A prince needs a bride—fast—and tempts the woman who got away with an offer she can’t refuse. Their hasty marriage ignites a passionate connection that challenges her independence.

This secret-identity romance is smart and emotional. Jasiri and Reigna have strong chemistry but also clash frequently, largely due to Jasiri’s covert nature. Reigna is having none of it, and forces him to treat her as a true partner.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A second chance royal romance was just what I needed!! Reigna is so regal, she is brave and strong and I love how fierce she is!! Jasiri drove me crazy with his anger, but his devotion to his family and his country was so beautiful to see. I also relly loved how Reigna reframed Lost Tribe, so moving. I loved this book!!

Reigna Devereaux, a strong, independent businesswoman, is stunned to learn she must share her late uncle’s home with ex-boyfriend Jasiri Adebsi. Though neither is thrilled, Jasiri sees an opportunity—he needs a wife to save his country, and Reigna fits the role.

As they confront past wounds and rekindled feelings, Reigna holds her ground while Jasiri balances royal duty with unexpected vulnerability. The romance is slow-burn, with light spice and occasional sparks, though the pacing lags at times.

Still, the story shines in its emotional depth, royal stakes, and powerful female lead. Reigna’s twin, Regina, hints at even more drama in future books. A solid, heartfelt start to a promising series. This royal romance is a blend of second-chance love, enemies-to-lovers tension, and political intrigue.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Presents for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and it was the first book I have read by this author. I loved all the characters and the storyline. I read it in one day. I would definitely recommend this book.

I’m not a fan of regent type books, but when it comes to an arranged marriage, marriage of convenience, or being made to be married in order to take the royal throne, I am all in. And honestly, they both benefited from this marriage.

I haven’t read a Harlequin romance in years, so diving into this was an absolute joy! This book delivers the classic steamy, high-stakes romance Harlequin is known for—this time with a twist of Black romance.

Imagine turning down a surprise proposal from your boyfriend, only to discover he’s secretly the crown prince of an island nation. Oh, and to take the throne, he has to get married—so he blackmails you into a temporary marriage of convenience. The tension? Immaculate.

Reigna is a fantastic heroine. She’s feisty, independent, and refuses to be steamrolled by Jasiri’s royal demands. She fights for herself, which I absolutely loved. Jasiri, on the other hand, had moments that seriously frustrated me. He made too many assumptions and clearly needed Reigna more than she needed him. The miscommunication trope was in full effect, which isn’t my favorite, but it didn’t ruin the experience. My only real gripe? The ending felt rushed—I wanted more!

If you love steamy royal romances with strong heroines, forced proximity, and plenty of drama, this is definitely worth the read!

Excellent version of a very steamy Harlequin category romance! Two years ago, Reigna turned down an unexpected proposal from her then boyfriend Jasiri. He cut her off without a word and vowed never to let her into his heart again. But as it turns out, he's secretly the crown prince of an island nation and in order to become king, he needs to get married. So he blackmails his ex into a temporary marriage of convenience. (because obviously?) She reluctantly agrees to the ruse, but the chemistry between them is still very much there...

Reigna is such a fantastic character! She doesn't put up with BS and takes a stand for her own needs and boundaries. Jasiri has a lot of growing to do, and she has to move past her fear of commitment because of her parents marriage. Along the way they have a LOT of sex. That's definitely not about feelings at ALL. Definitely...

I really enjoyed this as a quick, tropey read. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

I've had the pleasure of reading other books within the Devereaux series, so I was really excited to get the opportunity to read this book, Royal Bride Demand.

This story resolves around a 2nd chance romance for between Reigna & Jasiri. While there are unfortunate circumstances that take place to force these two back together, there are other circumstances that challenge their ability to stay together. There's family drama, politics, sabotage, heat, chemistry, all good components that all to the story.

Overall, I really enjoyed not only the story itself but also the family members who really helped to enrich the story. Can't wait to read future additions to this series.

I definitely recommend this book.

FYI - I received a free copy of this book for review consideration, but all opinions expressed are my own. Thanks!!

This is my second LaQuette book. The first was action-packed and four or five jalapenos on the romance meter. I used to be a customer of Harlequin Books--think the late '80s/early '90s Harlequin book club. When I came across this pairing, I was super excited to read it. This love is a second chance, enemies to lovers, royal romance. This novel is the first book in the "Crowning a Devereaux" series.

