In book one, he was just a spoiled playboy prince whose family was in desperate need of money. Now everything has changed Odette Wyntor has a choice. Stay or Run. Royalty is not for the weak of heart. Can they handle what is to come?
I’m a twenty-year-old something born in Montreal, Canada but currently living in Virginia for school. I would tell you want my major is however after two years I still have no idea what I’m doing.
So I’m a writer (duh that’s how you found me), movie enthusiast, and self-proclaimed chef. I love music even though I can’t sing or dance to save my life. (That doesn’t necessarily stop me but you’ve been warned.)
I started Ruthless People the summer of 2013 in hopes of giving myself a new type of love and crime drama. I never knew so many people thought like me! I feel truly blessed to have fans like you all! Writing is my true love and having you all enjoy my words is a dream come true.
Forget Hallmark, this needs to be a Lifetime movie! What a wild ride of an amazing love story! Gale & Odette forever!
This story just hits all the marks for me:
Interracial romance.
A black princess with natural curls. I love how JJ even touched on how to care for curls in certain situations. Showering, bedtime etc..
Royal drama to the Max! Especially within the family.
This book was so much more than part one! JJ McAvoy can write. “Periodt!” I was totally captivated, and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! The character development was addicting. The ending was superb, but left me wanting endless epilogues of Gale & Odette’s life.
All I could hear in the epilogue chapter was the song break free by Kelly Clarkson, I think that perfectly describes that last scene. Also the ending wrapped it up perfectly, so I’m very confused as to how the third book is going to fit in when we already know that they have four kids, and what happens to like three other characters. Regardless I absolutely hated everything or at least most things that Odette went through, I know it was realistic my goodness my heart hurt I just couldn’t stand it. I absolutely despise Ersovia I hope that country falls if it was real. But I adore Gale and everything that he put in to the relationship, and just how he is as a person! He loved Odette so selflessly it was really something amazing!
After getting that cliffhanger in the first book, I couldn't wait to get part two in my hands. Now here I am at the end of this book and I. Am. SWOONING!!
Gale and Odette gave me everything I thought I needed and so much more... 👑 connection - even though, in the beginning, they were apart and Odette had doubts about where they stood, once they were in the same room, their spark was back! It was magical. They fell together as if no time had passed. Their love was so beautiful. 👑 drama - why was every bit of their angst and contention either adorable or hilarious? 👑 ease - weird right? They were navigating the monarchy, trying to find a way to be themselves and stay united, and there was such an easiness between them. It translated in a way that made me truly believe in their forever. 👑 authenticity - in ways that were so simple. It was so easy to relate to Odette's hair care regimen. Yup, I too wear a tie-head to bed!
While there was a bit of mayhem mixed in with their magic, I had no worries when it came to Gale and Odette. I fell in love with them. I fell in love with their story. And I know I'm going to fall in love with whatever comes next for them. I've already got their extended story downloaded and I can't wait to read it!!
I'll get straight to it, I liked this duet. I am even tempted to read the novella. Which for some weird reason is longer than both the first and second books were. The thing is that as much as I wanted to see what happened to Gale and Odette, it felt boring at times. When it started to pick up and the characters came into themselves I was at the 84% mark.
Even if she is a consistent 3-star writer (I read her Ruthless mafia series years ago) for me, I do think that McAvoy did a great job writing about race in this book setting and did not shy away from it and pretend that everyone would just be okay with a black princess let alone a queen. It reminded me a lot of the Megan and Harry departure from earlier this year. From the micro-aggressions, lack of hairstylists trained to handle ethnic hair, and the overall frustrating "losing the historical image." Like my people... don't yall want some melanin?
Overall, I loved how much Gale loved Odette, even if he made me cringe sometimes with his over-the-top prose. He is a poet at heart so it did go with his personality and therefore is forgiven. It helped that Odette even called him cheesy as she secretly relished in it.
Coming back to the 84% mark comment I made earlier. There were issues that I do not feel were resolved and openly just never addressed. This leads me back to the comment about wanting to read the novella to see if it gets fleshed out. However, I really don't want to read 500 pages of skim milk.
Again my lack of interest may be biased as the parts and development I was mixed over is essential to the Royalty trope, i.e. acclimating to the royal lifestyle, losing yourself, etc. If this is your jam then I would recommend, if not be warned since there are no chili peppers in here to spice it up.
It definitely held up with the first book and I have to point out that I loveee how race was handled in these books. Ersovia has a black queen and we are LIVINGGG.
