Book Review: 4.5 Princess stars!!

Damn, Marquita is on the roll!! First Colin and now Charlotte! And I bet all my money that Theo and then Imogen will blow me even more away. These Sinclair siblings are proving to be quite a deal. And I can’t help fall madly in love with each one of them.

Royal Affair is the second installment in the Royals in Exile series. In the first book, Royal Scandal, we met Colin Sinclair and followed his romance with his best friend, Della, and savored their HEA. Now, Charlotte’s turn has arrived to lay out her love story. Charlotte and Imogen are the twin sisters of the Sinclair family. Now, you might wonder why the second book is about Charlotte and not Imogen. Well, for those who have read the first book, you already know that the Sinclairs were exiled from their country after their parents’s death. Also, you know that at the end of Colin’s story, Charlotte did something that caused their exposure to the public. Which in turn caused one specific journalist to set his sights on them and set on broadcasting their secrets.

"She’s made her decision. Who am I to deny a princess?"

Brooks Walker is a journalist and the CEO of his online company, Walker Media. Brooks didn’t know anything about The Sinclair’s location until the moment he stambled onto Charlotte’s post on IG. From there, there was only one way this situation would play out. Although, neither he nor Charlotte saw what was coming down the road. Ironically, both got obsessed with each other’s posts on social media; but for different reasons. Or so that’s what they were telling themselves. One moment was all it took for these two lovers to find their way to each other. Everything started with a deal which neither could shoot down. The thing between them escalated pretty fast and in the end, both ended up with something that they needed more than anything but they wouldn’t admit it to themselves.

"A wallflower she might be, but this flower can weather anything. "

Both characters have a very strong presence in the book and their head-strongness only adds to that intensity. It’s like watching two wild animals fighting for domination. That’s not where the battles stop. Each one of them during the whole journey they take together is indulging into its own mind-heart battle. Especially Brooks whose battle is the most vocal one and more intense. Almost from the very beginning, he finds himself experiencing feelings for Charlotte and creating subconsiously a connection with her which ends up being impossible and unwanted to break. But Chalotte isn’t far behind on that account. She knows that she was super attracted to him while looking only his posts. He was for a long time a sexy fantasy of hers which pushed her to propose the deal that set everything in motion. Though her heart and body attach themselves more and more every day with him, her mind and her responsibilities towards her family holds her back from living her desire to the fullest. But when there is an undeniable love connection between two people, these obstacles only makes them that much stronger and lasting.

"I know most women want a Prince Charming, but you can have him and the castle. Give me the villain who will take me away from it all… and never gives me back. "

Another two things that I loved about this book was first, the relationship and interraction of Brooks with his twin – talk about coincidence – and second, the hints Marquita was throwing here there about Imogen’s story, even though I know it’s two books and a lot of months down the line. Brooks and his twin brother have a relationship that has been through a lot but neither stopped loving each other, even in the shadows. The entertainment I got from these two every time they were together and the hilariously amazing dialogues they were indulging themselves into, were more than enough to make me love this couple and story even more. Also, the thing that along with the captivating love story, Valentine was extrolling the tight and soul-mate-y connection the twin siblings – not only Brooks and his brother, but also Charlotte and Imogen – share, is something that always make me cherish this book even more. As for the hints, the only thing I want to say is that the way their place in the story was beyond clever. From the one side, they made me even more impatient about reading her own journey through love and from the other, was providing underground aid to the evolution of her sister’s affair with Brooks.

Marquita Valentine has never stopped surprising me with how good each new book of hers is. Her love stories are super special and they have an incredible, balanced dose of fairy tales that you can’t deny. This new series of hers definitely has become one of my favorites and one whose each book I wait at the end of my seat to read. Thank god Royal Chase isn’t that far away so I will be able to dive really soon in The Sinclairs pool of romance. As for the forth book, Royal Duty (Imogen’s story), September never looked more remote.

