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Royal & Reckless #1
The King and Jai
One young American tutor + one dangerously sexy widowed king = conflict, chaos, misadventure and lots and lots of sexytimes
Jai
For the record, sleeping with my boss was not part of the plan when I started this new job. A job I desperately need to get my parents off my back about my chosen career path.
But the second I catch sight of Lukas Romansky in the flesh, I know I’m in trouble. The guy is pure sex wrapped in a three-piece suit, and not even his stuffy attitude or the way he seems to despise me on sight is enough to stifle my attraction.
But I’m here to work, not to hook up. It doesn’t matter how sexy Lukas is, or how sweet he is with his children—sleeping with the boss is never a good idea.
Oh, and did I mention my boss also happens to be the king?
Yes, King Lukas III of Korova, the man voted World’s Sexiest Head of State three years in a row. Hooking up with him wouldn’t just be a bad idea, it would be an international scandal.
So believe me when I say I didn’t come to Korova with the intention of seducing the king. But sometimes things just happen. And is it my fault I’m impossible to resist?
The King and Jai is the first book in the Royal & Reckless series. It spins off from Virtually Screwed, book 2 of the Love & Luck series - both books can be read as stand-alones.
The King and Jai was previously published inside the multi-author romance box set, Romantically Ever After.
Jai
For the record, sleeping with my boss was not part of the plan when I started this new job. A job I desperately need to get my parents off my back about my chosen career path.
But the second I catch sight of Lukas Romansky in the flesh, I know I’m in trouble. The guy is pure sex wrapped in a three-piece suit, and not even his stuffy attitude or the way he seems to despise me on sight is enough to stifle my attraction.
But I’m here to work, not to hook up. It doesn’t matter how sexy Lukas is, or how sweet he is with his children—sleeping with the boss is never a good idea.
Oh, and did I mention my boss also happens to be the king?
Yes, King Lukas III of Korova, the man voted World’s Sexiest Head of State three years in a row. Hooking up with him wouldn’t just be a bad idea, it would be an international scandal.
So believe me when I say I didn’t come to Korova with the intention of seducing the king. But sometimes things just happen. And is it my fault I’m impossible to resist?
The King and Jai is the first book in the Royal & Reckless series. It spins off from Virtually Screwed, book 2 of the Love & Luck series - both books can be read as stand-alones.
The King and Jai was previously published inside the multi-author romance box set, Romantically Ever After.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
210 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 25, 2020
As someone who loves historical romances and loves the dynamic of a royal/commoner, I was really hoping that The King and Jai would give me those "stiff upper lip" + protocols! + gay vibes, but I didn't get that at all.
Look, for the king to have barely any staff and bodyguards, no formality whatsoever, and to be so cavalier that he was riding a dildo in an unlocked room in the castle in the middle of the day (!!!) just removed all of the royal atmosphere I was hoping to get. Fine, you want to make it a super casual, modern-day castle with basically no rules, why not just have this as an elite family, not royalty? Plus, I highly doubted that a guy who knew languages but was untrained as a tutor would be magically hired by the royal family without even knowing who was hiring him.
sigh...
There was a fun story in there, but a lack of chemistry and just a weird set up made it really hard for me to enjoy this one. I'll go back to my historical romances in the English countryside with Dukes and Marquesses for days.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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Look, for the king to have barely any staff and bodyguards, no formality whatsoever, and to be so cavalier that he was riding a dildo in an unlocked room in the castle in the middle of the day (!!!) just removed all of the royal atmosphere I was hoping to get. Fine, you want to make it a super casual, modern-day castle with basically no rules, why not just have this as an elite family, not royalty? Plus, I highly doubted that a guy who knew languages but was untrained as a tutor would be magically hired by the royal family without even knowing who was hiring him.
sigh...
There was a fun story in there, but a lack of chemistry and just a weird set up made it really hard for me to enjoy this one. I'll go back to my historical romances in the English countryside with Dukes and Marquesses for days.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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May 31, 2021
This one didn't make much sense... but I still really liked it. Like what kind of king has some action with his dildo in an unlocked bathroom in the middle of the day? However, the whole internalized homophobia is so done in gay romance. Can we just move on from it already?
June 18, 2020
Sweet and humorous, loved it!