Reigna Devereaux's beloved uncle has just passed away. He took her and her twin sister into his home and helped raise them when they were young children. However, she has found out that he has left his house, where Reigna grew up, to her and her ex-boyfriend, Jasiri Adebsi. She is enraged. Jasiri is not happy about the will decree, but he feels the plan is right on time. He needs someone to marry to save his country and Reigna fits all the requirements. How will these two strong-willed people learn to heal from past hurts and learn to love again?

Reigna is an intelligent, successful, and independent businesswoman. She doesn't take trash from anyone--her family or Jasiri. I like that her character walked the walk and talked the talk. I liked that she stood up to Jasiri and anyone else that got in her way. She was fierce, loving, and loyal as well. Jasiri was a good balance of a strong man and a cinnamon roll. However, I didn't feel much chemistry between the two of them. The first chapter started well, but the chemistry was difficult for me to believe as the book moved forward. The love scenes were about 2 jalapenos on the romance meter for me. The pace of the novel was slow for me; at points I found myself looking to see how much was left to read. As a reader, I did not like the Devereaux sisters were named Reigna and Regina. However, they had distinct personalities.

Overall, it was a good read. I did want there to be more steam and chemistry between Reigna and Jasiri. I am interested in what is next in this series. The twin sister, Regina, seemed even more feisty than Reigna.

3 stars

If you love second chance romances, enemies to lovers and lots of intimate scenes, you will love this book. For me, I was hoping more of the arranged marriage, not a sort of retaliation thing these two had going. The kingdom sounds really interesting, I wish we got more of that and history. I liked that even though he was very authoritative, she had her own empire and didn’t back down. I’m not too much of a fan of how hot and cold he could be, it sort of made my head spin.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy to form options from.

Pub 4/29/25

Harlequin Presents ARC from Netgalley

What a delight! I freaking love a Harlequin Presents. They start off with a bang every time (Not a sexy bang necessarily, but a big moment).

We meet Jasiri as Reigna storms into his office diplomat. Her beloved uncle has died and left half the house he promised to her to Jasiri. They had been dating for 2 years, but have been split for 2 years after Jasiri suddenly proposed and she freaked out and ran away. They haven’t spoken since, even when she tried to explain what happened. Now he needs something from Reigna, and plans to use the house as leverage to get it. He needs a wife, fast, and he wants Reigna for the role.

Reigna (who has a twin sister named Regina) is pissed. She hates being caught by surprise, hates being confronted with a problem she can’t solve, and Jasiri brings up all kinds of feelings she’s rather not deal with. For 208 pages, SO MUCH HAPPENS. Both of them are determined not to be hurt again, but immediately there are sparks between them.

So, Jasiri does convince her into a marriage of convenience for 2 years, so he can take over his Dad’s job. What he doesn’t say, until 10 minutes from the plane landing in his home country, is that he’s a BONAFIDE PRINCE, and his job is going to be KING. Reigna is so mad, he kept this a secret for the 2 years they dated, and waited until the last minute to spring this on her. This guy keeps doing the dumbest things.

We get a couple sweet moments. At her uncle’s funeral, Reigna has a panic attack and Jasiri helps her through it. Then when she later meets his mother, the Queen, the hug and warm welcome she receives made me cry. Reigna had a messed up childhood, her parents were awful, and having a woman offer her warm and affection was so sweet. And the sex is sexy! But NO FEELINGS! (They always try this, never works).

Of course, there’s a baddie trying to make problems for the prince, and Reigna doesn’t take his bullshit either. There’s some drama that has to be worked out, and when Jasiri tries to protect Reigna instead of asking her her help, she takes control. It’s great. Reigna is a class 1 bad ass.

Loved this book, loved the gorgeous cover art, interesting setting, and fun ride.

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley

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****

Royal Bride Demand had all the elements of a dramatic, high-stakes romance—second chances, a hidden royal identity, and a marriage of convenience. While I enjoyed the premise, the execution didn’t sweep me away.
Jasiri and Reigna’s chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between love and duty adds an intriguing layer to their relationship. I appreciated Reigna’s independent spirit and how she wrestled with sacrificing her autonomy for a crown. Jasiri, for all his commanding presence, had moments of vulnerability that made him compelling.
That said, the pacing felt uneven. The emotional beats didn’t always resonate as deeply as I wanted, and some parts of the story moved too quickly for me to fully invest in their reunion. The royal world-building was interesting, but I wished for more depth in the setting and political stakes.
Readers who love a whirlwind romance with strong-willed protagonists may still find this an enjoyable read, but it fell just short of being truly memorable for me.