Marquita Valentine gives you a steady flow of steam that keeps you reading till the end. A sweet, steamy and fun read, Royal Affair is filled with secrets, obstacles, some drama, scorching chemistry, passion, and romance.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

5 Romantic Crowns

I feel like I just read a fairy-tale, albeit dirtier than normal! Every single sweet and steamy moment between Charlotte and Brooks swept me up in their romance, and by the end of this book I was completely suffused with happiness.

Charlotte and Brooks are magical together. She is the shy and often introverted princess who is looking for freedom, and she is brave and asks for it in the form of Brooks. Brooks, who readers have met in the previous book, is CEO of Walker Media and is solely responsible for exposing her family in the news. Even though these two couldn't be more wrong for each other on paper, they are completely perfect for each other in every way. She brings him back to his roots and gets him to focus more on what matters: families, morals, and his initial desire to work in the media. He gets her to venture outside of the tower in which she has imprisoned herself. Their relationship is one that requires sacrifice, but both are willing to do it for each other and their love. And, really, what can be more romantic than than two people willing to give up things that matter to them for love. It is the essence of any fairy-tale.

I loved this story from the very first chapter. Charlotte's sweetness pulled me in, and Brooks's demeanor is everything I love in an alpha hero. He pushes her when appropriate and demands in the bedroom, but he allows Charlotte to be who she is. Watching their affair develop into more that lust was the sweetest and steamiest romance and I can remember in some time. The ending is completely rewarding, and in true Sinclair fashion, this family rallies, and readers the affirmation that real love can survive anything.

Royals in Exile novels are quickly becoming one of my favorite royal romances. Partly because I love the Sinclair family and partly because these stories are the essence of sweet romance with a dash of dirty, and I cannot wait for more of from this monarchy.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to read Charlotte's story! Remember our beloved Charlotte ( and also a little bit of a trouble maker with the social media pictures) from Royal Scandal. It's her time to shine! Brooks and Charlotte run off together at the end of book one. Brooks is the one that revealed the Sinclair family secret. All hell pretty much broke loose. But this reveal is not about book one. Let's get into Royal Affair!

Charlotte is back home and tends to her twin, the Queen. She is always staying out of the lime light. She will not do anything that takes her out of her comfort zone. Until Brooks comes back looking for her. They take off and have some fun. Brooks has always wanted more in his career and to be the #1 person that has the best story out there. The one that everyone in his work industry is dying to get their hands on. When one comes to Brooks, he is torn on what to do. Before he would not care whose life he ruins. But now that it may break Princess Charlotte, he is having second thoughts. The question is what happened to his ruthless attitude?

Charlotte finds herself falling for her nemesis. She has always had a pull to him. She had secretly ( or so she thought) admired him from afar. Then they have a few days of hot sexy bedroom fun and their lives change. Emotionally and physically. Get your copy on this book asap! You get your favorite characters back for a scene or two and see how they are doing. I can not wait for the next book! This is truly my favorite series so far from Marquita!

As the first book in this series was a fake marriage and friend to lovers book this book was the complete opposite of it and I enjoyed it. Princess Charlotte has decided she is going to have an affair with Brooks Walker who she has been stalking on social media and Brooks has been doing the same with Charlotte but also been writing stories about her family for years he agrees to the affair to geta story what starts out fun and causal turns to much more for bothe ofor them and when Brooks is given information that could tear Charlottes family apart does he do it or does he go with his heat?

Royal Affair by Marquita Valentine is book two in her Royals in Exile series and it picks up right where the previous book ended. So I'd recommend reading book one, Royal Scandal, first just so you'll know everything that's been going on because Royal Affair jumps right in to the romance between the "spare" twin, Charlotte, and the villain to the Sinclair family, Brooks Walker, CEO of Walker Media and the journalist who revealed the Sinclairs' family secrets to the world.

Brooks Walker is seeking a new secret to reveal about the Sinclair family and he's set his sights on seducing the information out of the more amiable twin, Charlotte, but he's completely surprised when Charlotte is instead arranging a "royal affair" with him!

Now that Imogen has agreed to take her place as queen, Charlotte has decided it's time to break a few rules especially with the roguish off-limits journalist whom she soon finds herself falling head over heels for.

What was supposed to be a simple affair soon becomes more complicated and more meaningful than either expected. Throw in a hidden Sinclair secret that could shake the monarchy and the return of a former enemy, and the plot definitely thickens.

I liked Royal Affair and it was a great sequel to the series. Brooks and Charlotte are wonderful together and I feel bring out the best in each other. I also love the nods to Disney's Tangled and the story of Rapunzel in her tower. It even had a Mother Gothel character.

Overall, Royal Affair by Marquita Valentine was an easy to read and enjoyable romance with endearing characters. I happily recommend and look forward to reading Theo and Imogen's stories, especially Imogen's! Her and Deveraux! Can't wait.

(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)

So despite not being a huge fan of the opener in this series, I decided to give Royal Affair a shot straight away. The premise was a bit cliched and, TBH, I wasn't a huge fan of the story for about half of it. But I stuck wth it and I'm glad to say I was pleasantly surprised. #AlwaysFinishABook

Princess Charlotte Sinclair has always been the wallflower. The traumatic death of her parents and the subsequent exile in North Carolina has left her socially awkward and desirous of wanting a normal life. But when journalist Brooks Walker exposes her family, instead of being outraged like the rest of her siblings, Charlotte is fascinated by his take-no-prisoners, brash style of journalism. When they meet at a charity ball, she propositions him to have an affair with her in exchange for access to her secrets.

Despite coming from an illustrious family, Brooks Walker carved a name out for himself by building a media empire based on honest journalism, no matter how many people it pissed off in the process. When the sweetest of the Sinclairs suggests they have an affair, he readily agrees. However, he soon finds himself overwhelmed by the passion they share and starts to care for Charlotte. When an old enemy of the royal family resurfaces and gives Brooks the biggest scoop of his career, he must decide where his loyalties lie.

Again, I have to reiterate that I did not like this book in the beginning. I thought Charlotte was too naive and Brooke was too much of a wolf. Also, I believed there wasn't any building up to the affair itself. Ms. Valentine writes like the first chapter is the fifth and the readers are supposed to know things not even mentioned in the previous books in the series.

However, in the later half of the book, there is a lot of character development. The motivation behind the protagonists' unnatural obsession with each other is explained. Secondary characters are introduced to humanize Brooks, who I still think was portrayed as too jaded to convincingly fall in love with the princess he was supposed to use a source. As usual, there is a flurry of shocking revelations about the Sinclair family. There is A LOT of sex throughout the story, but it really doesn't add anything to the plot.

Thankfully, this time the banter, as well as the inner monologues, were hilarious and made me actually like the characters. The conflicts were still superficial and resolved too quickly and easily to be of any consequence. But when Brooks and Charlotte finally got together, it seems largely believable. I was fascinated by the hints dropped about Theo's and Imogen's upcoming stories. Hopefully, the next books in the series will actually be great and not fizzle out into mediocrity like the first two.

I had a bad moment about 10% of the way into reading this book when what I call my 'Christian Grey radar' went off. (For the record, I'm in the '50 Shades of Creepy Abusive Stalker' camp.)

The heroine, Charlotte, proposes an affair to the hero, Brooks. She's a (minor) princess, he's a social-media-famous journalist she already knows is a chronic over-sharer. Her only pre-condition for the affair is that he must not share 'intimate' ie. nude, photos of her.

His response? To state conditions of his own.

"First, you will make yourself available to me at any time."

That is some Christian Grey level shit right there, and I'll be honest, I put the book down and didn't get back to it until the following day. I figured I'd give it another chance and luckily, it didn't descend to the complete pits of awful I feared. The hero had a couple more moments of complete despicability (is that a word? hell with it, it is now) such as when he said

"It's in your DNA to fuck anything that will let you."
This, when he's well aware that he's only the second guy she's ever had sex with. And the woman is twenty-seven. That's some twisted logic right there.

I couldn't warm to Brooks. Charlotte was a sweetheart and she deserved so much better. The writing style of the book was OK; I'm not a big fan of the alternating first person style of writing and there were a few incorrect word choice issues like trestle instead of trellis, site instead of sight, grizzly instead of grisly... you can only call a death grizzly if the victim was ACTUALLY eaten by a bear, OK?

The other issue I had with the book is that most of the time, I had no idea what was going on. This is the second in a series and there really isn't enough information about what happened in the previous book to make the plot make sense... and considering how much I disliked this one, there's no way I'm going to read the first.

Two stars.

A modern day exiled princess has an affair with the owner of the hottest gossip rag in the States? What an entertaining premise. Brooks has alienated most of his family because of his choice in career. His twin brother went into politics & Brooks makes his living exposing politicians for what they really are. Brooks exposed the Sinclairs to everyone as exiled royals hiding in the States.

Charlotte is tired of being the good & boring sister. She's wanting excitement. What better way to find it than having an affair? And who better to have it with than the reporter than she shares chemistry with? She just won't let her heart get involved & will stay on her guard around him. That will work, right?

From the first, I've despised Brooks. He seemed like the stereotypical muckraker journalist who didn't care who he was hurting. The writer gave him a vulnerable side in this story that was interesting to see. It made the pairing of him with Charlotte seem more likely. It was fun to discover the other sides of Charlotte too. The chemistry between Charlotte & Brooks was intense. I loved the sarcasm & wit in their exchanges! I can't wait for Theo's story.

Good summertime sit in the sun kind of read! Not too serious, light hearted but still with a plot and plenty of ups and downs. This is the second installment in the Royals in Exile series and a bit of change from the first one. I do think it is necessary to read these in order to completely get all the background to the princess. Change because it isn’t about two people trying to control their hearts and take care of everyone around them. Nope, this one is about a princess who doesn’t really want to be a princess but she doesn’t know anything else. Charlotte Sinclair rebels in small ways and then really BIG ones that get her noticed. Only she didn’t do it on purpose!

Brooks Walker is the one who noticed doing what he always does – ferreting out the news that everyone wants to hear. Gossip websites are his forte but he only prints the truth. Sometimes that’s not such a good thing either. He’s found out that Charlotte is the person behind a blog site and wants to get the truth directly from her. Once he gets to know her though, he’s not sure that he wants to anymore.

They have people around them who don’t care who gets hurt as long as they get ahead. Charlotte and Brooks aren’t sure they can get past what has happened and then be able to truly love.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was expected nor received for the review.

Brooks is a gossipmonger out to find the next big royal story, and he isn't above using Princess Charlotte to find it. But this bad boy has a soft and squishy center where the sweet and innocent Charlotte is concerned. You can't hate a guy like that and right away, you find yourself rooting for their HEA. Charlotte may seem naive and a little goody-goody, but she has a heart of gold and a spine of steel. No one is going to hurt her or her family, even the smoking hot Brooks, who she has more than a little crush on. He's met his match in the princess and soon he's not looking for a story but a forever love.
Great second book in the Royal in Exile series, can't wait to read more!

I loved Colin's story in Royal Scandal but Charlotte is by far my favorite!!

Charlotte is second in line to the throne and is the quiet, proper twin. She started following Brooks' social media years ago and when he comes to a party and notices her, she has a proposition for him that he can't really refuse if he wants to get more dirt on the Sinclairs. Brooks will stop at nothing to expose corrupt politicians and people in power. He knows that if he can get Charlotte to trust him then she will tell him everything he needs to know about her family. It wasn't supposed to be anything more than affair but with chemistry like theirs, there's no way it wouldn't become more.

I loved Brooks in Hard to Fall but I didn't even make the connection until he mentioned his brother Hayden. I didn't really love Brooks in Royal Scandal though and I wasn't sure how he was going to redeem himself in this book but he did, in a huge way. I was blown away by the supportive web of the Sinclair family and how they will all do anything for each other. I can't wait to see what else is in store for this family and am keeping my fingers crossed that Briggs will get his story told too!

*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*

Although Royal Affair is a standalone read, I would recommend reading Royal Scandal, book one in the A Royals in Exile Novel and (new) series by Marquita Valentine, so that you can revisit all the characters you’ve met (and some new ones, of course!) and have a lot of fun. In Royal Affair, we meet Princess Charlotte Sinclair again, second in line to the throne to rule her country and Brooks Walker, the CEO of the media company that thrives on exposing (true) secrets around the world. They truly are SO not right for one another, on paper, but the author gave them layers and layers to their personalities. Both of these characters have things in their backgrounds that formed who they are now and reading about their journey to an HEA is at times heart-breaking, heart-warming, funny, sad, and with pages where you’ll want to do bodily harm to some of those peripheral characters. I think they are perfect for one another and loved their story. What I think is perfect is that although Brooks is definitely an alpha, he isn’t a complete jerk about it and Charlotte is silently strong and pushes back quietly and with dignity; they make a great couple. I had book one in my TBR pile since its release and I am happy that I read it right before I read book two, Royal Affair. I’m looking forward to the next sibling to fall…and fall hard!

Royal Affair
Marquita Valentine

Who doesn't love a book about a princess that finds her Prince Charming and lives happily ever after?
I totally loved this one. It's so charmingly sweet and sexy all wrapped up in one book.
This one has a bit of drama mixed in with the romance. The story started in Royal Scandal and continued through into this one.
The author leaves you wanting more and gives you a teaser into the next story. Can't wait for that one to be released.
So if your looking for a cute and sexy read with a great ending this should be on your list.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Royal romances are so entertaining to read, add in a dash of forbidden romance and Valentine’s effervescence and we get a royally sweet, fun and sexy read.

Brooks Walker has made his fame and fortune by not being afraid to go after the politically corrupt. He’s also infamous for exposing the secret behind the Sinclair siblings’ exile and his journalistic instincts tell him there’s more. What they can’t warn him about is that after meeting the quiet and shy Princess Charlotte, his life will never be the same.

Being a wallflower, Princess Charlotte has admired—ok she digitally stalked—the CEO of Walker Media from afar. Being persona non grata to her family, she never expected the man to be at one of her family’s fundraisers. When he comes up to talk to her and invites her to leave with him she takes the biggest risk of her life and follows. Having an affair with him would be bad enough, falling for him would be a royal disaster especially when he’s hiding a secret of his own.

Charlotte was looking for freedom, Brooks was looking for the truth. What they found in each other’s arms was a passion and love like they never imagined they’d ever be able to have.

I never had an interest in royal romances until I started reading Royals in Exile by Marquita Valentine as she writes wonderful characters whose stories greatly appealing. Reading about these very different yet undeniably charming siblings whose lives are immersed in secrets that have the potential to tear them apart but together as a family have supported each other has been highly entertaining.

Charlotte is a highly likeable character, always following rules, loyal to her family and duty, taking on the role of second to the throne behind her twin sister Imogen and behaving accordingly. In this book though, she lets herself have some fun taking what she wants regardless of the rules. I really liked the combination of nice girl with a bit of impishness, which is the perfect complement to Brooks Walker.

Brooks is the kind of man who never gives up. He had become captivated by Charlotte long before he actually met her by following the blog of a woman who felt trapped in a gilded cage. Feeling compelled to help her, he exposes her family’s secret, but still unable to sate his curiosity he pursues her unable to anticipate the attraction and feelings she evokes.

Brooks and Charlotte have wonderful chemistry. The relationship that develops between them is fun and deliciously sexy, and the love that flows between them burns up the pages.

Royal Affair is book #2 in the Royals in Exile series by Marquita Valentine. It is a standalone, full-length, contemporary romance with sweet moments, delicious sexy times and a good dose of royal dramatic. Told from both points of view, with a happy ever after.

This was a great read! Loved every minute of it! The characters and the story line. This was easy to read and fun to get into. This author writes such good books and they just keep getting better!

The Royal Affair is the second book in the Royals in Exile series. The series is a little cliche and silly, but I love both books so far and am excited for the next installment. They're fun and Marquita Valentine delivers an entertaining and sexy read with Royal Affair.

Princess Charlotte and her royal family had been secretly exiled in America for years when media mogul Brooks Walker exposes their whereabouts. Needless to say, Brooks isn’t a favorite of Charlotte’s brothers and sisters, but she can’t stop her crush on the enigmatic and sexy businessman. She proposes they have a fling, and he accepts assuming he’ll get a scoop out of the gig. He’s also very attracted to Charlotte.

She isn’t very experienced, but Brooks takes her on a crash course in sex ed, and he’s quite the teacher. The two have amazing chemistry, and Ms. Valetine writes great love scenes. Of course, things are never simple, and Charlotte and Brooks begin to fall for each other. Neither believes a relationship is possible, but sometimes you can’t control love and have to risk it all. Royal Affair will fog up your Kindle and leave you smiling.

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.

Charlotte piqued my interest since first meeting her in (Royal Scandal) and I’m so happy I got the chance to read her story. This is part of a series and can be read as a standalone, however I’d recommend reading the first as there are some things that might leave you in the dark if you don’t know the whole backstory (regarding the revenge seeking, grudge holding villain of the story.)

Charlotte’s life is no longer so secret or private. Not since news broke out of her family’s exile and hideout in the US. And no thanks to Brooks Walker – the journalist who exposed their secret to the world. But Charlotte doesn’t see Brooks as a power hungry villain, she sees a man with convictions, morals and integrity. Throwing caution to the wind is not her MO, that’s usually what her wild twin Imogen would do, but for once, Charlotte decides it’s time to live a little. She’s been burned once in the past by a “suitable” man, now she wants to try her hand at “unsuitable” and Brooks fits the bill almost too perfectly.

Brooks was definitely a bit anti-hero, or as Charlotte describes him, a villain turned prince charming. He was a great complex character with ambition and tenacity but he also had a softer side that Charlotte brought in him. With her, Brooks was more centered. Gone was the mile a minute media mogul and in his place was a down to earth family man. Of the two, I think he went through the most emotional growth of the two.

I loved their story, it was complex in its originality and not without sacrifice to claim their chance at the coveted HEA. The Sinclairs are a class among themselves. They never do things the easy way and both Charlotte and Brooks have to give a lot to finally be free to be together. I loved their journey so much. I enjoyed book 1 but this one blew me away! I loved it. The sneak peek of Theo and Merritt has whetted my appetite for the next in the series but the sparking undercurrent we witness between Imogen and Devereaux can’t get here fast enough. I wont be surprises if these two next installments bring me to tears, there’s bound to be some juicy drama for these last single Sinclairs!

*** ARC provided for an honest review ***

Good book. Received as an arc although had to get the 1st book to understand what was going on.

I am so loving this series by Marquita Valentine. It is fantastic, it is fiction, and it is so much fun! Lighthearted and reminding me of a Hallmark TV move, this is the princess and the villain. If you enjoy a sweet, fun story about fictional Royals, I would start with the first book to get a sense of what the whole royal story is, but this book is a standalone. I loved both Charlotte and Brooks. They were the perfect couple. I always enjoy a Marquita Valentine book as she is always a one click for me, and this one certainly right there with her other books as far as I am concerned? Loved it. Thanks as always to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this for an honest review.