Queen of Belize was a light and fun novel. The story is very action-packed and is full of intrigue. I found the main protagonist to be tough, intelligent, and likable. I also love the romance! Thus, this was enjoyable read with strong heroines!

This was such a pageTurner. I especially loved Naysa's character. She was a take no prisoner strong woman. This will not be the last time I read a book by this author

Don’t Start None — Won’t Be None

Aiken Ponder’s character, Naysa Eituk (Luisa) wasn’t one to shy away of controversy. She’d rather go about her day in peace unless someone decided she didn’t it.

Action packed with the appearance of other Queens who stayed battle-ready as well as tested was a driving force. This was an quick read for me because I didn’t have to keep going back and forth between chapters. The journey to payback was exciting and I cannot wait to see what next this author pens.

I had some very mixed feelings about this book and had a hard time rating it in terms of stars. Aiken Ponder has a different style of writing which takes some getting used to. It’s not necessarily bad, just different. She is a good writer, but things get skipped from Chapter to Chapter. She does fill in some of the gaps in the chapter and links it to the prior one, but it can get disconcerting to read if you are not expecting it. It also makes it difficult to follow the story sometimes. However, that also speeds up the pace of what happens in the book. I really enjoyed and liked the main characters in the book. Where I had a hard time was the story. The first quarter of the book, I was just very confused about what was going on – part of it was Mr. Ponders style of writing, part of it was the fact that I didn’t know who these characters were (who are the Kings?), part of it was that I couldn’t understand the characters relationship to each other (Is Naysa truly Royal) – it took be a while to orient myself to the cast of characters and the setting. I am assuming it’s because this was the first book that I read in the series. Or maybe it’s just me – I felt like I wasn’t understanding the subtext in many situations. The suspense also wasn’t suspenseful. I figured out who was behind things and why halfway through the book. And while I really liked the main characters, I didn’t get the chemistry and I don’t think their relationship was explored fully (I’d have liked to know more about their history). Having said, once I got used to Ms. Ponders writing, it was enjoyable (though I still wish she would clarify things more), I loved having characters that weren’t all white and it was lovely to learn about Belize.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Strong and determined, Queen of Belize is unstoppable. Action packed and romantically changed. Enjoyed the read.

‘Some are born with a silver spoon in their mouths. She was born with a silver bullet.’
~Aiken Ponder
With a line like that, I just knew the book would not disappoint. From the shocking beginning to the action-packed end, I was blown away. Aiken Ponder is a new author on the scene, but her book Queen of Belize puts her squarely on the fast track to joining Romantic Suspense royalty.

Secrets from the grave rise and stalk the beaches of Belize in this spine-tingling romantic suspense novel where betrayal is expensive, but Death owns the bank.

I was enthralled by Naysa Eituk. She is the embodiment of not one to be toyed with or underestimated. Her can do, kick ass attitude was refreshing. Her devilishly handsome counterpart Ian Richardson was time enough for her and the challenges they encounter throughout the book. The twists and turns in this book took me to dizzying heights and left me breathless. I finished the book in one sitting.

Excellent Read! Bravo Ms. Ponder! I look forward to the next adventure!

Stephanie M. Freeman
Author of Season of the Blood

This was my first read by this author and she did a great job. At first the book was slow for me but it turned out to be a page turner and i enjoyed every minutes of it. Especially the chemistry between Naysa and Ian.

A true page turner from beginning to end. Aiken Ponder did a great job incorporating mystery, romance and intrigue. Fantastic read.

Like the other Queens, Nysa, is a woman that doesn’t need to stand behind a man when trouble comes calling. She showed up and did her part to save the day. Belize should feel safer knowing that this Queen is championing her cause.

There are two more Queens Of The Castle on the way and I can’t wait.




Marie McKenzie, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of Thinks That Keep Me Up At Night.

To say you do not want Naysa as an enemy does not quite do the leading woman in Queen of Belize justice.

Weaving through the pages, I got a chance to not only learn about her, but I got the chance to learn about a country that I knew about, but not on the level that she described with such flavor and stunning clarity that I've got to put this place on my travel list.

The intensity between Naysa and Ian was nothing short of explosive, and putting them together with the Kings of the Castle to handle those who would do Naysa harm rounded out the story nicely for me.

Brava, Ms. Ponder, I can't wait for what you come up with next!

Shakir Rashaan, author of Love, Lust & Beautiful Liars

In Queen of Belize, you will encounter strong female characters determined to make their mark in the world. Plus, there are those who are determined to exact revenge on the unsuspecting.

The story is fast paced and the excitement contagious. Naysa and Ian make a good couple, and team. As always, getting reacquainted with The Castle, the various personalities, and Khalil made this read an even better adventure.

Once again this series has introduced me to another new author ,and that's one of the many things I love and like about this series is that you get to discover new authors,new characters to love, re vist old favorites. Another thing is each book has a different topic that needs to be talked about , and each of these books has a strong female lead ,that even though they have a strong male standing behind them ,their not afraid to stand their ground and meet the danger head on. And the chimsty between Naysa and Ian, wow can I say hot, another pair that literally brought fire to the pages of their story.plus this author brought to life her description of Brizel , their struggles ,the people .

Queen of Belize is a great book!! I feel it needs to be longer! Great story line. I really enjoyed it but I want more.

Aiken Ponder is a new author to me and she has done a wonderful job collaborating with the tribe. These queens are a force to be reckoned with taking names and kicking butts. They do not play and Naysa I want her on my team if and when I need her to be. Ian and Naysa were awesome together with enemies. The couple had great chemistry. Oh yeah those Kings Of The Castle showed up and took care business.

I surely am having a great time reading about the Queens of The Castle and hopefully with the two remaining books in this series that perhaps that there is more Castle business to take care with more heroes and heroines taking center stage. Great job tribe.

I received an ARC via Naleighna Kai via NetGalley and I voluntarily leaving my review.

In my opinion, the book was beautifully written and had a nice flow. Sometimes, when reading a book, I have to flip back to remember and recall the role of characters.. However, the format and sequence of the book allowed me to keep reading uninterrupted. I never knew much about Belize, but learned more about the country along with the struggle of preserving the corral around the country. The author is brilliant and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Aiken Ponder hit another home run. This book is a page turner that you can’t put down. Naysa is one of my favorite characters so far. She is the kind of person that you want more as a friend than an enemy. You will enjoy reading this book.

This book had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning of the story until the final word on the last page.
Naysa was true beast that wasn't to be played with at all!!! I loved the chemistry between her and Ian and the way they worked together along with the Kings to overcome the enemies out to do Naysa harm.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!!!