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Royal States #4
A Guiding Light
Alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here and here.
In the Royal States of America, magic rules all, but life—and love—always finds a way.
Once upon a time, Adam had been betrothed to North Dakota’s heir, and she’d been his everything, his reason for living. Failing to develop his parents’ talents, he’s stripped of his rank and shipped to a remote corner of the kingdom to live out the rest of his life as a shamed outcast.
Defying the realities of his new caste and hiding his love for the one woman he can’t have, Adam turns to the stock markets, ghosting through the financial world in search of purpose. Trouble comes calling when his beloved’s little brother shows up on his doorstep. Adam’s first mistake is inviting in the royal runaway. His second is listening to the child’s plight, learning of New York’s plan to crash North Dakota’s stock market and incite rebellion.
Unless Adam does something to stop the rival kingdom, his former betrothed will become the property of another man. Unwilling to see her reduced to a trophy bride and unable let her go without a fight, Adam pits his love and fortunes against the influence and power of kings.
Should Adam falter, North Dakota will lose more than a princess: it will fall to civil war.
In the Royal States of America, magic rules all, but life—and love—always finds a way.
Once upon a time, Adam had been betrothed to North Dakota’s heir, and she’d been his everything, his reason for living. Failing to develop his parents’ talents, he’s stripped of his rank and shipped to a remote corner of the kingdom to live out the rest of his life as a shamed outcast.
Defying the realities of his new caste and hiding his love for the one woman he can’t have, Adam turns to the stock markets, ghosting through the financial world in search of purpose. Trouble comes calling when his beloved’s little brother shows up on his doorstep. Adam’s first mistake is inviting in the royal runaway. His second is listening to the child’s plight, learning of New York’s plan to crash North Dakota’s stock market and incite rebellion.
Unless Adam does something to stop the rival kingdom, his former betrothed will become the property of another man. Unwilling to see her reduced to a trophy bride and unable let her go without a fight, Adam pits his love and fortunes against the influence and power of kings.
Should Adam falter, North Dakota will lose more than a princess: it will fall to civil war.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
95 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Susan Copperfield
14 books236 followersSusan Copperfield is the royal romance, urban fantasy loving alter ego of award-winning & USA Today bestselling novelist R.J. Blain.
Under the super not-so-secret identity of Susan, the Royal States of America is explored, where the work of sixteen founding royal families preserved the United States from destruction and civil war when magic swept over the world.
In the Royal States, life, love, and magic always finds a way.
Under the super not-so-secret identity of Susan, the Royal States of America is explored, where the work of sixteen founding royal families preserved the United States from destruction and civil war when magic swept over the world.
In the Royal States, life, love, and magic always finds a way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 2, 2023
Jan 2023
I wanted to see in the new year with a good book. This one came to mind, although I did start with blood diamond. Its serious but not too serious, more like a fluff coaster for the relationships, knowing everything will work out. This time around I liked Adam and how his past was a necessity. He could've become a monster.
Back on the fence with Dr Stanton. She fanned the flames, manipulating the media to her agenda. She broke patient confidentiality. Ethically she had no right to continue being a doctor. I didn't think much of Veronica. She was strong but all she really did was hold onto a bond.
The biggest victim of this one was Marshal. Poor kid. He's the definition of old soul and having to grow too quickly. Every moment he smiled or acted his age was a relieve. Upgrading to 5 stars.
Jan 2021
Re-read. The last time I wanted to read this, mistakenly picked up Bonds instead. Going into this one as a fresh standalone, I’d pretty much scrap my original review. This time I knew what would happen so no surprises there.
I really felt sorry for Adam, that hasn’t changed. Thanks to his power, it takes separation anxiety to the extreme and almost to death. The stock stuff was clever and not a headache like last time. I liked how he dealt with things and although pretty much evolving into a war machine, still wants peace. The parents were a bit sudden and it felt like they’d reconnected quickly.
Taking down the castle felt chaotic and quick, then again it could be because I was ducking and reading at work. The next time I read this one it could change again.