Odette and Gale were flawless yet again so my main gripes with this book were resolutions. Odette's sisters storyline felt kind of unfinished, like there should have been more. And I thought it was out of character by the end of the book for Odette to leave after and because of this I felt we didn't get the hear them talk through this emotional issue as a couple and resolve it. I also feel like everything was going wrong for them for so long, with the press to their relationship that I would've enjoyed to see some time where they were happy and ruling over Ersovia like we know they can. All in all though great duet.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
The crown adjusts for no one, and therefore, she must adjust to the crown.
Shit goes down and I loved every second of it. My favorite part of this story is the couple, Gale and Odette. They truly love each other. And that is so good to see. It feels good. This story had different kind of drama. The first book, The Prince’s Bride Part 1, had drama in the US with Odette’s family. Now we go to Ersovia, and the Royal drama was just as juicy. However, this book was a little darker. Gale is lost. Odette is also lost. In a new country, learning a new language, with so many rules and protocols.
However, the Essenes was the same. Love. These two really do love each other. And even with all the newspaper drama and horrible people trying to sabotage their relationship. They overcame. Love overcame. And it was so satisfying.
**I need to thank Netgalley. I would have never found the first book if it wasn’t for them and it’s probably my favorite romance duology from 2020.
Part two of the Prince’s Bride is magnificent! I couldn’t wait for this conclusion and J.J. McAvoy exceeded all of my expectations. This part of the duet shows that falling in love was the easiest part and dealing with their own feelings was a piece of cake. Now Gale and Odette face the challenge of their lives, which can make them stronger and bind them together, or break them. Feelings are put to the test, loyalty is undermined, and the scandals are endless. And where the first part of this story was sweet and cute, the second one is filled with angst, heartbreak and many twists and turns!
I’m so impressed with characters development. Both Gale and Odette had to drastically change their lives, but thanks to courage, strength, perseverance and mutual support, they slowly jumped into their new roles. They encountered many obstacles on the way, they became victims of gossip, manipulation and deception, but they believed in each other and it gave them the power.
Odette is a true fighter, she's tough, courageous and compassionate. Although she was constantly exposed to criticism, she was following her own heart and thus won the hearts of others.
Gale is determined, resolute and thoughtful. I loved to see that, despite his own struggles with the expectations of others, he was always supporting his beloved one.
Where previously the push and pull was between Gale and Odette, now the shove came from outside and it was aimed at both of them. But Gale and Odette were not only a source of strength for each other, but also the greatest comfort. And if the love that has been jeopardized and tested every step of the way isn't the greatest, then I just don't know what is.
Princes Bride: Part 2 is the perfect ending to Odette and Gale’s unusual love story. It’s filled with drama, jaw-dropping twists, but also with swoon-worthy and heartwarming moments. J.J. McAvoy formed an unique storyline with exceptional characters and that makes this royal romance outstanding. I hope that someday we’ll get a chance to get back to Ersovia, there are several supporting characters, whose stories I would love to read!
I got smart a long time ago and refused to read multi-part romance novels before all the parts were released. The first part of this story didn't give me that sense of something complete while still having a story to tell. It left me hanging abruptly. I figured this one would bring it all home.
It did. Mostly. It was actually a really well crafted story of an American thrust into a role she was not prepared for. It really does a good job of diving into the complexities of the value of love and how it sometimes can war with traditions and institutions. In the words of the Bee Gees 'How Deep is Your Love?' Is it strong enough to withstand the immense pressures that go along with trying to work within deeply entrenched ideas and a system that is a machine that is designed for hundreds of years to actively work against all you hold dear?
In retrospect, I think the first book is a major fail in the sense that I don't feel it actually did create a good enough foundation of deep love for Gale and Odette for her to have weathered the shit she did in this book for him. The first book they only meet and consider marriage for money. They spend several weeks together and Gale had to come back because of his brother's death. We never even get an 'I love you' in last book and yet we are to believe that Odette is willing to be pilloried for him.
You really do have to handwave that away to get to the place where you believe in it. I do admit the writing in this was strong enough and the story compelling enough that you do want them to succeed and you do believe. But I still think the first book was a very weak foundation for this one.
The supporting characters were great and I give the author a lot of credit for making each character feel very true to themselves. I liked that no one really bent or felt like they were being made to do something for plot purposes alone. You get a real clear sense of who the Queen, Eliza, Sophia, Iskander... are. Even though one of my very favorite tropes is the outsider who comes into a stagnant situation and shakes things up for the better, I am glad the author didn't go that route. Odette is the outsider and there is way of doing and being and no matter how charming or great she is, she isn't always going to be able to charm or be great to everyone. But there is a middle ground to be had I like how skillfully the author allowed people to meet there without compromising their basic characters.
