So about the story. Colin and his siblings were banished from their island nation when Mom and Dad—Queen & King—were assassinated. They fled to the family home in North Carolina where he meets Della, a feisty southern girl with a big ol’ heart.
Della and Colin become fast friends. She helps with the kids and his siblings and eventually feelings develop.
Obviously there’s a lot more to the story but read it and you’ll find out!
I really enjoyed Royal Scandal. It made me think of the Holland Springs series in the way it was fun and funny, quick witted and so damn swoonworthy you just can’t stop reading it. I mean I almost always love her stuff but THIS is why I love Marquita.
This was one of my favorite tropes, friends to lovers but these guys were real friends. Down for whatever you need friends, yes even marriage when I find out you’re a secret prince kind of friends. I love that about Colin and Della and I loved that she wasn’t afraid to be herself around him. If he needed to be told off, Della told him. If Theo was being a baby, she told him. When the twins needed a hug, she was there.
Della. Is. Freaking. Awesome.
Colin was…sigh. I loved that he got all stiff and formal when what he was saying was really important. He had to get it just right and seriously it was so adorable even I wanted to wrap my arms around him and squeeze.
Was there anything I didn’t like? Honestly I didn’t love the last chapter with Charlotte but I guess its just because I wasn’t all that invested in her. With that being said, I’m totally getting the next book as soon as I can get my hands on it!

every time I read a book by this author they books just get better and better. This is an sweet and sexy story. You will fall in love with amazing characters from the first page. The story is perfectly paced and flowed really well through out. I just couldn't put the book down till id finished it. This story has some great twists to make it move along nicely. I cant wait to read more from this author in the future.

Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

This is another exciting read from Marquita Valentine. It sounds like a new series and I always want to read the first one to know all the background details when I read the next one. This story is unique and fun! You usually don’t have the lead man hiding from his past. They are typically pretty darn proud of what they’ve done and it almost always involves overindulging in some shape or form. Refreshing and new is how I would describe this story. Both characters are strong but sensitive people.

Colin Sinclair is royalty without a country. Della Hughes is an angry woman when they meet because he has kicked them out of the only home she knows. He wants privacy from the world and having someone live on their family estate simply won’t provide that. They reach a compromise and he lets Della and her stepmother stay in the caretaker house. That’s just the beginning of their encounters and challenges.

He’s raising two young boys with absolutely no experience whatsoever in how to deal with toddlers. She swoops in and begins to care for them, both emotionally and physically. But the twists and turns of his past come knocking on his door again and again. The only solution he can see is to marry her, in name only, to get the problem solved.

We all know how that always ends but this story has so much more than that. An excellent read, very well told story. Can’t wait for the rest of the series!

I received an AC from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was expected nor received for this review.

I enjoyed reading Marquita Valentine’s book Royal Scandal, book one of her new series, Royals in Exile. It’s the story of a family of siblings exiled from their home country after the death of their parents to live in North Carolina. The story is a friends to lovers adventure as the hero, Colin, defies the demands of his country by marrying his best friend Della. This is after year of being the care-taker of his family with help from Della. Ms. Valentine created a good story, with characters that not only demonstrate compassion and empathy but also a depth to their feelings. This book exemplifies Valentine’s creativity, sexy and sensitive scenes, as well as her outstanding writing ability.

This was a sweet, fun and entertaining story with very likeable and authentic characters that you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written, having complex characteristics. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

couldn't get into it and didn't finish. I couldn't get into the characters and I felt very out of my depth. I didn't get a feel for the story and lost interest. will certainly try another book by this author in the future.

Fluffy diversion for a rainy afternoon. This book was both sweet and steamy, but didn't really grab me as much as I'd hoped. I wanted more with the rest of the family, especially the boys.

I loved this book. Della and Colin have been friends for 10 years and have loved each the whole time but have never shared their feelings. When Colins past comes to light and he needs a wife he turns to the one women he has loved.
There are a few surprises in this story that i will not spoil as i believe books are better with no spoilers in them.
I liked this book very much and hope to read more of the Sinclair family.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable start to this series with a sassy independent woman taking on the head of the family who is a prince in exile. Best friends for 10 years Della is unaware the Sinclairs who took over the estate where her family resided in the caretaker cottage are actually royalty. Surprise on her and everyone else when the story breaks. This story is full of lies, betrayal, sass, scandal, love, lots of love, and laughter, and bless your heart southern charm. All the twists and turns and surprises and I suspect there are still more to come in the next installments. I definitely recommend this one.