Other than Adam, the one I felt sorry for was Marshal. Poor kid needs a break and a childhood. I liked the moments he got to be happy with Adam.
This time around I liked Dr Stanton. She was as subtle as a sledgehammer, but it was for a necessary cause and did more good than harm.
May 2020
I held off on reading this one because it’s the same name as the kid from Null and Void, also because I was imagining some stop the wedding cliche. I should’ve realised by now that’s not how things go with this author. Thankfully it’s not the same kid, although the bond situation is the same, the difference is a loving father and an a hole one.
Whereas I did feel sorry for Adam, I preferred Ian and Marshal. Like the others in the series, there is an issue the mc has to tackle. In this case it’s child marriage. I had mixed feelings about Dr Stanton and it felt like things could’ve gotten ugly between them. Another good book and more sleep deprivation.
I wanted to see in the new year with a good book. This one came to mind, although I did start with blood diamond. Its serious but not too serious, more like a fluff coaster for the relationships, knowing everything will work out. This time around I liked Adam and how his past was a necessity. He could've become a monster.
Back on the fence with Dr Stanton. She fanned the flames, manipulating the media to her agenda. She broke patient confidentiality. Ethically she had no right to continue being a doctor. I didn't think much of Veronica. She was strong but all she really did was hold onto a bond.
The biggest victim of this one was Marshal. Poor kid. He's the definition of old soul and having to grow too quickly. Every moment he smiled or acted his age was a relieve. Upgrading to 5 stars.
Jan 2021
Re-read. The last time I wanted to read this, mistakenly picked up Bonds instead. Going into this one as a fresh standalone, I’d pretty much scrap my original review. This time I knew what would happen so no surprises there.
I really felt sorry for Adam, that hasn’t changed. Thanks to his power, it takes separation anxiety to the extreme and almost to death. The stock stuff was clever and not a headache like last time. I liked how he dealt with things and although pretty much evolving into a war machine, still wants peace. The parents were a bit sudden and it felt like they’d reconnected quickly.
Taking down the castle felt chaotic and quick, then again it could be because I was ducking and reading at work. The next time I read this one it could change again.
Other than Adam, the one I felt sorry for was Marshal. Poor kid needs a break and a childhood. I liked the moments he got to be happy with Adam.
This time around I liked Dr Stanton. She was as subtle as a sledgehammer, but it was for a necessary cause and did more good than harm.
May 2020
I held off on reading this one because it’s the same name as the kid from Null and Void, also because I was imagining some stop the wedding cliche. I should’ve realised by now that’s not how things go with this author. Thankfully it’s not the same kid, although the bond situation is the same, the difference is a loving father and an a hole one.
Whereas I did feel sorry for Adam, I preferred Ian and Marshal. Like the others in the series, there is an issue the mc has to tackle. In this case it’s child marriage. I had mixed feelings about Dr Stanton and it felt like things could’ve gotten ugly between them. Another good book and more sleep deprivation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2019
For anyone like me who was confused about the main character based on the blurb, Adam isn't the same character as from Null and Void (similarly, the brief mention of Abigail late in the book isn't the same character as from Null and Void). Usually authors strive to avoid using the same name for multiple characters, so I'm not really sure why it happened twice considering there's tons of names to choose from.
Enjoyment-wise, the second half of the book fell flat for me. I think the problem is that the main character was just too similar to some of the author's other characters under the pen name R.J. Blain (specifically, the main character from Blood Diamond). Also, there was a lot of talking and not a lot of doing, so the banter got repetitive.
Enjoyment-wise, the second half of the book fell flat for me. I think the problem is that the main character was just too similar to some of the author's other characters under the pen name R.J. Blain (specifically, the main character from Blood Diamond). Also, there was a lot of talking and not a lot of doing, so the banter got repetitive.