So this was much more satisfying than the first book on every level. But if I had one complaint, it would be that I would have liked a more definitive conclusion of what was going on with Odette's family situation. I feel like that was weirdly still left up in the air. I assume she got her inheritance. But I wonder what happened with her relationship with her sister and what really happened between her mother and Yvonne? That was a good subplot and I feel like we didn't get real closure there.
You must read The Prince's Bride: Part 1 before reading Part 2.
I have gotten so invested in Odette and Gale's royal journey!! This book picked up six months after the tragic events at the end of Part 1. To avoid spoilers, just know Part 2 dives deeper into the adversity that Odette and Gale will face in the face of Ersovia's long standing traditions. These two had to grow up FAST. I loved seeing Gale take on more responsibility in this book when it came to his royal duties. I loved seeing Odette adapt to the rumors and prove the naysayers wrong by rising to the occasion in her quest to be accepted by the members of Gale's home country.
I did want to smack them because it was obvious (at least to me) who the palace mole was, but it had to be drawn out for dramatics, and it worked.
Literally if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's romance/royal journey was told as a fiction tale, this would fit the bill exactly. The author did not hold back in discussing how some were biased against Odette and Gale from the very beginning due to the color of her skin. I appreciated that she didn't hide that because it was very realistic. That, and how the author dealt with all the difficulties that they faced as a couple is what made this book a standout for me. Odette and Gale loved each other deeply, and seeing a couple work through fights, gossip, and forces trying to tear them apart is how you know their love is real and strong.
Odette and Gale deserved their HEA, and I cannot wait to read the last book!!! The narration, like the first book, was perfection. Wesleigh Siobhan and Shane East truly bring the characters to life.
TROPES: royalty; marriage of convenience/arranged marriage; interracial (black heroine/white hero); family/palace drama
TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions of death of loved ones and miscarriage; attempted murder
I finished this gem of a book on my birthday and I couldn’t be happier to spend few hours reading this wonderful story. First of all I have to say I loved the first book and this one did not disappoint! Literally there were two scenes I cried my eyes out for! It really had me get into my feelings.
This book started where the first one left off which was a heart stopping cliffhanger! FYI I’m still feeling the whiplash from that ending, anyway this book focused more on the royal aspects of the story and the mechanism that makes a monarchy. While we still had romance, this book showed how these two characters are no longer in a love bubble anymore and forced them deal with the real world. All in all. It was an amazing conclusion to a beautiful story, I highly recommend.
Things you will find in this book: Pros 1. Drama centering around royals 2. Two people who love each other no matter the adversities they’re faced with. (Swoon worthy love) 3. Family drama!! (My favorite) 4. Heart warming and heart breaking moments (literally I cried, and I’m not even an emotional reader!!) 5. Important commentaries regarding image, representation, racism and colorism. (And it was done tastefully🥰) 6. And of course at the core of it, this is a story about love, friendship, partnership, hardship and overcoming the struggle of life gracefully. (We are not all royals or millionaire heiress, but we can dream to be in this book)
Things I wish were in the book: Cons
1. More juicy moments between Gale and Odette to banter and just be cute together. 2. We needed Odette’s mom showing out and showing off because she’s a queen and we love to see her read everything and everyone! 3. I was hoping to see a good conclusion or at least a moment dedicated to building Odette’s and her sisters relationship or just a petty fight between the moms. (I’m not opposed to dramatic millionaire moms fight) 4. Last but not least, I wish this book was longer so we get to see the characters grow in their new roles.
Anyways thanks for coming to my Ted talk 😂 please go read this 💕
First off book 1 is the "wooing" book. It is sweet, funny and romantic, all the things that do not necessarily have to happen for me to enjoy a story, but I really enjoyed it .
But this one, this story is so thought provokingly good. I had a reaction, like I hurt for these characters. This story is so relevant, current and important! NO it is not heavy in the sense that it is weighed down by constant drama, but there is drama. The romance between Gale and Odette, is beautiful to watch blossom. There are so many things I want to tell you but it would just spoil you getting to experience the magic of JJ 's writing. A story about love overcoming everything stacked against you while the world is watching. Do rise or do you crumble? It really is a terrific story and so worth your time. I am a super picky reader and it takes a lot for me to be impressed, but this one, it hit me right in the heart .
So so much drama! It was a bit depressing and the attempt on her life just tipped this one over! I'm sorry not much is worth your life, the thought is romantic but the reality is a whole different kettle of fish. I hope the last novel is more balanced and sweet like the first one!
