Thank you NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Let me preface my review by saying that I did not know this was the second book in the series until I started this ARC. After checking some other reviews, many people said they hadn't read the first book and felt like this worked as a standalone. As I didn't have access to the first book, I carried on without reading The Accidental Queen first.

Now to my review... I will say, I just don't think this book was for me. Others have loved it, which is amazing, but I just didn't feel it. The story felt like it had too much packed in, you begin with a major source of tension and conflict, but it's resolved within a couple of chapters and never mentioned again. Then a new conflict arises, and is again resolved not long after. There are 5 or 6 major story lines in this book, each feels rushed through. I didn't feel like any of the story lines, or the characters for that matter, were developed the way they deserved. I would have loved for it to just have 1 or 2 major conflicts and develop them more, and maybe even save other plot points for future books.

When it comes to the characters, I can't say I cared much for either the FMC or MMC. They seemed quite immature and I had no idea of their age, so it made it hard to judge if their actions aligned with that. Again, this could solely be because I have not read book 1, so this is probably my own fault!

I was looking forward to the Africa setting, but didn't get the feeling of being immersed in the culture or location. The story is heavily dialogue based, where I would have preferred more descriptive narration.

I did like the supporting characters, who I believe are the main characters of the first book, so perhaps I would have enjoyed this much more of I'd read book one. I'd recommend reading The Accidental Queen first, and if you enjoyed it then give this one a go second 😊

The Defiant Queen by L.R. Jackson - ⭐⭐

Thanks to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for the ARC🫶🏾

I was immediately drawn to this book, it looked very appealing. I usually love reading romance with royal elements, so I was excited to dive in.

I’ll be completely honest: the story is enjoyable and packed with drama. There were moments that had me on the edge of my seat, almost screaming, and others that made me giggle, especially because of Baas and Shaya. If you’re looking for a quick, entertaining read, this might be the one for you.

However, I struggled to connect with the characters. They were charming in their own ways, but I didn’t feel a strong attachment to them. The story moved at a fast pace, and some parts felt rushed. While Shaya wasn’t portrayed as perfect, I found her a bit immature, she makes impulsive decisions without thinking twice, which was frustrating at times.

As for Baas, I appreciated how devoted he was to Shaya, willing to risk everything just to be by her side. But despite that, I didn’t fully connect with him either.

Overall, while this book had its enjoyable moments, I wish I had felt more invested in the characters.

The story unfolds with a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected twists, though it’s clear that reading the first book, *The Accidental Queen*, is essential for a complete understanding of the characters and their relationships. As a newcomer to the series, I found myself craving more character development and backstory to fully appreciate the narrative. However, the story itself is engaging and filled with drama and action that kept me hooked.

While the book is under 300 pages, it delivers a rich tapestry of drama that keeps the reader engaged. The romantic tension is palpable, and the spice was so good. Overall, this book promises a thrilling read for those who are already invested in the series, while also encouraging new readers to start from the beginning to fully grasp the nuances of the story.

Thank you for Black Odyssey Media for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. So I like how the book started with the note to read the first book “The Accidental Queen”, while I’m sure this can be read as a stand-alone. Reading the first book helps to set the background. Now on to The Defiant Queen. I just could not make myself root for Shaya. I felt she was emotionally immature and childish throughout most of the book. Her partner Baas honestly deserved better in my opinion. But he was not without his issues as well. Parts of the book felt stilted and incomplete, while other parts were drawn out and didn’t seem to be going anywhere. In addition, I don’t know if the second book will lead to a third, but the book ends on a cliffhanger that just seems thrown in. In comparison to “The Accidental Queen”, I feel like this book missed the mark.

This book took me on so many twist and turns. I would say to have better context read book one The Accidental Queen. Shaya really worked my nerves and I screamed at her several times. Most of Shaya’s problems could have been solved with a simple conversation.
Baas is a stand up guy and he made the choice to love Shaya through everything. Even through heartache he loved her. This was a really good read that kept me intrigued the entire story.


Thank you NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for this ARC

I really enjoyed this as a second-chance romance going on, it had that element that I was expecting from the description. I was hooked from the first page and was engaged with what was happening. L.R. Jackson has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this. It had that romance element that I was hoping for and was realistically done. L.R. Jackson wrote this well and was glad I was able to read this.

When they were together it was amazing and when they had to be separated because of commitments it broke their hearts. There was no denying that there was a true connection between Baas and Shaya, but they were not destined to be together at the time because of commitments each had made. But then they were thrown together again by a never ending love, betrayals and a secret. A big secret that leads to some twists and an ending you didn’t expect at all. There is so much more I could say but that would ruin the book big time.

This is second in the series by L.R. Jackson and while it could help a few times to have read book 1, this is one that you can read it as a stand alone. The way Jackson was able to describe the characters and scenes they were in, allowed you to see them in your mind. The author is so talented with her words and plots that it grabs your attention, holds onto it and not let go until the book is finished. The book is amazing and one you will actually want to read more than once.

Thanks to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for sending me an ARC of this book for my honest review

WHEW! Where to start... This is an action packed second chance romance! The story and characters are complex and have layers. L.R. Jackson keeps you on your toes, from wanting to see Shaya and Baas reconnect to all the twist and turns of dealing with past traumas, unimaginable decisions, and surprising betrayals. The pace was good, and it was an easy read. I actually think this sequel, which could be a standalone imo, was better. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I would recommend it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Black Odyssey Media for providing me with this ARC.