October 17, 2021
2021 bk 317. Shorter than the previous Royal States books, this one is a comfort read after the intensity of the prior book of the series. Adam has been cast out from his family and the royal court of North Dakota where he had been betrothed at age 5 to the heir to the throne. For 18 years, Adam worked construction and built up investments in the stock market of New York. When rumor arrives that New York's royal family will use a controlled takeover of North Dakota's banks to force a marriage between N.D. and N.Y., Adam realizes that even though he is no longer the potential king - he does have the power to prevent economic disaster for his state. An excellent book on so many levels - not just the romance angle. Reconciliation, comfort, power, jealousy, love - all powerful emotions can be found here.
February 23, 2025
Starts with financial shenanigans and snowballs from there
April 29, 2018
A really good read.
A Guiding Light is a storybook tale that took me from page one to the finish without letting me go. The author slaps you in the face, gets your attention, and ...educates you through her writing about abuses unnoticed by most of us. And while doing all this she is able to make reading a book worthwhile. Do not miss any in this series and read them more than once to catch all the action.
A Guiding Light is a storybook tale that took me from page one to the finish without letting me go. The author slaps you in the face, gets your attention, and ...educates you through her writing about abuses unnoticed by most of us. And while doing all this she is able to make reading a book worthwhile. Do not miss any in this series and read them more than once to catch all the action.
April 25, 2018
Darker and bloodier
This novel picks up the threads of Null and Void. Adam is dragged back into Royal politics against his will to protect the woman he has loved for a lifetime but whom he hasn’t seen or spoken to for 18 years. There is still the characteristic witty banter and wry humour, and the deft characterisations the author is known for.
This novel picks up the threads of Null and Void. Adam is dragged back into Royal politics against his will to protect the woman he has loved for a lifetime but whom he hasn’t seen or spoken to for 18 years. There is still the characteristic witty banter and wry humour, and the deft characterisations the author is known for.
April 10, 2019
Oops, I guess I didn't close out this ebook properly with "Before You Go" a couple weeks ago; I just noticed it was still sitting in my Goodreads "currently reading" shelf. Well, I think I remember enough of what I'd intended to comment about it.
I'd give it about a GR 3.1: I did enjoy it, but not as much as some others by RJ Blain/Susan Copperfield. I liked the protagonists, including the young brother, but there was a bit too much about both stock trading and law to be as exciting as it could have been.
The cover and title don't really fit: the book is more about the drawbacks of the hero (and PoV character)'s powers (and of the heroine's brother's seer powers) than those of the heroine herself.
The hero also spends quite a while merely enduring his life, which is a bit frustrating. At least there's a rationale for his (*SPOILER*) eventual "leveling up".
It's a bit odd that the author once again chose to frame her discussion of the very real evils of child marriage in a story where the pair thus matched do NOT want out of it. (The previous bonded couple were secondary characters in Null and Void.)
Overall, I would never say, "Don't read it," and there's a secondary character here who will probably make an entertaining lead for his own story, just don't expect it to have either as much laughter or as much action as some of RJB's books do.
I'd give it about a GR 3.1: I did enjoy it, but not as much as some others by RJ Blain/Susan Copperfield. I liked the protagonists, including the young brother, but there was a bit too much about both stock trading and law to be as exciting as it could have been.
The cover and title don't really fit: the book is more about the drawbacks of the hero (and PoV character)'s powers (and of the heroine's brother's seer powers) than those of the heroine herself.
The hero also spends quite a while merely enduring his life, which is a bit frustrating. At least there's a rationale for his (*SPOILER*) eventual "leveling up".
It's a bit odd that the author once again chose to frame her discussion of the very real evils of child marriage in a story where the pair thus matched do NOT want out of it. (The previous bonded couple were secondary characters in Null and Void.)
Overall, I would never say, "Don't read it," and there's a secondary character here who will probably make an entertaining lead for his own story, just don't expect it to have either as much laughter or as much action as some of RJB's books do.
July 3, 2025
Princess Veronica is the heir to Royal States North Dakota and when she was five she met and bonded to Adam Penshire who was also about five. Adam is a leech which means in magic terms he soul bonds to one person for life and that was Veronica. All was going well, until the King of North Dakota kicked Adam to the curb.