**Received an ARC copy from the publisher via NetGalley**

Dnf and I made error choosing from NetGalley. I'd rather not rate. Sorry.

As much as I adore the British Royal Family, it's so hard for me to get into this story because:

1. I never read any Royal Family story before so I have no comparison. Actually when the first time I read the synopsis of this book, I was so excited to finally read a book about a Royal Family. But honestly I'm disappointed. Because it wasn't like what I was expected. I find the story really boring.

2. The 'scandal' that happened with the Sinclairs is so confusing.
The author is probably trying to make it like a mystery that will make the reader curious about what happened to them and continue reading it to find out. But I don't feel curious. Instead, I feel so confused because it's like I'm lost that I don't understand what the hell is happening.

3. I don't feel the connection between the hero and heroine. Everything seems so superficial.
I don't really understand the real characteristic of the hero, Colin. He seems so cold, but then suddenly he's trying to be a Dom in the bed room, and I find it really doesn't suit him.
It also makes all the erotic scenes really dull, awkward and boring.

4. I don't understand the plot. Even after 57% of the book, I have no clue what the hell is going on.

To sum it up: this book is boring, not exciting, with not well-developed characters, everything seems so superficial and too fucked-up.

I really, really tried so hard to enjoy this book. But unfortunately I really couldn't. I'm sorry.

Thank you for providing me an early copy of this book.

What a entertaining, sassy, and sexy book. Story is about an exciled crowned Prince (Colin) who is forced to move to a small town in North Carolina along with his five brothers and sisters that he is now responsible for. There he meets Della, who is the groundskeepers step daughter, and they end up having a 10 year friendship before Colin is forced to marry in order to keep him from becoming king. Della has helped him raise his siblings, two of which were still in diapers when they met. What comes out of this friendship, then marriage of convenience for Colin, is a really funny and sassy story, which turns very romantic and sexy once the two end up married and on their honeymoon. Yes, the story is kind of corny, but the dynamics between the two, along with Colin's younger siblings really work and makes this a very enjoyable and entertaining book. Love Della and Tessies sassy mouth, Lola is also very entertaining. Some surprises in there, keeps you wanting to find out how it all turns out. Will definitely read the sequel. Definitely worth the read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Royal Scandal is an adorable story that will give you lots of butterflies and smiles! You have a pack of exiled royals, a girl and her stepmom who live on the grounds, and lots of secrets. This is a GREAT friends to lovers trope as well. Della and Colin were friends for 10 years before they were more. 10 years is impressive. They met in their late teens and Della helped Colin raise 'his' boys. But, things change when Colin needs a wife and he proposes Della be that wife...in name only. Way to sweep her off her feet, prince charming...

Overall, the story is predictable but fun. Aiden and Pierce add some adorableness to the story that only young boys can (explaining a dutch oven to Della...). Experiencing Della and Colin finally admit their love is sweet and dirty (Della is a bit of a dirty talker and Colin has a few naughty words to add as well!). The book is pretty steamy, which did surprise me a little (not bad, but it is steamier than I anticipated). Its not overly angsty since the conflict typically comes outside forces (the evil prime minister...) but there are a few miscommunications between Della and Colin that I didn't care for. Miscommunications are my least favorite plot trope; while it was used in Royal Scandal, it wasn't excessive and it wasn't even the main conflict, so it didn't make the book too angsty for me to enjoy. I am looking forward to Charlotte's story though. She is so quite and reserved!

Royal Scandal is exactly what this book is based on.

Colin and he's family, are Exiled from the British Isle, due to their parents murder.
They escape to the States to start a new life. Leaving their Royal Heritage behind.

Colin has a lot to deal with including protecting he's 2 sisters Charlotte and Imogen and he's twin brother's who are very young.
Imogen is the rightful Queen and it's Colin's duty to protect her from the outside world and their identity a secret.