-OMG !!!! 😫😫😫 This was the the second book in the series, and it was tooo good ! I could NOT put it down. I don’t have much to really say you just have to read it, I literally ATE THIS BOOK UP !
-All I have to say is yes to King Galahad and Queen Odette !!! Now the way the book ended was too happy which is good, but I already know J.J. Is going to slap me in the third book with something crazy and I know I’m not prepared!!! (At least I hope I’m not wrong)
-5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I am not arguing with anyone who disagrees!!!😂😂😂😭
This book was filled with "sheer and utter insanity, mixed with deafening cheers, tears to fill an ocean, sparkles, lace, butterflies escaping stomachs, sprinkled with mushy love goo everywhere." A perfect quote found in this very story.
I wasn't even 11% in and I was already smiling. This second book to the series gives as much gooey owe feels as it did the first one. Gale and Odette are the couples that pull at the cotton candy strings of your heart. Their interactions are the cutest and made my insides feel like marshmallow mush. The trials that they go through, had my stomach in a knot. Characters will draw you so far in you'd think you knew them personally.
I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved them all. Gale's mom, an honorable lady. His sister Eliza, an utter sweetheart and loving soul. Iskandar, the no-nonsense guard with a heart of gold. Odette's mom, a loving but high maintenance woman who doesn't play when it comes to her daughter and yogurt. Wolfgang, my absolute favorite, wore his heart on his sleeve and was the glue and happiness of this story. I'd highly recommend this duet series! A sweet heartfelt romance that will stick to your heart like glitter glue. Definitely would make the cutest hallmark movie ever!!!
I didn't like this book nearly as much as the first one. The first book I devoured every page. In book 2 I found myself skimming pages because I found the royal protocols and Odette's tutoring sessions so boring. And while I did appreciate's JJ's thoroughness and how descriptive she was I felt like we spent so much time just seeing Odette take etiquette classes and her tutoring sessions.
I'm also bummed out that we didn't hear more about Augusta and Yvonne. Yvonne was a major antagonist in part 1 and even threatened to find a way to get Odette's stocks she had from Etheus and then nothing else?? And Augusta so she's a bad guy right? Or is she just a jealous little sister? Is she sneaky like her mom? And I guess some of that was answered when Augusta loses it about Odette going to Ersovia and not calling her making a big deal about big worried about her sister and all of a sudden she's selling tabloid stories, hanging up on Odette when she does reached out, and not speaking with her husband? Both Yvonne and Augusta literally just faded to black and were never spoken about again.
Finally did Odette ever get her money?? I mean I'm assuming she got it because she and Gale eventually married but it was literally brought up maybe twice and then we just forgot that this royal family who was in dire financial straits is still throwing garden parties, running day to day activities, buying 34 thousand Euro horses!
There were so many plot holes and lose ends that were never wrapped up and then the book ended so abruptly. Book 2 felt like a filler this would have been better just being one book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm so sad this duet is done :( so much fun to read.
Unlike the first book where it was all banter, fun and cute meet, though this book still had that but it was more intense and drama filled.
My heart ached for poor Odette, but this woman never gave up. It was most definitely hard trying to adjust her whole life to being a royal. She was hit by some big challenges and suffered a lot due to jealous, prejudice and evil intents others had against her.
From malicious false rumors, tearing her character down, being betrayed by her bitch sister to miscarrying her baby by someone adding peanuts to her food, which she is allergic.
It was horrible. But she got through it. Had a back bone of steel and a steady constant lover by her side.
Gale was a knight in shining armor in this book. He had his own challenges. From mourning his brother, trying to take on the responsibility of Adeleer, his father losing his memory and keeping the love of his life from running away from him...he was always on the move. No time to stop. His love for Odette kept him going but he could see day by day how his a life with him was sucking away her own.
True happiness and love is not always a walk in the park.
These two were put through the ringer and I loved their story.
A few things seemed out of place and unfinished.