18 years later Adam opens his door and Veronica's 12yr old brother Marshall is on the doorstep. He's a seer and wants Adam to save Nth Dakota from a plot by New York.
Once again we have a stellar story of the Royal States. I certainly appreciated this book is told mostly from Adam's POV, which is fairly unusual. Did see some of my favourites from previous books.
One star off for the preachy nature of the child marriage laws, which I agree with, but don't want them rammed down my throat.
18 years later Adam opens his door and Veronica's 12yr old brother Marshall is on the doorstep. He's a seer and wants Adam to save Nth Dakota from a plot by New York.
Once again we have a stellar story of the Royal States. I certainly appreciated this book is told mostly from Adam's POV, which is fairly unusual. Did see some of my favourites from previous books.
One star off for the preachy nature of the child marriage laws, which I agree with, but don't want them rammed down my throat.
November 1, 2022
Loved it
May 30, 2018
29.5.2018 - 4*
Ze série se mi tento díl zatím líbil nejméně, ale to může být způsobeno tím, že ostatní díly mě tak trochu nechaly s pokleslou čelistí. :D Stále originální, autorka přichází s novými koncepty a hraje si se svým světem způsobem, který se mi neuvěřitelně líbí. Nejspíše za to, navzdory všem šílenostem, které tam jsou, může vnitřní logika, které se Copperfield věrně drží.
Co mě překvapilo a líbí se mi hodně - snaží se do svých příběhů vepsat sociální problémy a normy, které existují i v současnosti, a upozornit tak na ně, což jsem v tomto žánru už dlouho nečetla. Kolem a kolem, solidní příběh a rozhodně nadprůměr, co se týče fantasy romancí, i když je to místy vyloženě silly a střelené. Nebo možná právě proto. ^^
Ze série se mi tento díl zatím líbil nejméně, ale to může být způsobeno tím, že ostatní díly mě tak trochu nechaly s pokleslou čelistí. :D Stále originální, autorka přichází s novými koncepty a hraje si se svým světem způsobem, který se mi neuvěřitelně líbí. Nejspíše za to, navzdory všem šílenostem, které tam jsou, může vnitřní logika, které se Copperfield věrně drží.
Co mě překvapilo a líbí se mi hodně - snaží se do svých příběhů vepsat sociální problémy a normy, které existují i v současnosti, a upozornit tak na ně, což jsem v tomto žánru už dlouho nečetla. Kolem a kolem, solidní příběh a rozhodně nadprůměr, co se týče fantasy romancí, i když je to místy vyloženě silly a střelené. Nebo možná právě proto. ^^
May 15, 2020
This is a fun speculative fiction series that focuses on a number of societal failings. Magic and the fall of the USA has lead to the formation of a coalition of kingdoms loosely organized into the Royal States of America. The stronger a person's magic, the higher their caste is, and the monarchs have the most powerful magic of all. Those without any magic are considered to be the lowest of lows and are treated abominably. This series focuses on many human rights issues. I was sure I was going to hate it but, instead, I freakin' love it! If you are expecting high literature, give this a miss, but if you need some good, old fashioned escape, Susan Copperfield is a great investment of your time.
April 27, 2018
What can i say but WOW!! I have loved this series from book 1 (Null and Void). This latest installment just blew me away. I laughed and cried and was ready to help them take over North Dakota also. And New York’s prince he was sooo damn funny. I have enjoyed the snark and funny one-liners that just jump at you soo damn funny. The plot line and world building that Susan displays on paper just blows me away. My only disappointment was there was NO MORE!!! Just grab and read you wont be disappointed.
May 6, 2020
This series really surprised me. I wasn't expecting to be so drawn in. After a few books, it became a little difficult to keep track of who belongs to whom and to which State; a Cast of Characters wouldn't go amiss. My only complaint that all the books, to a greater or lesser degree, needed a visit with a good editor. Since this can be a huge issue for me, as a reader, the fact that I carried only regardless is a testament to the storytelling.
November 19, 2020
Wooooooow!