Beaumont is the Royal head of security who agreed to be Exiled in order to protect the family.

Quickly Colin meets Della via an altercation regarding the tenancy of the caretakers home in which she lives in with Tressie.

They become fast, firm friends and Della remains very loyal to Colin and he's siblings.

The first chapter is a little hazy as it gives nothing away as to why the Sinclairs have been Exiled.  I found it a little confusing as there wasn't a clear introduction to who the characters were.

However it didn't stop me from wanting to know more.

The book forwards on 10years and Della is still a huge part of the family.
In fact you can see subtle hints there is chemistry between Colin and Della.

Colin still has contact with the government and they call on Colin to attend a meeting.
The gist of the meeting is that in order to return from exile and rule the British Isle Imogen has to step down as the rightful Queen and Colin has to marry someone of the government's choice and become King.

Colin has no interest in becoming King, so the family come up with a plan to stop this from happening.

I won't go any further as I really don't wish to give any more away and spoil the mystery.

I loved how Marquita kept the reader guessing. She allowed you to think you knew what was going to happen but then Bang! another secret unveiled.

I fell in love with Colin and Della and was eager for them to fall in love. I really loved how Marquita kept an air of suspense and mystery between them. Building up the tension between them.

Royal Scandal is a charming book about Family, Loyalty, Trust, Friendship, Love, Heartache.

There really is something for everyone inside, a must read for all romantics who love a little mystery.

This story started out strong, with some great characters and witty banter. Colin is struggling to calm his baby brother, and Della is demanding to know why he's kicked her and her stepmom out of their jobs. It's an easily cleared-up mess that paves the way for a strong friendship between Colin and Della.

While the writing is strong, I couldn't help but feel that many of the important scenes in this book were written after the author had seen a movie or two. There were lines that immediately brought to mind specific scenes from Pride & Prejudice (among others), where the wording was almost too much like something one of those characters would say, vs. the characters of Valentine's book. I was pulled out from the emotion of the scene and left scratching my head as to which movie she was referencing-without-really-referencing. It detracted from the overall ambience of the story and I was left feeling like the words weren't quite the author's own.

The sex scenes was especially jolting, and not in a good way. Valentine gave Colin a decidedly serious, stubborn, and proper personality - but upon the first time he opened his mouth in bed, the words that tumbled from his lips were not the romantic ones I'd hoped for. Instead, they were kind of filthy (and he used the same words over and over, which showed a lack of creativity, in my opinion). Filthy definitely has its time and place (in Colin's brother Theo's book, for example), but this was so out of character for Colin, it left me feeling kind of icky and not at ALL into it. After the third love scene, I started skipping pages.

I liked the story, and the plot. I feel that if Valentine stayed true to her characters more, and let them speak their own words vs those inspired by rom-com movies, I'd love this series. As it is, it's a three star review, with potential for me to continue on in the series if only to see improvement from what I think is a significantly underwritten subgenre (I do love me some Royals!).

reviewed by Nancy

Royal Scandal by Marquita Valentine
Book #1: Royals and Exile Series
Source: Netgalley and Purchase
My Rating: 5/5 stars
My Review:

Colin Sinclair knows his life if full of lies and secrets, and for a decade, he has lived with that knowledge quite uncomfortably. He, his siblings, and his boys are quite literally royalty in exile living in the United States. The only thing that has made Colin’s exile marginally better is his best friend, Della Hughes.

Della Hughes loves Disney and understands only princesses get fairytale endings. Della is no princess (her job as a maid helps keep her grounded in that reality!) and has no illusions that her life is ever going to turn out like the ladies of Disney. The closest she’ll ever get to being a princess is hanging out with her super-rich best-friend, Colin Sinclair and his family. For ten years, Della has been a part of Colin’s life. She’s seen how the wealthy live and she’s impressed with how little the wealth has gone to her friend’s head. Colin carries himself well, looks and sounds wealthy, but that doesn’t stop him from being a stern yet loving dad to his two boys. His boys are well-mannered, sweet, and far from spoiled. Like Colin, Della loves the boys and has spent the last decade helping her friend raise them. Unfortunately, Della has also spent the last ten years falling hopelessly in love with Colin.