1. Pregnancy loss was not even discussed between Gale and Odette. They didnt even acknowledge this huge moment and tragedy they went through. Odette refused to see him in the hospital so he stayed away and when she came back...no talk of it as if it didnt happen. Mmhmm
2. The bitch sister. That petty ass hoe did not get what she deserved, an ass whooping. What a horrible person. No closure on that end, she was just written off as staying petty for petty's sake. Seemed like a waste of a plot line
3. I know Gale was a former manwhore. This isnt news, but in the first book Gale's weird hero act with that Giselle chick was completely irrelevant in this book. Why did he always run when she had a crisis? What was she that he would always go to her when she needed him? She was just portrayed as a hateful snob in this book, no dialogue just bratty attitude and that seemed HIGHLY unnecessary. Sabina I understood her relevance. She was like the Natasha (Ruthless People) in this series. The other chick was just random and not needed
4. I needed a DMC moment between the King and Gale. Especially when Gale felt like his whole world was ending, with Odette leaving and losing his child. I feel an acknowledgement from his father that he does believe in him to be the future king and he isnt the spare son he wishes died instead of his brother. I needed that to come full circle but the moment Gale went to his father at his lowest point...his dad was sleeping :( -_-
Besides these things this duet was a great read. One that had me laughing, crying, angry and overflowed with happiness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Odette really went through it. I'm wondering if love is enough when people actively are trying to keep you apart. Like the first book, the author didn't shy away from racism, the issues with monarchs, and how money does not protect you from criticism. It was described as akin to a zoo, and I think it was a great reminder that we shouldn't romantize royals.
Not to be shady, but the reading experience I had with this experience I was hoping to get from American Royalty. And to be quite honest, this book was way better.
Side note I was very disappointed in Augusta. I really was hoping she was going to be a better sister to Odette. 😤
CN: grief, use of alcohol to numb feelings, dementia, miscarriage, racism, poison,
I enjoyed the conclusion to the this duet. I like how the author tackled some sensitive issue revolving race. I feel in love with the characters . The only reason it wasn't a 5 star is because of the lack of sex in the book. I wish there was more and a little more detail. I might be spoiled by the previous books I've read ( hehehe) but I definitely still loved this ending.
This sequel takes you on an emotional journey of love, growth and loss. I missed the interactions between Gale and Odette while I was waiting for this book to be released. They have such an easy dialogue between each other, which is playful and flirtatious. It makes you fall in love with them all over again.
Odette was a boss in the first book and she still is in this sequel but she admits she's stronger at the side of her prince. Odette and Gale both go through some gruelling moments in this book, more emotionally straining than physical but their journey just makes them stronger. I did not expect the twists in this book that occurred and there was some definite mystery. I was shocked to find out who the culprit was.
I did enjoy the first book more, as it showcased a different genre by JJ that I havent read before from her. I felt like I was missing answers when it came to some of the side characters and it would have been nice to have more scenes diving deeper into their involvement and growth eventhough there was the epilogue at the end. It almost could have been a third book.
I definitely need this books to become Hallmark movies. If you are a lover of modern day royal romance with interracial relationship, beautiful prose, arranged marriages and family drama, you will love to get lost in Odette and Gale’s love story.
This sequel of The Prince’s Bride was definitely more intense than book 1. Gale and Odette now know they love one another but with royal duties, family drama and the media they need to found out how strong is that love. Will they make it of break it? Scandals, pain and heartbreak will follow this two.
Book 2 it’s filled with more twists and turns that will leave you guessing. That was one of my favorite part. Not been able to decipher until the last moment who was behind it all.
There’s many more beautiful and heartwarming moments between the couple but I even wanted much much more. We get see the Kingdom of Ersovia through Odette’s eyes. A magnificent and regal country.
There’s also beautiful poetry and songs that made me swoon over this couple.
“I swear to you, from now until the day I die, your dreams are my dreams. Your joy is my joy. Your pain is my pain, and I will never betray you. You are now my body, my mind, my soul, and my heart. You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars,”
I wanted more of this couple once I reach the final chapter. I wanted to see them in their new role so JJ write us a Novella for Christmas 😉.
*** I voluntarily read and review an advance copy of this book.
The Prince's Bride 2! Since I received an ARC of the first book, I've been dying to know what happened with Gale and Odette. Probably you don't know it, but the first book ended in a totally unexpected cliffhanger that almost killed me! Well, I loved the second book, too. Gale and Odette's story continues and some new characters are included. Let me tell you, you will not like a couple of them. Sweet story about a prince who finds his princess. But they will have to face enemies, betrayals and some other twists. It will leave a smile on your lips. BTW, the cover is totally gorgeous.
My absolute love for this book series has been totally unexpected. I don’t know why I expected these books to be cheesy but I have fallen in love completely. Gale and Odette are just perfection when they come on to the page, like oh wow. The conflict in this book is too good and never feels forced. The author continues to amazes me with how layered their world feels and how even though Gale and Odette’s relationship is fairly new they’re both advocating for the other to believe in it. I’m flying through this series after not picking up a book in a month is that not insanity?
odette went through so much istg my girl couldn’t catch a break 😭 but they pulled through !! i just love how gale is so in love with her like he would do anything for her 🥺💗
kinda wish i got to see more of the other characters like i would love it if this was series tbh but we cant have it all ig 😭