This is an amazingly great book. I enjoyed every single page. A man who started out with everything then tossed aside. Why? Because he didn't have the right talent. After 18 years of raising himself to having a fortune from the stock market, trouble comes calling. The ensuing adventure will change the whole world. Prepare yourself for a wild ride. Just know its a great one!
This is an amazingly great book. I enjoyed every single page. A man who started out with everything then tossed aside. Why? Because he didn't have the right talent. After 18 years of raising himself to having a fortune from the stock market, trouble comes calling. The ensuing adventure will change the whole world. Prepare yourself for a wild ride. Just know its a great one!
March 16, 2024
Adam and Veronica are a seriously cute and lovely couple. One that I was rooting for from the very beginning of the story. And I really like that although they both have a lot of history, they are working towards one another throughout the entire story. Even if they take forever to actually get back to one another, they have managed to grow and change towards each other. Plus, Adam’s total and utter devotion and love is kind of adorable.
The dangers and grossness of childhood marriage contracts is touched upon a little in Null and Void. And I love that although the two instances in this series have happy endings, the story of Adam and Veronica also highlights the beginning of the end of this practice. There is something seriously gross about children being pushed into marriages. The fact that within this series, they are actual legal and binding contracts between kingdoms… incredibly awkward and uncomfortable.
The difficulties that Adam has with his family are really heartbreaking, and as the story unfolds, you realise that they aren’t all evil. I definitely got the impression towards the end of this story that they actually abandoned him to protect him. But, none of his abandonment issues or their motives are really dealt with in this story. I would’ve loved to explore all of this a whole lot more. Particularly once you find out that they were both victims of marriage contracts. And also just generally bad ass individuals. Ones that I kind of immediately fell in love with…
Like all of Copperfield, Blain and Franklin books, this is one that is filled with a wonderful dose of humour and wit. Yet, as with the rest of the Royal States series, there is a whole tone of comments on society as a whole. Other than the childhood marriage grossness, A Guiding Light focuses on the power of money, banks and the stock market. It felt really poignant to read a story about this at the moment – with the cost of living surpassing our wages and the knowledge that everyone is in a whole lot of trouble moneywise.
As a villain, the king in this is an absolute nutter. I mean, he’s probably been one of the worst bad guys in the whole series – mostly because his evil deeds impact on his wife and children. Particularly his youngest son and eldest daughter – they both have suffered a lot at his hands. I kind of love that he ultimately paid the price for murder and manipulation. Now onto the next amazing novel in this series and the social issues that I’m sure I’ll have to think about upon reading it!
The dangers and grossness of childhood marriage contracts is touched upon a little in Null and Void. And I love that although the two instances in this series have happy endings, the story of Adam and Veronica also highlights the beginning of the end of this practice. There is something seriously gross about children being pushed into marriages. The fact that within this series, they are actual legal and binding contracts between kingdoms… incredibly awkward and uncomfortable.
The difficulties that Adam has with his family are really heartbreaking, and as the story unfolds, you realise that they aren’t all evil. I definitely got the impression towards the end of this story that they actually abandoned him to protect him. But, none of his abandonment issues or their motives are really dealt with in this story. I would’ve loved to explore all of this a whole lot more. Particularly once you find out that they were both victims of marriage contracts. And also just generally bad ass individuals. Ones that I kind of immediately fell in love with…
Like all of Copperfield, Blain and Franklin books, this is one that is filled with a wonderful dose of humour and wit. Yet, as with the rest of the Royal States series, there is a whole tone of comments on society as a whole. Other than the childhood marriage grossness, A Guiding Light focuses on the power of money, banks and the stock market. It felt really poignant to read a story about this at the moment – with the cost of living surpassing our wages and the knowledge that everyone is in a whole lot of trouble moneywise.
As a villain, the king in this is an absolute nutter. I mean, he’s probably been one of the worst bad guys in the whole series – mostly because his evil deeds impact on his wife and children. Particularly his youngest son and eldest daughter – they both have suffered a lot at his hands. I kind of love that he ultimately paid the price for murder and manipulation. Now onto the next amazing novel in this series and the social issues that I’m sure I’ll have to think about upon reading it!