Turns out, Colin has spent the last ten years doing the same thing. Neither is willing to risk their friendship for what may be an ill-fated romance until Colin is forced into a situation that demands he take a wife. If Colin is going to be saddled with a wife, he prefers it be someone he already knows and care for which makes Della the perfect choice. With a contract drawn up and a proposal on his lips, Colin enlists Della in his plan to save his family and preserve the line of succession his family has been a part of for generations. The whole line of succession bit is one of many secrets Colin has never divulged to Della and one he has to come clean about quickly since her marriage to him makes her, officially a princess. Huh? Maybe she can have a fairytale ending after all.

As their marriage becomes a reality and media sensation, Colin and Della try to navigate being a married couple after ten years of friendship and hidden love. Both are nervous about wrecking their tremendously strong friendship, but those worries go out the window following their first smokin’ hot kiss. With that matter settled, it’s time to face all the other challenges including the revelations related to Colin’s parents’ death, one whopper of a secret from Della’s past, and the decisions that must be made regarding Colin and his siblings return to their home country. Turns out, there are more secrets in the Sinclair family than anyone knew and when the various truths are revealed, everything is going to change.

The Bottom Line: As I totally expected, Marquita Valentine has sucked me into another series with just one book!! With the exception of Della’s name (which is dumb so I called her Andy in my head) I absolutely loved everything about this read. There are so many secrets and betrayals in the Sinclair family, there are some yummy naughty bits, there are two main characters who are both likeable and well-developed, there is scandal, and there is a host of secondary characters who are absolutely interesting and just waiting in the wings for their story to be told. This is a smooth, easy read with both and HEA and promise of more to come from the not so exiled Sinclair family!!

It took a few chapters in to get the story line going, but it was a good and juicy way to lay things out! I was hooked! Aren't marriages of convenience the best?! Yep, I think so too! I loved the banter between Della and Colin. And I loved her sense of humor in their situation. I also enjoyed how the chapters flipped from their POVs.

Colin is hiding a few BIG things from his best friend, Della! When things start to shift for his family and he has to make a rash decision, he has to come clean to her, mostly. He trusts her with his family secrets and with his boys. However, he never specifies more about the kiddos to her. But their wedding requires them to take a honeymoon so that no one is suspicious. Being married in name only is difficult, especially when both parties have a yearning for the other. Life for Della and Colin definitely had its up and downs but they had each other's backs and they supported one another. This book is sweet, sexy and was an all around enjoyable read. One-click your copy today!

Wow oh wow.... so many secrets in this family, deception and lies. I don't even know where to start. Overall, I thought the story was good, but I felt like there was too much jammed into the story... the royal family gets exiled based on lies, relationships are founded, love is found, but that relationship is pushed to the next level to try to exonerate the family....

As the truth comes out, happiness finally find its way to the surface. Overall, good story, just a bit too convoluted.

Got this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Loved this book from beginning to end. I love Theo, he's funny and young. He lives his life and doesn't care what anyone says. Theo is the second oldest, only a few years younger than Colin. Colin has to take on the responsibility of a family at a young age. He comes off as older but I guess it's because of what he has had to go through.

Della also comes of as older when first introduced but she's taking on responsibilities to make sure her family is not kicked out of where they live.

It was cute how Della and Colin met and how their friendship develops. Its also nice to know they both have feelings for each other. The only thing is that they both have secrets that can get in their way if they let them. Their chemistry is hot. I love how Colin is such a gentleman but when he's flirting he's young and dirty. Love it.

Della is such a mom from the moment she's introduced. She's a take charge type of gal and won't let anyone walk all over her.

This is a fun, sexy quick read. I highly recommend it and can't wait for the next book.

This was a good read. I enjoyed the characters of Colin & Della immensely. They were intriguing with the complicated friendship they had but only Colin knew exactly how complicated it was. I loved how Colin bucked the system that was trying to oppress him & his family. I also loved how quickly both Colin & Della came to the same conclusion regarding their marriage. I also enjoyed Colin's outspoken family, especially Chatlotte who was always a voice of reason or peacemaker. Definitely recommend.

The Sinclair saga continues...I loved this story..I was so enthralled that I couldn't put the book down. Sexy, steamy and fantastic dynamic.