October 24, 2020
1.5 stars rounded up
Rounding up not because there was anything I particularly liked about this one, but I also didn't hate this either, so I don't feel right giving it 1 star.
But make no mistake, this one wasn't for me. I think I knew early on it wasn't. The characters were very one dimensional, the chemistry was...meh, and I felt way more watching "A Christmas Prince" on Netflix than reading this.
I wanted a goodie I could sink my teeth into. With great chemistry, great relationship building and steamy scenes - but also they have to keep it secret because it's forbidden or at least, it would be a HUGE deal if anyone found out...
There was none of that in this.
While I didn't hate any particular character, I didn't really like any one character either. They were all so "meh" for me. Jai and Lukas's chemistry was meh.
There's somewhat of a balance with the romance and chemistry and all that needed in a romance book for me, and this one did not pull that off. I wanted more of a connection, I wanted to see more between these two before the sex started.
We didn't even really get to see Jai with the Lukas's kids, who he was tutoring, at all until maybe near the end, so there was no emotional connection there for me with Jai and the kids and even Lukas and his own kids.
The blurb said Lukas was surly with Jai but wonderful with his kids - and Jai just can't help but adore him for that - but we don't...really see Lukas with his kids before they do anything except for like once, and it's such a quick interaction that I really didn't get a feel for Katya, his daughter. We kinda get something with the son *way* later but it wasn't enough for him either.
Like if you include a kid or kids in your romance...you gotta endear the readers to the kids as much as the LI of the parent of the kid(s) has to endear themselves to the kid(s). We barely got anything with them, so I didn't care at all about them.
These two didn't have many scenes where they just...got to know each other. And this is more a novella than a novel, but I've read stories this short where I fell in love with the characters and couple, so it can be done. This one just didn't hit the mark.
Like, they connected through sex, essentially. I didn't really get the feeling of romance between them. Like .
And ya know, in the right hands, something like that could possibly work, in a funny, great way. But in lesser hands, it...just doesn't, and it comes across as cheesy to me.
I started skimming around 50%, and I doubt I missed anything that important. Not much happened in this. The sex was all right, but given that I wasn't feeling much between these two, the sex therefore didn't do much for me. I would say it was the best written parts in this novella, though.
This was just...not a win for me. I was weary of reading this author, and I was sad to be right about my worries.
The blurbs I'd read for their books thus far had seemed...a little silly and corny, but this particular blurb had grabbed my attention - I love romances where they have to sneak around and try not get caught and maybe it's forbidden, maybe not, but omG they're almost caught but they're just so in love and can't stay away and than maybe eventually they DO get caught and...juST YES, I love that - but...almost everyone important knew almost right away, so it wasn't even that secret, there was no scandal, really (even though the blurb says it'd be a scandal if it got out) and it was all tied up in a nice, neat bow that I couldn't have cared less about, because I was just not into this.
I'm sad, because I would have loved to have loved this, because the premise sounded so promising and fun.
Alas, that is not to be. Thumbs down for me. I don't recommend this 😕
Rounding up not because there was anything I particularly liked about this one, but I also didn't hate this either, so I don't feel right giving it 1 star.
But make no mistake, this one wasn't for me. I think I knew early on it wasn't. The characters were very one dimensional, the chemistry was...meh, and I felt way more watching "A Christmas Prince" on Netflix than reading this.
I wanted a goodie I could sink my teeth into. With great chemistry, great relationship building and steamy scenes - but also they have to keep it secret because it's forbidden or at least, it would be a HUGE deal if anyone found out...
There was none of that in this.
While I didn't hate any particular character, I didn't really like any one character either. They were all so "meh" for me. Jai and Lukas's chemistry was meh.
There's somewhat of a balance with the romance and chemistry and all that needed in a romance book for me, and this one did not pull that off. I wanted more of a connection, I wanted to see more between these two before the sex started.
We didn't even really get to see Jai with the Lukas's kids, who he was tutoring, at all until maybe near the end, so there was no emotional connection there for me with Jai and the kids and even Lukas and his own kids.
The blurb said Lukas was surly with Jai but wonderful with his kids - and Jai just can't help but adore him for that - but we don't...really see Lukas with his kids before they do anything except for like once, and it's such a quick interaction that I really didn't get a feel for Katya, his daughter. We kinda get something with the son *way* later but it wasn't enough for him either.
Like if you include a kid or kids in your romance...you gotta endear the readers to the kids as much as the LI of the parent of the kid(s) has to endear themselves to the kid(s). We barely got anything with them, so I didn't care at all about them.
These two didn't have many scenes where they just...got to know each other. And this is more a novella than a novel, but I've read stories this short where I fell in love with the characters and couple, so it can be done. This one just didn't hit the mark.
Like, they connected through sex, essentially. I didn't really get the feeling of romance between them. Like .
And ya know, in the right hands, something like that could possibly work, in a funny, great way. But in lesser hands, it...just doesn't, and it comes across as cheesy to me.
I started skimming around 50%, and I doubt I missed anything that important. Not much happened in this. The sex was all right, but given that I wasn't feeling much between these two, the sex therefore didn't do much for me. I would say it was the best written parts in this novella, though.
This was just...not a win for me. I was weary of reading this author, and I was sad to be right about my worries.
The blurbs I'd read for their books thus far had seemed...a little silly and corny, but this particular blurb had grabbed my attention - I love romances where they have to sneak around and try not get caught and maybe it's forbidden, maybe not, but omG they're almost caught but they're just so in love and can't stay away and than maybe eventually they DO get caught and...juST YES, I love that - but...almost everyone important knew almost right away, so it wasn't even that secret, there was no scandal, really (even though the blurb says it'd be a scandal if it got out) and it was all tied up in a nice, neat bow that I couldn't have cared less about, because I was just not into this.
I'm sad, because I would have loved to have loved this, because the premise sounded so promising and fun.
Alas, that is not to be. Thumbs down for me. I don't recommend this 😕
January 20, 2022
3.5 rounded up. I admittedly read this while on painkillers but the overall enjoyment was strong. Lots of great accents in the audiobook by Joel Leslie. Happily ever after fairy tale prince vibes. Great for a bit of uplifting rompy fun.
September 11, 2021
2ish stars
I don’t understand the point of this book. Literally I couldn’t tell you what happened… I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. And it just felt like they would do one thing like teach the kids then bam scene done and next chapter..: yeah it was a shorter book but still I have read books that were shorter that were far more engaging.
Also poor Tomas I felt like he was forgotten compared to Katya.
Joel Leslie made this bearable.. won’t continue the series
I don’t understand the point of this book. Literally I couldn’t tell you what happened… I didn’t connect with either of the main characters. And it just felt like they would do one thing like teach the kids then bam scene done and next chapter..: yeah it was a shorter book but still I have read books that were shorter that were far more engaging.
Also poor Tomas I felt like he was forgotten compared to Katya.
Joel Leslie made this bearable.. won’t continue the series
April 25, 2022
Cute and fun.
I've done so many deep and intense stories lately, it's kinda nice to get a break. Isla Olsen has a very dear way of writing, and Joel Leslie's style of narration is actually a really good fit for it. Easy humor, and a sexy little romance, makes for a solid and enjoyable Saturday afternoon romance.
I've done so many deep and intense stories lately, it's kinda nice to get a break. Isla Olsen has a very dear way of writing, and Joel Leslie's style of narration is actually a really good fit for it. Easy humor, and a sexy little romance, makes for a solid and enjoyable Saturday afternoon romance.
December 1, 2025
4.75/5 Stars ⭐
A MM Royal romance with an age gap (~14yrs), a widowed king x his kids' tutor! It's hella cute, maybe too easy, but it's got Hurt/Comfort, low-ish angst & hilariousy rom-com-y situations.
I was on lookout for medium-length books & I found this interesting. It had been so long since I did a royal romance 😁. Loved Jai, Lukas, & side characters!
The narrator's voice sounded so fruity as Jai 😂, but ooh so deep with Lukas 🥵. He put so much effort in sex scene 🤭. The Russian-like accents were good ngl but also hilarious to me as I'm not used to them 😅.
Jai (24) is an American who got a job to be a tutor in a country close to Ukraine (or Russia? I don't remember). What he didn't know: it was for the royalty there. Surprise! J's out as gay, smart & passionate about languages. J's friendly, proves to be patient & fun with kids. I loved him flirty, bossy.
Lukas (38) is the King. Unbeknownst to all, L's gay & was in a beard marriage. He has never gotten a chance to live his truth, but can love be worth it? L's a devoted dad, responsible, commanding but also worries, gets shy, flustered (cute!).
J+L had awkward 1st meet lol. L was cold, trying to hate J... Because if he doesn't, he'll give in. But having random encounters, they get closer over their shared parental trauma 😭. J breaks L's walls! I loved their friendship & how J waits for L 🥺. They're so hot 🥵, I love a bottom king but especially loved that they're vers & got kinky in office 😂. I loved the dance & dildo scenes!
Everyone's queer in this Royal family 🤭. I gotta read the bro's story, love poly rep. The kids are cute, I loved their interactions. Its funny how L+J tried to be secret but were a bit obvious (why is that mostly the case in books lol?), I loved their confidence & trust in eachother. All are so supportive 🥰, very progressive thinking indeed. Too easy? Maybe. But it fits here.
Oof that homophobic dad of Lukas left trouble even after his death, I'm so mad at him!! I'm so thankful L+J talked & no-one was self-sacrificial 😭. I liked it was a 3rd act problem & caused feels but as story's sweet - it's handled maturely. Loved the ending & epilogue 🥰.
Audiobook+Story ratings :
POV: 1st Person, Dual POV
Narration: Single, Joel Leslie
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) The Feels: 😳😉😅🤔😂😬🥺🤭😟😌😍😢🤗🥵🥰😤🤫😁
3) Sexy/Steamy times: 3/5
4) Levels: Lowish-Mild Angst, Very Cute, Somewhat Dark
5) Build up & Style: 4.25/5
6) Voice acting: 7/10 (good)
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
A MM Royal romance with an age gap (~14yrs), a widowed king x his kids' tutor! It's hella cute, maybe too easy, but it's got Hurt/Comfort, low-ish angst & hilariousy rom-com-y situations.
I was on lookout for medium-length books & I found this interesting. It had been so long since I did a royal romance 😁. Loved Jai, Lukas, & side characters!
The narrator's voice sounded so fruity as Jai 😂, but ooh so deep with Lukas 🥵. He put so much effort in sex scene 🤭. The Russian-like accents were good ngl but also hilarious to me as I'm not used to them 😅.
Jai (24) is an American who got a job to be a tutor in a country close to Ukraine (or Russia? I don't remember). What he didn't know: it was for the royalty there. Surprise! J's out as gay, smart & passionate about languages. J's friendly, proves to be patient & fun with kids. I loved him flirty, bossy.
Lukas (38) is the King. Unbeknownst to all, L's gay & was in a beard marriage. He has never gotten a chance to live his truth, but can love be worth it? L's a devoted dad, responsible, commanding but also worries, gets shy, flustered (cute!).
J+L had awkward 1st meet lol. L was cold, trying to hate J... Because if he doesn't, he'll give in. But having random encounters, they get closer over their shared parental trauma 😭. J breaks L's walls! I loved their friendship & how J waits for L 🥺. They're so hot 🥵, I love a bottom king but especially loved that they're vers & got kinky in office 😂. I loved the dance & dildo scenes!
Everyone's queer in this Royal family 🤭. I gotta read the bro's story, love poly rep. The kids are cute, I loved their interactions. Its funny how L+J tried to be secret but were a bit obvious (why is that mostly the case in books lol?), I loved their confidence & trust in eachother. All are so supportive 🥰, very progressive thinking indeed. Too easy? Maybe. But it fits here.
Oof that homophobic dad of Lukas left trouble even after his death, I'm so mad at him!! I'm so thankful L+J talked & no-one was self-sacrificial 😭. I liked it was a 3rd act problem & caused feels but as story's sweet - it's handled maturely. Loved the ending & epilogue 🥰.
Audiobook+Story ratings :
POV: 1st Person, Dual POV
Narration: Single, Joel Leslie
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) The Feels: 😳😉😅🤔😂😬🥺🤭😟😌😍😢🤗🥵🥰😤🤫😁
3) Sexy/Steamy times: 3/5
4) Levels: Lowish-Mild Angst, Very Cute, Somewhat Dark
5) Build up & Style: 4.25/5
6) Voice acting: 7/10 (good)
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June 15, 2020
I liked Jai. I'd met him, a few times in previous series, and he's an awesome friend.