Disclaimer - after starting the book I saw the suggestion to read book 1 first. I agree this would be helpful but I also feel like L.R. Jackson gave more than enough backstory and dialogue to understand the situations and decisions made.

The Defiant Queen by L.R. Jackson is a powerful novel following our two protagonists, lovers divided by a politically arranged marriage.

The pacing was well balanced and the reader has the opportunity to have both main characters POVs, making it very easy to understand their decision making process - even if you didn't always agree with it. I found it difficult to relate to the MMC due to some of the decisions he made and things he prioritised but I can also appreciate that this is a very real representation of the pressures of such a high expectations job.

Our FMC was much more relatable. She made human decisions and I could always understand why she did. Even when those choices may not be the best way to move forward.

The characters had great chemistry and believable relationships with the wider world they interacted with. The story was laid out well and will be a must read for fans of royal romances!

I requested to read this ARC novel and sis let me just say when this book drop you need to read it. It’s so engaging layered with secrets, betrayal and a royal romance. Take this wild journey of love and suspense with Baas and Shaya you won’t be disappointed. I will say that the first few chapters had me giving the book the side eye, however as the story unfolded, I was sitting on the edge of my seat and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough. Not to give too much away, but your girl Shaya had me questioning her for real. I knew she was hiding something, and I was partially right, but the twist to the situation took the cake for me. There were a few more twists that I didn’t see coming and would be consider less likely to happen in my mind. The love between Shaya and Baas is undeniable from the start and I am glad it all worked out in the end. Speaking of the end girl smh that took me for loop and had me looking like "what??". This is my first reading from this author and after reviewing her catalog I noticed that this book is related to “The Accidental Queen”. Giving how the flow starts in the beginning of this book, I think is best read that one first then this one although I am reading in reverse…LOL. Great work Mrs. Jackson this was an enjoyable read.

You would definitely need to read this book after the first one. The story was really laid out well. It had the perfect amount of suspense and romance for someone who loves the genre.

A compelling story of two individuals who somehow get a second chance at love.
The MMC, Baas, is an Alpha male who yearns for and loves his woman without conditons but is tasked with many road-blocks to find his way back to that love. Baas is faced with deceit and resentment and the choice of forgiveness or letting go and moving on.

The FMC, Shaya makes many mistakes out of anger and displays the humanly side to the reader we do not see in many books.

The book receives 3 stars because it was a good story but not fully carried out to completion. The story was all dialogue and thoughts but lacked desrciptive properties to fully immerse the reader.

I definitely look forward to seeing how this author develops her story-telling in her future books!

Thank you so much to Black Odyssey Media, The Author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and offer my open, honest and unbiased opinion of this story.

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

The Vibes:

—royal romance

—second chance

—right hand to the throne/princess

Heat Index: 7/10

The Basics:

Royal advisor Baas was forced to send away the princess he wanted and couldn't have, Shaya. When she unexpectedly returns—with circumstances much changed—he sees the chance to finally be with her. But secrets and enemies stand in their way, and Shaya has to make a decision about how much she's willing to risk for love.

The Review:

Disclaimer—I did read (after getting this ARC) that reading the first novel in the series, The Accidental Queen, would provide more insight to this story. I didn't feel particularly held back, but I wanted to advise other readers.

This is one where the premise is exactly what I love. Royals! Big swings! Second chance! Forbidden love! But the execution wasn't quite where I wanted it to be.

There's a lot I do appreciate. Baas is the kind of alpha hero we don't see a lot of anymore in traditional publishing. He's a MAN'S man, for better or worse (and for some readers, it's going to be a lot). I also found it rather surprising that Baas begins with this book married to another woman—albeit in an arranged situation wherein he's pretty clear about not being in love. I'm honestly uncertain about how I feel regarding how Jackson resolved that plot, but again, it's a big swing and I have to tip my hat to big swings.

Shaya doesn't make quite as big a splash as Baas, but she's an endearing heroine who makes refreshingly human decisions. She's not perfect! She's not meek and mild! She's also not a standard issue "rebellious princess". I definitely understood why he was obsessed with her, and understood his spell over her in turn.

All that being said, I did feel like this could use a closer edit. I wanted a bit more description, a bit less telling and a bit more showing from the prose. This is an epic story, and I didn't quite see the writing style as really backing that epic feel as much as it could have.

But look: If you want something hot and fun with a modern alpha, you may find something more than I did. I'm just a pretty picky customer.

And if you're looking to escape with a royal romance? Well. It's right there!

Thanks to Black Odyssey Media and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Ｅｂｏｏｋ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ
4.5 ☆
Royal advisor, Baas, never stopped loving the woman he was forced to send away. When Shaya unexpectedly returns, he sees a long-awaited chance at happiness. However, winning back her trust and uncovering the secrets that led to their separation proves more difficult than navigating the royal court.

I would highly recommend reading book one, "The Accidental Queen," before starting this book to gain some background understanding of the two main characters, Baas and Shaya! I enjoyed this book so much; I read it in one day. Shaya really annoyed, irritated, and angered me, but she slowly grew on me at the very end. Baas is definitely a book husband, not a boyfriend. That's a real man! This storyline was really good. Highly recommend.

Thank you, Netgellay, and Black Odyssey Media for the ebook in exchange for my honest review.