Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA

iBooks  |  B&N  |  Google Play  |  Kobo  |  Paperback  |  Audio

(Paperback and Audio versions will include Royally Raised as bonus content!)

 

---

Blurb

Princess Lenora Celeste Beatrice Arabella Pembrook had an unusual childhood. She was raised to be a Queen—the first Queen of Wessco.

It’s a big deal.

When she’s crowned at just nineteen, the beautiful young monarch is prepared to rule. She’s charming, clever, confident and cunning.

What she isn’t…is married.

It’s her advising council’s first priority. It’s what Parliament is demanding, and what her people want.

Lenora has no desire to tie herself to a man—particularly one who only wants her for her crown. But compromises must be made and royals must do their duty.

Even Queens. Especially them.

**

Years ago, Edward Langdon Richard Dorian Rourke, walked away from his title and country. Now he’s an adventurer—climbing mountains, exploring jungles, going wherever he wants, when he wants—until family devotion brings him home.

And a sacred promise keeps him there.

To Edward, the haughty, guarded little Queen is intriguing, infuriating…and utterly captivating. Wanting her just might drive him mad—or become his greatest adventure.

**

Within the cold, stone walls of the royal palace—mistrust threatens, wills clash, and an undeniable, passionate love will change the future of the monarchy forever.

Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story.

This is theirs.

 

 

Add to Goodreads

 

---

Review

“NO WOMAN IS BORN A QUEEN, no matter the title attached to her name at birth.
Kings are crowned. But queens . . . queens rise.”

5 majestic stars!

Yes, yes, yes! From the moment Emma Chase announced that she was going back to write the story of Queen Lenora – regal grandmother of Nicholas and Henry from the Royally series – I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book, and OMG what a story! The strong, stubborn and majestic Queen of Wessco is a force of nature as an 80 year old matriarch, so meeting her as a young girl, watching her find her way as Queen and then meet the love of her life was a fascinating read. Fun, emotional and empowering with an epic love story, I loved every moment of this story (and I highlighted SO much while reading this one, so be prepared for my quote-heavy gushfest).

The two of us were different. Right from the start, and in every way.
Passion that could tear the whole world down around us. Love that would not be ignored or denied. Devotion that would last beyond a lifetime.
These would be our legacy – our gifts to the ones who would follow in our footsteps. It would be scored on their bones and branded on their souls.
We just didn’t know it then.
Every dynasty has a beginning. Every legend starts with a story.
This is ours.

Lenora Pembrook was raised to be queen and rule her country. She was taught that her duty comes before everything else and that she should never expect to have her own life or find true love. She accepts this as her future and the role she is to play, however she is frustrated by the restrictiveness of her life. She lives somewhat vicariously through Edward Rourke, the big brother of her best friend, Thomas. Edward is off exploring the world, following his heart, going wherever and doing whatever he wants, and having a wildly entertaining time while doing it.

Edward Rourke is the most exciting man I’ve never met.

In 1956, 19 year old Lenora is crowned Queen upon the death of her father. It’s the role she was born for and she’s ready for it, however she soon discovers that she won’t be taken seriously until she has a husband. She doesn’t want a husband, she doesn’t need a husband, but for the good of her country she agrees to marry – now she needs to find the right man.

“You’re gaining a reputation as cold…bitter. An ice queen, Your Majesty.”
“I’m not bitter!” I argue. “I’m bloody delightful.”

Edward Rourke left Wessco over a decade ago to live the wild life he always craved. Upon his surprising return home, he meets a feisty little spitfire who immediately intrigues him, only to discover that she is the newly crowned Queen.

“Does the Queen also not say ‘thank you’ when a man helps her?”
She crosses her arms and lifts her nose, somehow making it feel like she’s looking down at me even though I’m a foot taller.
“No, she doesn’t. It’s an honor to serve me, so…you’re welcome.”
Well, would you look at that – the Queen’s got balls. Good for her.

Every encounter between Lenora and Edward is just gold! Their feisty beginning is just an indication of the passion that will flare to life between them as they crash together. I won’t go into details of how it all comes about, because you just need to dive in and experience it with them, and enjoy every spine-tingling moment.

“You should address me as Queen Lenora or Your Majesty.”
Another should
I hover over her.
“But you’re not, are you?”
She lifts her chin to look up at me.
“Not what?”
“My Majesty,” I say softly. I drop my eyes, dragging them over every inch of her, all her delectable swells and valleys. And she is glorious to look at.
“At least…not yet.”

OMG, let me take a moment to rave about the perfection that is Edward. Just looking at the cover of this book is enough to turn me into a panting mess, but the man himself absolutely stole my heart! He’s incredibly respectful of Lenora, her strength and her role, and he understands and accepts his role as the man in her life. But at the same time he’s delightfully crude and irreverent. He jokes and teases with her, he never holds back exactly how much he wants her, and he has a filthy cheekiness which is absolutely irresistible!

“I’ve been thinking about something – almost constantly, actually – and it’s something we need to discuss.”
Her head tilts with curiosity. She stands.
“This sounds serious.”
My aching balls couldn’t agree more.
I sit on the cushioned chair, leaning back – watching her every move – while she moves to the sofa just across from me. Lenora sit prettily, legs crossed at the ankles, hands demurely resting in her lap like the gracious lady she was raised to be.
“What would you like to discuss, Edward?”
“Fucking.”
And she flinches so hard she almost comes out of her seat. I smirk shamelessly while she unleashes her fiercest scowl.
“Must you call it that?”
“I really must, love.”

And yes, it’s SO freaking sexy! It seems that uptight Lenora just needed an alpha man in her life to unleash her wild desires, and holy hot damn!

God damn, how I want her. Not even in my wildest, most selfish adolescent days did I want to take and take a woman like I want to take her.
Wild and hard, lazy and long.

He groans deep and hard from his chest. And even with a crown on my head, I’ve never felt so powerful. That sound. I want to make him make that sound again. Longer and lower.

Lenora and Edward are something truly special together. They have a true partnership that is passionate and intense, fun and playful but also incredibly respectful. And despite their obvious differences, they are equals in every way they can be, and I loved their relationship.

I may not be a king, but here, now – she makes me feel like one.
More than a king – her hero, her husband, her mesmerized slave, her ravenous lover – it’s all the same now. All wrapped up together.

I was made for this…for her. To cherish her, protect her and challenge her, to guide her and follow her – to be the man she needs, so she can be the woman, the queen, she was always meant to be.

And the emotion! OMG, I could feel everything build between these two and I was lost in a world of swoon at the absolutely epic love that they shared.

“Christ, you are all I see. Don’t you know that? Even when you’re not with me…you’re all I can see.”

I loved the fun tie-ins to future books, and it’s written so that even if you haven’t read the other books in the series, you can easily start with this one or even read it as a standalone (though why would you want to because the other books are must-reads!). It’s a beautiful story that sets the scene brilliantly for the dynasty that Lenora and Edward will create together, and a truly special read.

“Won’t you miss it? Won’t you miss the freedom, the adventure?”
I chuckle and shake my head, because she still doesn’t understand. I put my hand over hears.
“Making a life with you will be my greatest adventure, Lenora.”

5 huge stars!

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

The Royally series

 

---

About the Author

Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | NEWSLETTER | TWITTER | GOODREADS

 

See our Emma Chase Author Spotlight for more awesome reads!