July 7, 2018
I really enjoyed this story, told from Adam's PoV (point-of-view). It took me a chapter or two to get used to a male perspective, but I caught on quickly and loved the ride. Excellent storyline and, as I've come to expect from Copperfield's books, wonderful, engaging characters. I can see the foundation for Ian's story next. The Royal States is a great series.
July 28, 2024
Good story but painful. MC is part of a bonded pair and has been separated from his bond. He is depressed and struggling to the point of being semi suicidal. Issues get resolved and the ending is satisfactory but this is way more painful and tragic of a read than the wild romp some of the other books have been. Be warned and keep tissues handy as needed.
May 3, 2018
I sat and read until done. Allow for the time.
I fell in love with the main characters Adam and Veronica right away. Followed immediately by Marshal. The story was fast paced and full of action! READ IT IF YOU DARE!
I fell in love with the main characters Adam and Veronica right away. Followed immediately by Marshal. The story was fast paced and full of action! READ IT IF YOU DARE!
July 16, 2018
Enthralling
I loved this story. The interactions between characters was fantastic and entertaining. The characters themselves were engaging. The storyline was captivating. I can't wait to read the next story.
I loved this story. The interactions between characters was fantastic and entertaining. The characters themselves were engaging. The storyline was captivating. I can't wait to read the next story.
January 27, 2021
The author uses the story lines to show case abuses that often not aware of
The story line was good, some parts were sad but you can see how the author is trying to clear up the issues of this world
I found this one a lot more serious than some of the others in the series but worth a read
The story line was good, some parts were sad but you can see how the author is trying to clear up the issues of this world
I found this one a lot more serious than some of the others in the series but worth a read
June 11, 2025
Another amazing book in this series. I love how different each magic is and that each book is completely different from each other. The characters are all well thought out & I find myself reading them at a fast pace, as they're so good.
July 6, 2025
what amazing setting for a rebellion
The author amazes me with her vast knowledge of so many things. The basic plot of royal couples stands, but each novel has a great and different context and field of expertise.
The author amazes me with her vast knowledge of so many things. The basic plot of royal couples stands, but each novel has a great and different context and field of expertise.
August 29, 2025
enjoyable & humorous read
I’m a fan of the Royal States novels. They are difficult to put down because of their mix of fun characters, interesting world building, and a lot of humor.
I’m a fan of the Royal States novels. They are difficult to put down because of their mix of fun characters, interesting world building, and a lot of humor.
June 8, 2018
I love how everyone is always snarky. The author's humor really shines through in all of her books.
paranormal
November 13, 20216
January 11, 2022
just reread for the 3rd time
I love the Royal states, and enjoyed this as much the third time as the 1st time I read it. I enjoy the audio version as well.
I love the Royal states, and enjoyed this as much the third time as the 1st time I read it. I enjoy the audio version as well.
June 10, 2022
Awesome
I really do love this series and it is so interesting to read about the complicated themes and the dystopian society! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
I really do love this series and it is so interesting to read about the complicated themes and the dystopian society! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
February 24, 2023
Another great book in the Royal States series. Great characters and fantastic story
November 20, 2023
I liked that Adam Smith was an economicist, even if I didn't understand the stock market.
The relationship between Adam and Veronica and her family was confusing
The relationship between Adam and Veronica and her family was confusing
May 5, 2018
Third book in the Royal States series
I really liked Adam, the protagonist, and unlike some other reviwers, I didn't have a problem with the fact that a side character in the first book of the series was also named Adam.
It's not like there is ever any real chance of getting them confused, and common names are called that because they are just that: common.
Good adition to the series.
I really liked Adam, the protagonist, and unlike some other reviwers, I didn't have a problem with the fact that a side character in the first book of the series was also named Adam.
It's not like there is ever any real chance of getting them confused, and common names are called that because they are just that: common.
Good adition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews