it would suddenly switch to a new character's POV within the same chapter. Talk about whiplash!
All of the above being said, I can't say it was a complete win for me. And yet, I wasn't bored and was mostly entertained. It definitely fit my glitz, glamour and drama requirements. Don't be looking for realism here. You won't find it. But then, I don't really read these types of books for that. The steam level was fairly low if this matters to you. Honestly, I had initially expected low steam but then had seen some reviews describing it as high and very erotic. For me, it never got to that level.
I enjoyed this one enough to check out book two in the future when I get my next craving for royalty glitz, glamour and drama.
July 24, 2018
Secrets and shadows, multiple POVs, multiple forays into the past in most chapters, and lots of scandal.
If you like over the top soap-opera-esque romances with open relationships, scorching sex (including multiple partner menage), angst, betrayal, and a heavy dose of political and personal intrigue, with a cliffhanger ending leaving the reader to wonder what the hell is going to happen next - this is probably right up your alley.
Personally, there was way too much happening, with too many moving parts, and too many character POVs for me to settle in and simply enjoy, and there were some elements that simply aren't my cuppa...but I have the feeling I'll be in minority.
Note: Please be advised the book contains some drug use and sex without condoms.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Line of Succession provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
If you like over the top soap-opera-esque romances with open relationships, scorching sex (including multiple partner menage), angst, betrayal, and a heavy dose of political and personal intrigue, with a cliffhanger ending leaving the reader to wonder what the hell is going to happen next - this is probably right up your alley.
Personally, there was way too much happening, with too many moving parts, and too many character POVs for me to settle in and simply enjoy, and there were some elements that simply aren't my cuppa...but I have the feeling I'll be in minority.
Note: Please be advised the book contains some drug use and sex without condoms.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Line of Succession provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 24, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
This book is a work of pure and absolute fantasy. There is no reality in this story, no effort to be true to the idea or history of the English monarchy or its traditions and customs. Don’t go into this thinking the story is meant to be taken seriously. It’s just a yarn involving crowns, love, and a great deal of debauchery. It’s fun in the sort of salacious, sleazy way of soap operas and overwrought dramas on television, along with gobs of angst and a cliffhanger ending.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
This book is a work of pure and absolute fantasy. There is no reality in this story, no effort to be true to the idea or history of the English monarchy or its traditions and customs. Don’t go into this thinking the story is meant to be taken seriously. It’s just a yarn involving crowns, love, and a great deal of debauchery. It’s fun in the sort of salacious, sleazy way of soap operas and overwrought dramas on television, along with gobs of angst and a cliffhanger ending.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
October 9, 2020
Prince James motto: Music, drugs, sex... that’s all he needs in life. A line, a drink, a beat, and his friends. Life is fantastic. Dancing is fantastic. Being royal, rich and popular is fantastic.
Andrew is his best friend and press secretary and the one he’s sharing his bed with.
James’ twin sister wants the crown and will do everything to grab it even at the crown prince’s expense. She’s even more determined when she understands she has support.
15 years ago Prince Richard, father of the royal twin, died in a helicopter crash under suspicious circumstances.
The tabloids and paparazzi are all over James after rumors about a girlfriend.
A fiction story about the royals of Great Britain. About conspiracy, plot, corruption, and secret love.
A very intriguing story, written in an attractive engaging way. Clear, good outlined, nice fast pace and appealing! There are different lines to follow and all leads to the crown with main characters James and Andrew so far.
Lucky me, I’ve got #2 waiting to read!
Andrew is his best friend and press secretary and the one he’s sharing his bed with.
James’ twin sister wants the crown and will do everything to grab it even at the crown prince’s expense. She’s even more determined when she understands she has support.
15 years ago Prince Richard, father of the royal twin, died in a helicopter crash under suspicious circumstances.
The tabloids and paparazzi are all over James after rumors about a girlfriend.
A fiction story about the royals of Great Britain. About conspiracy, plot, corruption, and secret love.
A very intriguing story, written in an attractive engaging way. Clear, good outlined, nice fast pace and appealing! There are different lines to follow and all leads to the crown with main characters James and Andrew so far.
Lucky me, I’ve got #2 waiting to read!
February 2, 2019
4.5 Stars rounded up
Harry F Rey just dropped out of nowhere for me toward the latter part of last year and I'm so very glad he did. I've been enjoying his sci-fi Galactic Captains series and this is a completely different kettle of fish - a contemporary gay, soapy drama that is centred around the British Monarchy with an air of contemporary believability.
Really enjoyable, fun, tabloid-y, sexy reading.
Blog review -
Harry F Rey just dropped out of nowhere for me toward the latter part of last year and I'm so very glad he did. I've been enjoying his sci-fi Galactic Captains series and this is a completely different kettle of fish - a contemporary gay, soapy drama that is centred around the British Monarchy with an air of contemporary believability.
Really enjoyable, fun, tabloid-y, sexy reading.
Blog review -
August 1, 2018
I have mixed feelings about this book. It certainly wasn't what I expected. The cover and blurb had caught me and made me curious since the first time I saw it. But I think I expected a bit too much on this.
I must admit that the story a bit confusing at the beginning with the back and forth between the past and present day, then added multiple POV with rapid change from a lot of different characters to the situations. Then BHAM! You got the headache almost the entire reading! I must admit that it kinda turned down the mood a bit. There’s a moment when I need to go back to previous page several times just to checking who’s who and find some ‘missing hints’ before finally understand what actually just happened.
For the book this short, I feel that it’s way too much problems to dump as a starter. It feel so crowded and choked at the same time. But I must admit that ALL the conspiracies and intrigues had successfully caught me deeper into the story.
Well, I ended this book with some notes here and there for the story, but overall this book is interesting enough to follow and very consuming. And the cliffy ending made me want to scream for more!!! Because I'm curious how this story gonna end.
I need the next book ASAP!
*ARC is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review*
July 25, 2018
This book was well written. It was filled with plots and subplots and multiple storylines. Intrigue, sex, manipulations, played out with the backdrop of the royal family.
Personally it didn’t grab me, I honestly struggled to finish it. It just jumped all over the place, with competing storylines and had my pet hate - a cliffhanger.
Copy supplied for a honest and unbiased review.
Personally it didn’t grab me, I honestly struggled to finish it. It just jumped all over the place, with competing storylines and had my pet hate - a cliffhanger.
Copy supplied for a honest and unbiased review.
September 6, 2018
This book was provided for free by the author and Love Bytes in exchange for an honest review.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
If you’re looking for your next obsession, the “Line of Succession” series may be just what you need. This book is pure, soapy goodness, and I gobbled up every last page of it. There’s romance, betrayal, untold secrets, family intrigue, past loves, double agents, and, of course, a helicopter crash that sets it all in motion. Take all of that and put a crown on it, and you’ve got a not-so-guilty pleasure that will keep you reading under the covers long after you should be sleeping!
The cover of this book is a great representation for what’s inside. It’s an ensemble story rather than a tried-and-true romance. At the center is the Prince, of course—the closeted and miserable Prince James, grandson of the alt-history fictional Queen Victoria II of England. He has just turned 30 and is feeling the pressure of producing an heir bearing down on him harder than ever before. His press secretary and secret boyfriend since childhood, Andrew, is the man behind the curtain, pulling the strings to make sure what the press can and cannot know. But Andrew and James have their own issues outside of royal politics, and it gets pretty intense and steamy as they try to keep it all under wraps.
On the other end of the family spectrum is Alexandra, the Princess and Andrew’s twin—and the woman who truly deserves to be on the throne, despite outdated laws of primogeniture. There’s no love lost between the siblings, and since they don’t talk, neither of them knows how each other feels about being crowned King or Queen someday soon. Add in Lizzie, a royal cousin of surprising heritage, and Faisal, Alexandra’s Saudi Prince husband, and you have a group of people who all want something and will stop at nothing to get it.
This might be a soap opera along the vein of The Royals, but Harry F. Rey plays it pretty smart. Keep track of all the names in the story, all the minor characters, all the people exchanging raised eyebrows in the background. Everyone has an agenda, and by the end of the book, we start putting the pieces together. The characters can get nasty, but they’re all easy to sympathize with. This is a suffocating, cutthroat world, and to survive, they have to get their pristine hands dirty.
The next book in this series is due in spring 2019, and it cannot come soon enough. This book doesn’t necessarily end in a cliffhanger, but we’re certainly kept guessing about half a dozen plotlines, and I for one and eager for some answers. This is a wonderfully readable, campy, tension-filled book that will hook you from the start.
This review was first posted to Love Bytes: LGBTQ Book Reviews. It has been slightly edited here for content.
If you’re looking for your next obsession, the “Line of Succession” series may be just what you need. This book is pure, soapy goodness, and I gobbled up every last page of it. There’s romance, betrayal, untold secrets, family intrigue, past loves, double agents, and, of course, a helicopter crash that sets it all in motion. Take all of that and put a crown on it, and you’ve got a not-so-guilty pleasure that will keep you reading under the covers long after you should be sleeping!
The cover of this book is a great representation for what’s inside. It’s an ensemble story rather than a tried-and-true romance. At the center is the Prince, of course—the closeted and miserable Prince James, grandson of the alt-history fictional Queen Victoria II of England. He has just turned 30 and is feeling the pressure of producing an heir bearing down on him harder than ever before. His press secretary and secret boyfriend since childhood, Andrew, is the man behind the curtain, pulling the strings to make sure what the press can and cannot know. But Andrew and James have their own issues outside of royal politics, and it gets pretty intense and steamy as they try to keep it all under wraps.
On the other end of the family spectrum is Alexandra, the Princess and Andrew’s twin—and the woman who truly deserves to be on the throne, despite outdated laws of primogeniture. There’s no love lost between the siblings, and since they don’t talk, neither of them knows how each other feels about being crowned King or Queen someday soon. Add in Lizzie, a royal cousin of surprising heritage, and Faisal, Alexandra’s Saudi Prince husband, and you have a group of people who all want something and will stop at nothing to get it.
This might be a soap opera along the vein of The Royals, but Harry F. Rey plays it pretty smart. Keep track of all the names in the story, all the minor characters, all the people exchanging raised eyebrows in the background. Everyone has an agenda, and by the end of the book, we start putting the pieces together. The characters can get nasty, but they’re all easy to sympathize with. This is a suffocating, cutthroat world, and to survive, they have to get their pristine hands dirty.
The next book in this series is due in spring 2019, and it cannot come soon enough. This book doesn’t necessarily end in a cliffhanger, but we’re certainly kept guessing about half a dozen plotlines, and I for one and eager for some answers. This is a wonderfully readable, campy, tension-filled book that will hook you from the start.
February 28, 2023
Crowded and messy.
I didn't care about plot
or (vile, weak) people.
I didn't care about plot
or (vile, weak) people.
September 15, 2022
Well, that was unexpected. I figured this would be fairly good because I liked the plot, but I never expected to become invested like I did. My biggest beef was resolved at the end, when it became clear that everyone in James and Andrew's circle were not as oblivious as they appeared.
I'll be buying the sequel, dammit.
I'll be buying the sequel, dammit.
October 18, 2022
The blurb sounded right up my alley. But wow I made it 3% in and noped out. The writing was meh and felt like it was going to be overly dramatic. I gotta be in the mood to tolerate poor quality writing, and it better have something interesting to offset it, which I didn't think this book would. Pass.
July 27, 2018
Oh my! What a fabulously soapy plot about the Royals that you could seriously believe happening!
The book has everything: great writing; intrigue; murder; corruption; forbidden romance...the list goes on. The author manages to bring in several character POVs to guide you through the twists and turns of the plot without leaving you behind, a cracking skill. It is full of great moments like "she might as well have handed him a shovel to dig his own grave, not a mug with a picture of a bunny on it" (loved that one!) and emotional scenes where I was moved to tears (the whole "last time" thing broke me!!).
An awesome read and I'm looking forward to what comes next for James, Andrew and the rest of the all-star cast (seriously this could be a TV series for sure! Come on, Netflix!).
The book has everything: great writing; intrigue; murder; corruption; forbidden romance...the list goes on. The author manages to bring in several character POVs to guide you through the twists and turns of the plot without leaving you behind, a cracking skill. It is full of great moments like "she might as well have handed him a shovel to dig his own grave, not a mug with a picture of a bunny on it" (loved that one!) and emotional scenes where I was moved to tears (the whole "last time" thing broke me!!).
An awesome read and I'm looking forward to what comes next for James, Andrew and the rest of the all-star cast (seriously this could be a TV series for sure! Come on, Netflix!).
February 28, 2020
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Let us be honest for a moment – don’t we all, even the highbrows and scholars amongst us, know the guilty pleasure of occasionally leafing through one of those so-called society magazines, say in the dentist’s waiting room or at the hairdresser’s? And after some humph-humph-ing and nose-wrinkling, we simply relish all those trashy articles that deal with stars, starlets, VIPs, scandals, sex, and… royals worldwide? Royals, those living anachronisms of our age who, when they’re not outright dictators in one of those exotic, oil-exporting countries (and we don’t get much dirt on those, alas), only seem to exist in order to wave to people, kiss small kids at official festivities, procreate, and essentially fill the pages of the aforementioned dentist waitingroom magazines. Well, Harry F. Rey’s novel gave me all of that pleasure and then some, minus the guilt, mind you; and plus the more interesting plot (because frankly, today’s real-life royals tend to be a teensie bit dull, even when they do indulge in a nice scandal).
The novel presents a fictional English royal family headed by a hard-hearted, single-minded queen, Victoria II. Her son, as one of the many side plots reveals, has been killed in a helicopter accident fifteen years earlier, leaving behind an estranged wife with a penchant for tackiness, and two twins – Alexandra and James – who all but hate each other. Even though Alexandra is some odd minutes older, her brother is the one supposed to mount the throne at Victoria’s demise (the stout lady is ninety, so that day is drawing nearer). There are just a couple of problems. For instance, Alexandra wants the throne for herself and is willing to commit any crime or moral abomination shy of killing her brother. But she has married a Saudi prince (literally a prince) and given birth to two of his children, and the British… not that they are racists, but they’d rather turn their country into a republic than accepting the crown going to a kid with Arab blood (claims the author, and let’s say I guess he is right). Another big problem: James, aged thirty by now, is still single. For the perfectly sound and (not so) perfectly hidden reason that he is gay. Gay and in love as well as living with his longtime friend and press officer, Andrew.
As if this weren’t sufficient material for a suspenseful storyline, the author adds some more levels of plot – could it be that James and Alexandra’s late father’s death has been planned by his own mother, the queen, helped by her loyal secret services? And that remote royal cousin, Lizzie, mightn’t she have plans for downright bringing the monarchy to a scandalous end? And what about that tabloid unearthing evidence about James’s homosexuality? And Andrew making everything worse by going to a TV show and hinting at James having a girlfriend he’s going to marry?
In one word, I got plotting and scheming, sex, drugs, techno music, secrets, and shenanigans galore in this novel, which ended with a glorious cliff-hanger. There’s rhythm, there’s well-paced and solid writing, scenes and chapters coming in handy-sized portions. The novel turned out to be a whirlwind of plot-threads left, right, and center, which took me in and dragged me through it in no time. A very pleasant and refreshing read with main characters who, I’ll be frank, are all more or less everyday morons – a bit daft, a bit ridiculous, a bit pitiable, but, hand on heart, more human than some of those all-too-perfect heroes one encounters in other novels. I had a ball (no pun intended) reading this royal ‘House of Cards’ and am opening book number two as I write this.
Let us be honest for a moment – don’t we all, even the highbrows and scholars amongst us, know the guilty pleasure of occasionally leafing through one of those so-called society magazines, say in the dentist’s waiting room or at the hairdresser’s? And after some humph-humph-ing and nose-wrinkling, we simply relish all those trashy articles that deal with stars, starlets, VIPs, scandals, sex, and… royals worldwide? Royals, those living anachronisms of our age who, when they’re not outright dictators in one of those exotic, oil-exporting countries (and we don’t get much dirt on those, alas), only seem to exist in order to wave to people, kiss small kids at official festivities, procreate, and essentially fill the pages of the aforementioned dentist waitingroom magazines. Well, Harry F. Rey’s novel gave me all of that pleasure and then some, minus the guilt, mind you; and plus the more interesting plot (because frankly, today’s real-life royals tend to be a teensie bit dull, even when they do indulge in a nice scandal).
The novel presents a fictional English royal family headed by a hard-hearted, single-minded queen, Victoria II. Her son, as one of the many side plots reveals, has been killed in a helicopter accident fifteen years earlier, leaving behind an estranged wife with a penchant for tackiness, and two twins – Alexandra and James – who all but hate each other. Even though Alexandra is some odd minutes older, her brother is the one supposed to mount the throne at Victoria’s demise (the stout lady is ninety, so that day is drawing nearer). There are just a couple of problems. For instance, Alexandra wants the throne for herself and is willing to commit any crime or moral abomination shy of killing her brother. But she has married a Saudi prince (literally a prince) and given birth to two of his children, and the British… not that they are racists, but they’d rather turn their country into a republic than accepting the crown going to a kid with Arab blood (claims the author, and let’s say I guess he is right). Another big problem: James, aged thirty by now, is still single. For the perfectly sound and (not so) perfectly hidden reason that he is gay. Gay and in love as well as living with his longtime friend and press officer, Andrew.
As if this weren’t sufficient material for a suspenseful storyline, the author adds some more levels of plot – could it be that James and Alexandra’s late father’s death has been planned by his own mother, the queen, helped by her loyal secret services? And that remote royal cousin, Lizzie, mightn’t she have plans for downright bringing the monarchy to a scandalous end? And what about that tabloid unearthing evidence about James’s homosexuality? And Andrew making everything worse by going to a TV show and hinting at James having a girlfriend he’s going to marry?
In one word, I got plotting and scheming, sex, drugs, techno music, secrets, and shenanigans galore in this novel, which ended with a glorious cliff-hanger. There’s rhythm, there’s well-paced and solid writing, scenes and chapters coming in handy-sized portions. The novel turned out to be a whirlwind of plot-threads left, right, and center, which took me in and dragged me through it in no time. A very pleasant and refreshing read with main characters who, I’ll be frank, are all more or less everyday morons – a bit daft, a bit ridiculous, a bit pitiable, but, hand on heart, more human than some of those all-too-perfect heroes one encounters in other novels. I had a ball (no pun intended) reading this royal ‘House of Cards’ and am opening book number two as I write this.
December 16, 2018
3.5 🌟rounded up.
This is an interesting read. It is full of the machinations of a royal family bent on destroying the way things have always been; and in one case, the way everyone believes it to be.
I had a hard time really connecting with the MCs, but mainly because of the way they live and love; not the circumstances of birth. Neither of them seem happy with the way things are done in their relationship (i.e., sex always under the influence of some substance, sharing their bed on a regular basis, etc.), but they don't seem to feel comfortable enough with each other to discuss what is truly in their hearts. Andrew is also keeping some pretty big secrets from the man he claims to be in love with. It seems to be more of a situation of codependence than love to me, but I'm going to withhold the final say on that judgement until the next book.
The story is full of societal pressure, family intrigue, and a bit of a mystery thrown in for good measure. It did keep me engaged once I got past my personal hang-up with the relationship between the MCs. I am definitely going to be reading the next installment because I want to see what happens in the plot. The writing is done well, the characters are fairly well developed, and the editing is pretty good. There are several different turns of phrase, but I don't know if they were intentional, or typos. However, the meaning behind the wording is not difficult to parse out.
This is not a standalone book. It ends as a cliffhanger.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
This is an interesting read. It is full of the machinations of a royal family bent on destroying the way things have always been; and in one case, the way everyone believes it to be.
I had a hard time really connecting with the MCs, but mainly because of the way they live and love; not the circumstances of birth. Neither of them seem happy with the way things are done in their relationship (i.e., sex always under the influence of some substance, sharing their bed on a regular basis, etc.), but they don't seem to feel comfortable enough with each other to discuss what is truly in their hearts. Andrew is also keeping some pretty big secrets from the man he claims to be in love with. It seems to be more of a situation of codependence than love to me, but I'm going to withhold the final say on that judgement until the next book.
The story is full of societal pressure, family intrigue, and a bit of a mystery thrown in for good measure. It did keep me engaged once I got past my personal hang-up with the relationship between the MCs. I am definitely going to be reading the next installment because I want to see what happens in the plot. The writing is done well, the characters are fairly well developed, and the editing is pretty good. There are several different turns of phrase, but I don't know if they were intentional, or typos. However, the meaning behind the wording is not difficult to parse out.
This is not a standalone book. It ends as a cliffhanger.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. *
December 24, 2018
An adrenaline-fuelled, surging mystery wrapped in a short story just in time for Christmas 2018! I found myself warming toward Andrew, to the extent that one can warm toward a character drowning his sorrows in the British way in a novella of this length. I didn't find James's character compelling at all, since he is written as an innocent - although I found myself liking Prince Richard's character most of all, since he is written as unafraid to call reverence into question. The intrigue teeters dangerously on the boundary between ham-fisted and plausible, although the strength of emotion ascribed to the characters pulls the intrigue toward plausibility as the story progresses. I found the cliffhangers to be used effectively, although I acknowledge that most readers might find the chopping and changing between focuses on distinct characters more annoying than I did. I always find it challenging to determine how deep the emotion in the central relationship runs in stories of this length, but am willing to give the next one in this series a go based on the deftness with which the author has handled the complexity of the plot in this one. On a side note, the written sex scenes brought up the temperature considerably.
*I am voluntarily posting a review after receiving an ARC from the author.
*I am voluntarily posting a review after receiving an ARC from the author.
December 18, 2018
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3
Wickedly good and salaciously scandalous!
This was an exciting and scandalous read. It is set in a world ruined by Queen Victoria but that is were our reality and this world ends. This story is reminiscent of the best over the top soap operas with sex, scandal, angst, betrayal, drama, and political and personal intrigue, with some awesome twists, its a wicked drama filled ride!
Harry’s writing is quick and fast paced, packed with scandals and details enabling you to be encased in this world and watch the chaos happen. It’s a quick read that draws you into the drama surrounding next in line for the thrown, Prince James. His life seems to be a bit of a mess, being deeply closeted, in love with his best friend, and he is forced to face the public as straight. With an ongoing rivalry and hatred between his twin sister, Princess Alexandra, drama ensues and betrayal reigns.
The story ends on a cliffhanger which left me reeling and wondering what the hell is going to happen next! I look forward to the next instalment, next year and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3
Wickedly good and salaciously scandalous!
This was an exciting and scandalous read. It is set in a world ruined by Queen Victoria but that is were our reality and this world ends. This story is reminiscent of the best over the top soap operas with sex, scandal, angst, betrayal, drama, and political and personal intrigue, with some awesome twists, its a wicked drama filled ride!
Harry’s writing is quick and fast paced, packed with scandals and details enabling you to be encased in this world and watch the chaos happen. It’s a quick read that draws you into the drama surrounding next in line for the thrown, Prince James. His life seems to be a bit of a mess, being deeply closeted, in love with his best friend, and he is forced to face the public as straight. With an ongoing rivalry and hatred between his twin sister, Princess Alexandra, drama ensues and betrayal reigns.
The story ends on a cliffhanger which left me reeling and wondering what the hell is going to happen next! I look forward to the next instalment, next year and can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
July 18, 2018
This is the first book in a new series. This book didn’t work for me. I can’t explain why totally without spoiling the book. But there were elements in the story that personal I don’t care for. I can however see how others may enjoy this story. One thing that I didn’t care for is that almost every chapter went from past to present events. This disrupted the flow of the story for me because it happened too frequently, and I had to concentrate on when things were happening verses what was happening in the story. There was a plot and it was steady throughout the book. The characters were developed and thought out. Andrew and James are the MC’s of this book. But followed up by Alexandra, James twin sister. There was betrayal, deception, murder, a birthday part, rumors, intrigue and so much more in this book. Although I can’t recommend this book as good read. If you think that you may like it give it a try. Not everyone’s tastes are the same. And the writing itself is good. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
July 30, 2018
3.5 Stars
This is who he had been born to be; consort to a king.
As I was reading this story, I had decided I was going to give it 4 Stars unless something big happened, which I was hoping would so I could give it 5 Stars. Unfortunately, I’m letting my feelings of the authors lack of information get in the way and giving this story 3 Stars. The author never tells us the story isn’t finished, so I went in expecting a finished product. I personally hate reading a story without knowing it’s a “to-be continued.” Oh, and that it will be continued next April. I don’t need a HEA or even a HFN, but just a heads up that it just ends until next time would have been nice.
That aside, this is a really great start to a story (4 stars great). We are basically reading about todays British family, but with all the family members mixed up in different rolls. Who doesn’t like royal drama? For me, in real life not so much, but reading about it… hell yes, give me more.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
This is who he had been born to be; consort to a king.
As I was reading this story, I had decided I was going to give it 4 Stars unless something big happened, which I was hoping would so I could give it 5 Stars. Unfortunately, I’m letting my feelings of the authors lack of information get in the way and giving this story 3 Stars. The author never tells us the story isn’t finished, so I went in expecting a finished product. I personally hate reading a story without knowing it’s a “to-be continued.” Oh, and that it will be continued next April. I don’t need a HEA or even a HFN, but just a heads up that it just ends until next time would have been nice.
That aside, this is a really great start to a story (4 stars great). We are basically reading about todays British family, but with all the family members mixed up in different rolls. Who doesn’t like royal drama? For me, in real life not so much, but reading about it… hell yes, give me more.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
July 24, 2018
This was a very hot read! I was given a review copy, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Talk about forbidden love!!! A closeted gay prince and his secret lover who happens to be his press secretary make for a steamy couple. There’s some use of drugs in the book, which doesn’t bother me much, but some people might be averse to it.
I loved the chemistry between Richard and Andrew, especially since they seem to have an established relationship, even if its secret. They blend very well together, and with the addition of other characters threatening to spoil their arrangement in more ways than one, it kept me throughly entertained.
There’s a lot of intertwining stories that challenge and change each characters motives, with the addition of some great smut. If you’re into royal romances that have all the -good- parts, this would be the perfect book for you.
I loved the chemistry between Richard and Andrew, especially since they seem to have an established relationship, even if its secret. They blend very well together, and with the addition of other characters threatening to spoil their arrangement in more ways than one, it kept me throughly entertained.
There’s a lot of intertwining stories that challenge and change each characters motives, with the addition of some great smut. If you’re into royal romances that have all the -good- parts, this would be the perfect book for you.
July 25, 2018
I absolutely love The Line of Succession by Harry Rey.
I was drawn right in and could not put it down until the last page. Unfortunately, it does end in a cliffhanger and I have a long wait for the next book.
I love James and Andrew together. They first hooked up when they were young, and are still together but in hiding. After all, the next King can't be a gay man, right?
This is definitely a story where everything is not as it seems. If having to hide wasn't enough, they are also being manipulated, backstabbed and controlled by others.
Their story contains a lot of hot sex and misunderstandings. But, through it all, I love James and Andrew, feeling horrible for them through it all, but rooting for love to prevail.
Be sure to check out this crazy romance by Harry Rey, as The Line of Succession will not disappoint if you like romance, action, and crazy family members.
I was drawn right in and could not put it down until the last page. Unfortunately, it does end in a cliffhanger and I have a long wait for the next book.
I love James and Andrew together. They first hooked up when they were young, and are still together but in hiding. After all, the next King can't be a gay man, right?
This is definitely a story where everything is not as it seems. If having to hide wasn't enough, they are also being manipulated, backstabbed and controlled by others.
Their story contains a lot of hot sex and misunderstandings. But, through it all, I love James and Andrew, feeling horrible for them through it all, but rooting for love to prevail.
Be sure to check out this crazy romance by Harry Rey, as The Line of Succession will not disappoint if you like romance, action, and crazy family members.
October 14, 2024
From the book cover to the storyline, this reminded me of classic soap operas like Dallas or Dynasty, where glamorous and wealthy members of a dysfunctional family try to gain the upper hand in ever more outlandish ways.
For this story, the action has been transported to the UK, and the dysfunction family in question is a fictional Royal Family. The premise is that the next in line to the throne is a closeted gay man in a long term relationship with his press secretary, plus his twin sister who is convinced she'd make the better ruler. Then there are shadowy past (and current) murder plots involving senior members of the family and their household, the government and secret services that drive the plot. And that's just the start!
It's totally escapist and an absolute riot and I simply couldn't stop reading. A fabulous start to a series that I have to binge read!
For this story, the action has been transported to the UK, and the dysfunction family in question is a fictional Royal Family. The premise is that the next in line to the throne is a closeted gay man in a long term relationship with his press secretary, plus his twin sister who is convinced she'd make the better ruler. Then there are shadowy past (and current) murder plots involving senior members of the family and their household, the government and secret services that drive the plot. And that's just the start!
It's totally escapist and an absolute riot and I simply couldn't stop reading. A fabulous start to a series that I have to binge read!
August 9, 2018
I loved this book and everything about it. The plot, the quick pacing, the multiple perspectives. It felt like binge-watching the next great Netflix show. The main characters in the story, Andrew and James, are presented as an ordinary gay couple. They face the real issues gay couples, particularly long term ones face. Of course, their relationship faces unusual pressures in that James is next in line to the British Crown, but their love for each other and desire to keep that secure is what gives the story heart. It’s tricky to read a gay story that revolves around the closet these days while still being realistic and not patronising, but the plot of the story delivers that drama and then some.
What would happen if the next in line to the British Crown was a gay man? Is the monarchy, is the world ready for a gay royal family? That's the question The Line of Succession leaves you wondering about. It plays with our idea of progress in LGBTQ rights to ask if such progress extends to our most ancient institutions, our most revered leaders. Would the world accept a King and his husband? It's a fascinating idea that the first book in this explosive, high-drama series dives into, and I can't wait to read more.
What would happen if the next in line to the British Crown was a gay man? Is the monarchy, is the world ready for a gay royal family? That's the question The Line of Succession leaves you wondering about. It plays with our idea of progress in LGBTQ rights to ask if such progress extends to our most ancient institutions, our most revered leaders. Would the world accept a King and his husband? It's a fascinating idea that the first book in this explosive, high-drama series dives into, and I can't wait to read more.
December 19, 2018
The Line of Succession by Harry F. Rey is a fun and entertaining read. It's like watching a soap opera about royals in book form. Its filled with secrets, deception, scandals, power plays, jealousy, revenge, drugs and sex.
The story sucked me in right away and wouldn't let me go. The characters were intriguing and fun to read about. This is the first book in a series, and I definitely want more.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
The story sucked me in right away and wouldn't let me go. The characters were intriguing and fun to read about. This is the first book in a series, and I definitely want more.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
December 13, 2018
⭐️ 3.5-4 Stars ⭐️
Scandal, deceit and debauchery!
This crazy royal fantasy is told in multiple POV’s (I did get a little confused at times)
You can expect secrets to be revealed, deceit between family members and possibly the end of a long term affair between the prince and his best friend.
⭐️
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book but I’m sorta hooked now and damn I can’t wait to see what will happen next in the second book!!!
Scandal, deceit and debauchery!
This crazy royal fantasy is told in multiple POV’s (I did get a little confused at times)
You can expect secrets to be revealed, deceit between family members and possibly the end of a long term affair between the prince and his best friend.
⭐️
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book but I’m sorta hooked now and damn I can’t wait to see what will happen next in the second book!!!
January 25, 2022
Unadvised cliffhanger
Book was offered free thru a promotion. Unfortunately never saw mention it was not a standalone. Interesting storyline but I don't like having to purchase 4 additional books to get an ending. Frustrating. Don't mind one additional sequel but 4?? That's why only 3 stars.
Book was offered free thru a promotion. Unfortunately never saw mention it was not a standalone. Interesting storyline but I don't like having to purchase 4 additional books to get an ending. Frustrating. Don't mind one additional sequel but 4?? That's why only 3 stars.
October 3, 2018
Only half done
With no likeable characters. While I was kind of interested in how the intrigue would play out, there wasn’t really anyone to root for because they were all horrible people. Bleh.
With no likeable characters. While I was kind of interested in how the intrigue would play out, there wasn’t really anyone to root for because they were all horrible people. Bleh.
July 4, 2021
Fast paced m/ m royal intrigue
This is a fast paced story. It’s kinda like Prince Charles secretly seeing Camila Parker Bowles if the latter was a man, and a bestie from boarding school days. Flaming hot scenes just to let you know.
This is a fast paced story. It’s kinda like Prince Charles secretly seeing Camila Parker Bowles if the latter was a man, and a bestie from boarding school days. Flaming hot scenes just to let you know.
Want to read
June 22, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/22/2021)! 🎁
July 1, 2021
Good
They did a good job it was interesting and the stakes were very high good job. Good job did great.
They did a good job it was interesting and the stakes were very high good job. Good job did great.
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