I was a bit conflicted with liking the story and not liking some of the elements of this installment.
Especially the aristocracy and the King thing. And a reckless one.
I'm not sure is there some Country with that kind of protocol in this world? The lacking of protocols, and only have one or two guards. Maybe there is. Like Korova :)
But aside from those annoying facts, I was enjoying The King and Jai. Not very excited, but I enjoyed it somehow.
September 19, 2020
I’ve really enjoyed every book I’ve read by Isla Olsen. They’re light and sweet with little to no angst and always a happily ever after. It’s also fun how characters from previous books show up in the story. This one had Owen and Blake in it. Isla is one of the authors I turn to when I want a feel good read.
August 25, 2020
Wanted to love it, but the tone did not match a royal type of book. Would have expected this as a frat house erotica tbh. I know this novel is a fiction, but some of the scenes were just to far fetched that it went outside the realm of believing.
Also why introduce a barrier to the relationship when you are just going to ignore it.
Also my pet peeve - where everyone including the pet rock is gay.
Also why introduce a barrier to the relationship when you are just going to ignore it.
Also my pet peeve - where everyone including the pet rock is gay.
June 27, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this marvelous, sweet, grab-you-by-the-feels, tug-at-your-heartstrings, sexy, delightful, amazing, charming, lovely, poignant, beautiful, and totally awesome modern day royal romance. It had me hooked from beginning to end, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
July 21, 2024
Sweet romance, easy to read and never getting boring.
Great audio! 😍
Great audio! 😍
October 11, 2021
3.5 stars . This was silly sweet. I expected more according to the rating but I enjoyed it anyway. A nice , sweet , light read.
April 7, 2022
2.5 stars. Just okay. I picked this up because I was intrigued by a modern queer retelling of the King and I, but this didn't really give me what I was hoping for. The setup sounds great: Jai is hired to be the tutor to two kids in a tiny Eastern European country, and only when he gets there does he realise he'll be tutoring the young prince and princess. And of course, he and the King start falling for one another. Very cute, very fairytale-esque. The romance of the premise is mostly why I still liked this. But the execution of the whole thing kinda fell flat. There was absolutely no build-up to any of the relationships; I felt like we kept jumping from point to point. I wanted, for example, to see Jai gradually connecting with the kids, but instead he meets them off screen and they fall in love with him immediately. The romance between him and the King was little better; after a few early hiccoughs and hijinks, they get together pretty early. And I mean, the book is only about 200 pages long, so there wasn't much time for a lot of setup or slow burn, but it just didn't make for a satisfying romance. They were definitely cute together, but the whole thing just seemed to go by in a blur without leaving much of an impression on me. The King is mourning his wife, and while we know from pretty early that the relationship wasn't a romantic one, she seemed to have absolutely no weight or presence, either for him or the kids.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Joel Leslie, which was the other reason I picked this up; he's one of my favourite male narrators. And he did make this enjoyable. There were lots of cute moments and fun banter. But mostly I'm just... meh.
Content warnings: .
Listened to the audiobook as read by Joel Leslie, which was the other reason I picked this up; he's one of my favourite male narrators. And he did make this enjoyable. There were lots of cute moments and fun banter. But mostly I'm just... meh.
Content warnings: .
February 7, 2021
Short, sweet and pretty straight forward. Felt a bit more subdued compared to the Love & luck guys. I think the craziest things they did were the desk and the sex room, otherwise pretty straight forward friend to lover relationship. The children were adorable and I liked how Halloween was set up. Favourite part was Lukas dropping the phone at his brother’s feet. I’m looking forward to the next one. Three guys yay!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2021
Sweet, spicy, quick, and delightful.
Loved every page and I can't wait to read more.
Loved every page and I can't wait to read more.
August 22, 2021
Short and super sweet!! A worthy read indeed.
June 14, 2020
Perfect! Sweet and funny, it makes me wish Korova was a place I could visit to cheer for its monarchy. Looking forward to Alik's book later this year!
July 12, 2020
Matrimony, Monarchy, Maternity, Money
Politics as unusual, a tutor take over the hearts and lives of the small country of Kodova...Kosovo...Kasanova...Katastraphy...Katya...Kotya. Well, one of those "K" countries lost in the former Russian Soviet Union fragments with lots of history, colorful languages, blazing warfare, frigid nights, and really hot guys to share the vodka with in the dark. Somehow the author winds the unexpected series of events into a new musical to be played in high schools everywhere as the King and his Kink get married on international TV before they skip the parties to moon the crowds waiting impatiently for the wedding couplet to show or the champagne runs out. Histerical unprecedented action, keep clean for the children, but watch out for Tomas as he discovers boys for himself.
Politics as unusual, a tutor take over the hearts and lives of the small country of Kodova...Kosovo...Kasanova...Katastraphy...Katya...Kotya. Well, one of those "K" countries lost in the former Russian Soviet Union fragments with lots of history, colorful languages, blazing warfare, frigid nights, and really hot guys to share the vodka with in the dark. Somehow the author winds the unexpected series of events into a new musical to be played in high schools everywhere as the King and his Kink get married on international TV before they skip the parties to moon the crowds waiting impatiently for the wedding couplet to show or the champagne runs out. Histerical unprecedented action, keep clean for the children, but watch out for Tomas as he discovers boys for himself.
July 22, 2020
Spin off good
This is the start of a spin off series Jai is Owen's best mate from the luck and love series, he is off to Korovo to be a tutor of languages and history to a upper crust family, when he meets his employer he is shocked by the King Lukus lll. What happens next is a lovely sweet love story with lots of heat between Jai and the King, a story with little angst, some struggles with internalized homophobia and a whole lotta love. A fabulous Royals loving commoners book, that is a joy to read.
This is the start of a spin off series Jai is Owen's best mate from the luck and love series, he is off to Korovo to be a tutor of languages and history to a upper crust family, when he meets his employer he is shocked by the King Lukus lll. What happens next is a lovely sweet love story with lots of heat between Jai and the King, a story with little angst, some struggles with internalized homophobia and a whole lotta love. A fabulous Royals loving commoners book, that is a joy to read.
September 20, 2020
Falls Short
I'm a sucker for royal romance but this book here is a mess. The author never shows us character development. It just poof! And it happens and for me that is big no-no. There is way to much telling and not enough showing. Also, because of this the plot seems really rushed. I do not recommend this book at all.
I'm a sucker for royal romance but this book here is a mess. The author never shows us character development. It just poof! And it happens and for me that is big no-no. There is way to much telling and not enough showing. Also, because of this the plot seems really rushed. I do not recommend this book at all.
January 29, 2022
Listened on audio book. Fun and suprisingly steamy. The audio narration was somewhat breathless - I had to slow it down a touch - but that fit well with the book which was a fluffy and fastpaced romance. I'll admit to skipping the complications at the end.
December 3, 2020
3.5 Stars
Assertive Jai, Sweet King Lukas. Hot Perfect Sexy Fairytale. Comfort Read.👌🏼
Assertive Jai, Sweet King Lukas. Hot Perfect Sexy Fairytale. Comfort Read.👌🏼
September 23, 2021
I enjoyed the smart play on The King and I and Sound of music.
December 2, 2025
Bland and uninteresting.
There wasn't a particular thing that I hated, but there was nothing I truly liked.
There wasn't a particular thing that I hated, but there was nothing I truly liked.
June 27, 2020
4.5 ridiculously fluffy stars for no angst, laughable royal protocols, and plenty of steamy feels
This is so very my style of book for when I want to feel happy, bubbly, and to recover from anything more angsty or dramatic. Keep in mind though, that you'll need to hold back your need for reality when it comes to royalty, royal protocols, and various elements of the mundane daily life of a royal while reading this one. The point of this story isn't royal life, it's the seemingly impossible romance, a couple of conflicts that need quick resolutions, and enough steam and getting-to-know you stuff to believe in the romance itself.
Lukas was gruff and frustrated because of years of denial, but his heart was so very present in the way he interacted with his children and revered and loved his deceased wife. Complications coming from either his children or his wife weren't an issue. What was an issue was the homophobia his father harbored and wielded as a weapon. Once he overcame the internal struggle with his upbringing he was all in with Jai in every single way. I adored that there was no angst there because I just didn't really want any in this short, very sweet story.
Jai was adorably flustered at times because of his attraction and the rather ridiculous scene where he caught the king in a rather compromising position. With the children he was dedicated and loving and his studies were present in a way that added to his validity for not just being there, but for who he was. It fed his motivations and gave something truly interesting to his character. Seeing that that passion and those duties didn't fall by the wayside because of feelings or sexy times was a concern I had and was happy to find unfounded.
The romance was sweet, steamy, and really worked for me. And when the grand gesture came, it was big, rather believable and yet very fairy-tale like, and so very sweet. I'm a sucker for a feel-good romance with no angst and a lot of spice and this is exactly what I got with The King and Jai.
This is so very my style of book for when I want to feel happy, bubbly, and to recover from anything more angsty or dramatic. Keep in mind though, that you'll need to hold back your need for reality when it comes to royalty, royal protocols, and various elements of the mundane daily life of a royal while reading this one. The point of this story isn't royal life, it's the seemingly impossible romance, a couple of conflicts that need quick resolutions, and enough steam and getting-to-know you stuff to believe in the romance itself.
Lukas was gruff and frustrated because of years of denial, but his heart was so very present in the way he interacted with his children and revered and loved his deceased wife. Complications coming from either his children or his wife weren't an issue. What was an issue was the homophobia his father harbored and wielded as a weapon. Once he overcame the internal struggle with his upbringing he was all in with Jai in every single way. I adored that there was no angst there because I just didn't really want any in this short, very sweet story.
Jai was adorably flustered at times because of his attraction and the rather ridiculous scene where he caught the king in a rather compromising position. With the children he was dedicated and loving and his studies were present in a way that added to his validity for not just being there, but for who he was. It fed his motivations and gave something truly interesting to his character. Seeing that that passion and those duties didn't fall by the wayside because of feelings or sexy times was a concern I had and was happy to find unfounded.
The romance was sweet, steamy, and really worked for me. And when the grand gesture came, it was big, rather believable and yet very fairy-tale like, and so very sweet. I'm a sucker for a feel-good romance with no angst and a lot of spice and this is exactly what I got with The King and Jai.
June 22, 2020
The King and Jai is a super sweet forbidden romance by Isla Olsen. The first book in the Royal & Reckless series, it's a spin off from Virtually Screwed, which I loved.
In this all consuming read, King Lukas falls for his children's language teacher, Jai. What follows is a tale full of homophobia, coming out, and of course children.
Everything about this book calls to me. The characters are fantastic, the storyline is sweet and entertaining, and the writing style is soothing, smooth, and riveting. Written in alternating first person pov, these characters are fully brought to life. I could feel their emotions as if they were my own.
The King and Jai is perfectly enchanting. Isla Olsen delights in this low angst read. This book is definitely perfect the next time you want to read anything about royalty falling in love.
In this all consuming read, King Lukas falls for his children's language teacher, Jai. What follows is a tale full of homophobia, coming out, and of course children.
Everything about this book calls to me. The characters are fantastic, the storyline is sweet and entertaining, and the writing style is soothing, smooth, and riveting. Written in alternating first person pov, these characters are fully brought to life. I could feel their emotions as if they were my own.
The King and Jai is perfectly enchanting. Isla Olsen delights in this low angst read. This book is definitely perfect the next time you want to read anything about royalty falling in love.
June 18, 2020
This is a super sweet royal romance. A story that moves along quite quickly but makes sure to focus on the important moments between Jai and Lukas. There's a strong chemistry between them from their first introduction but Lukas needs time to accept himself and his desires after being constantly degraded by his father. Jai is more than happy to wait as he knows there's the possibility for something great between them.
This is such an easy story to fall into. I love the plot, the royal tutor and the king, a real fairy-tale romance that's written well. Princess Katya is just adorable and she just naturally breathes acceptance and the country of Korova is really progressive.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This is such an easy story to fall into. I love the plot, the royal tutor and the king, a real fairy-tale romance that's written well. Princess Katya is just adorable and she just naturally breathes acceptance and the country of Korova is really progressive.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
May 29, 2020
2.5 stars. While the books in the Love and Luck series fall on the right side of the division between ridiculous and cute, this one definitely falls into the ridiculous category. Highly improbable situations, no protocol at all and sadly a totally unrealistic standpoint on same sex relationships for a country located next to Russia. The kids were cute though and Aleksandr and his boys are intriguing. It was also nice to see Blake and Owen again, but I felt we were cheated out of a certain scene concerning them.
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