Modern aristocracy meets James Bond in contemporary romance heaven.

The cover and the blurb totally sucked me in on this one.

While at boarding school, Princess Sophia and her friends stumble upon the murder of a local boy at the hands of one of their classmates. The girls get a quick lesson that money and power rule the day and witness first hand that there is often no justice for those that can't purchase it. The girls uncover that the school commonly, and for a hefty fee, will cover up indiscretions of their classmates. They decide to use their power, money, and position to secretly bring down those who have bought and covered their crimes.

Viktor is smart, powerful, intense, and the long-time not-so-secret obsession of Sophia's fantasies. Viktor had long since written Sophia off as a beautiful but innocent. When he witnesses her scaling a 4-story building in the mid of night with camouflage, a disguise, and respect to camera blind spots, he is more than intrigued.

This book is full of steam and plenty of intrigue. I have been reading a few historical romances and I enjoyed the more modern take of position, power, and privilege. I am absolutely looking forward to more in this series!

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this generously provided ARC!*

One of the things that really warms my cockles is when I try a new-to-me author's book and love it!

I went into this story blind.
I skimmed the blurb. I bypassed all of the reviews.
I wanted this author's words to take me over and transcend me to another place.
And they did.

From the comfort of my own home, I went on an international tour.
I visited London, Paris, and even a little island called Porenza.
I met foreign dignitaries and partied with socialites.
And I became enthralled by the story of a princess falling for a billionaire bad boy.

This story gave me tons of exciting tidbits to sink my teeth into:
★ an extremely hot and powerful Russian (Viktor) who not only dominated the world and its secrets, but used that power to satisfy every one of his lover's fantasies in the bedroom. He was a certified bad boy. Not the kind of guy mama would approve of. And every bit the man I would lust after in real life. *drool*
★ a prim and proper princess (Sophia), who wore a mask for outsiders, hiding her true feelings, thoughts, and motives. She was definitely more than meets the eye with her circle of friends and their mission of vigilantism.
★ a seedy, creepy, and downright scary character to hate, which gave this story its element of suspense.
★ a bit of lead in to the side characters, tantalizing me with just enough info to have me invested in their own stories. Seriously, do Ivan and Jen hook up?

If this story is what I can expect from Setta Jay, count me in every time!

Well this unusual take on a royal romance story is certainly unique but then again I expect nothing less from this daring author. This is a very modern look at privilege, power and unfortunately corruption. This new series starts here with this story that actually works very well as a standalone but it introduces supporting characters that are very intriguing but for now though it's all about Princess Sophia and Russian business man Viktor.
Sophia is one who projects a calm, demure facade. The reality is completely the opposite ! Sophia is a vigilante who along with friends she is discouraged from associating with seeks to stop those elite powerful individuals who believe they are indestructible. Sophia has a secret though and its her all abiding passion for the man she first encountered eight years ago and she's finally got his attention but it's a temporary thing isn't it ?
Viktor hasn't been immune to the pampered Princess but seeing her sneak out of her room one night arouses his curiosity. Sophia is gorgeous, feisty, almost innocent and yet challenges him at every turn. Viktor knows to Sophia their intense relationship is temporary but somehow he knows deep down that he cannot let her go. Its just too bad she's obviously hiding something but is it just that she's about to be married off or is it perhaps a secret that puts her in danger ?
I'm not a huge fan of contemporary romance and if brutal I don't think I've ever been tempted to pick up a royal one but knowing how this author has captured my imagination previously I just had to dive in. I'm far from disappointed and actually found myself immersed in this world that she has created with its close circle of friends getting up to what mere mortals can only dream of. These vigilantes are very interesting and honestly I actually wanted a lot more about them . I did feel that perhaps I would have preferred less sexual exploration between the couple although admit if you enjoy a steamy read then this fulfils every hot dream you've had. If I'm picky I thought that most of the excitement came right at the end but I cannot fault that stubborn, practical Sophia didn't need a knight but could save herself. Viktor might be an alpha, domineering man but admits to himself that Sophia owns him and my old romantic heart melted at that. There's secrets, lies, intrigue and hot, hot romance and yet again this author offers a story that screams to be read.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

5 Stars for Mercenary Princess by Setta Jay

ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own & have not been influenced in any way !!

LOVED THIS BOOK & NEW AUTHOR FOR ME !!

This book had everything I love in a good story & I have also added this author to my TBR list as well as subscribe to her newsletter so I can eagerly find out when Book #2 in the series will be available ...

The cover of Mercenary Princess is a beautiful one and what immediately grabbed my attention !!

This book checked all my “boxes”& here is why :

Great engaging characters in Sophia & Viktor as well as a great story line !!
Super sizzling chemistry
Intrigue & some mystery as to where the story line will continue
Read in one sitting could not put it down

Sophia at 24 is the Crown Princess of Porenza a country ruled by her brother. We find out she is sent to London with a “ list” of potential husbands for a future royal match. She has secretly had a massive crush on Viktor Petrovich Popov the older brother of a school mate - older & more sophisticated - someone use to getting what he wants & in this case he wants Sophia ...

Totally loved when these two were together as their chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS. & I loved that Viktor shows up in London with the sole purpose of getting to know Sophia

Viktor wants all Sophia’s secrets & for her to be truthful with him but something she is hiding could get in the way of their having any kind of future together

Can’t wait for book two & to check out other work by this author !!

This was fascinating, from the concept to the actual reading of the book was great. The characters were great and felt real.

Overall I found the story quite interesting and hot. Good writing and characters keep the story from being boring

OH MY!
I absolutely could not put this book down. I was drawn in right from the start, the story moves along just right and the story unfolds at a believable rate. I loved all the side characters (that I am sure will be getting their own books? Hopeful hint :) ). Sophia and Viktor's story was a unique one full of adventure, mystery and the quest to find answers that only wets your appetite for more knowledge about the characters introduced. This book was my first by Setta Jay but it will definitely not be my last. I highly recommend reading this book.
I volunteered to read this book from Setta Jay LLC. in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed with in are my own.

I received a free copy of Mercenary Princess from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Agh!! I loved this book!

Massive bonus on the Russian. I love all things Russian, especially men... :D
I absolutely loved Viktor and the way he was with Sophia.

It was filled with mystery, charm and sexiness! I didn't want it to end.
I had expected something different when I started reading this book, but colour me surprised at how much I loved it.
I thought this book was going to be filled with sex scenes and nothing else.
Don't get me wrong, I love hot sex scenes but not when they take over the story and bury the characters. Luckily this book was suspenseful, thrilling and had a very strong female character.

I would happily recommend this book.

This was a steamy novel and not meant for the faint of heart. It had some lip-biting worthy romance. I definitely endorse this book for anyone in favor of good sex scenes. Very tantalizing!!!

Sophie is a crime-fighting princess who is set on making things right by using her elite status to obtain necessary contacts or information. She has a couple of friends that also help her in this endeavor. One night she crosses paths with Viktor, who is an unknown variable with Russian mob ties. She has also been nursing a healthy 8-year crush on the man. Viktor becomes intrigued when he sees the princess doing something quite outside her realm- scaling a wall at night.

I enjoyed reading from Sophie's perspective but had no idea where in the world her country was located...So I had a hard time imagining her accent, however, who really cares when sex is involved?!?

I would definitely read this if this is a series... I want to know more about the other characters- like do Ivan and Jen hook up?!

I was able to receive a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
#MercenaryPrincess #NetGalley

I voluntary read an advanced review of this copy

This is actually the second time I have read this book and it is really good. This book starts at a great pace and just keeps on picking up speed making you laugh and cross your fingers that things work out for this couple. Sophia wants Viktor and... Viktor definitely wants Sophia but life keeps on getting in the way. Will Sophia and Viktor be able to make it with all of the secrets they have keeping them at odds? Read and find out!


Overall a great book, Setta Jay does a great job spinning this tale

My first read from Setta Jay. You know what, this was fabulous. I love this type of fast paced book with a side of hot romance, so good!

Wow! I was in a mood for a particular kind of romance and this book did not disappoint! I have enjoyed previous books by Setta Jay. The Guardians of the Realms series was sexy and addicting! This new series looks to be just as great!

Sophia is our princess, good girl turned vigilante. She has secretly admired Viktor from when she was a teenager in a boarding school and he would stop by and visit his brother. Fast forward a couple of years, he happens to witness her climbing up a wall to get back to her room. He decides he is intrigued and decides to momentarily knock her bodyguards unconscious and wait for her.

So the game begins. Viktor thinking he is one step ahead of her and yet still feeling that there is something that he is missing and Sophia trying her hardest to hide her secret, while trying to enjoy as much time with Viktor, and her family is breathing down her neck to choose a husband.

I really liked this story. It was very sexy, and it had me turning page after page. The electricity that these two had was great. I loved a good book that can make me curl my toes and have me grinning like a fool! I have enjoyed Ms. Jay’s books and look forward to more!

Sophia is living a double life. She is the princess of a small island country with no control over her life. By day she presents as a demure and well-behaved daughter and sister. However, she is secretly involved with a covert group that tracks down corrupt and dangerous people. Sophia and her two friends from boarding school formed this group after they were exposed to an unjust crime in school where the murderer was never punished. Instead there was a large coverup and justice was never served.. The three friends felt helpless in that situation and could do nothing to change it at that time. That ended up being the pivot point in their lives and gave them the nudge to form their secret group that would grow and expand over the years.

“Don’t even mock my crazy right now.”

Sophia meets Viktor, a Russian billionaire with a dangerous reputation and secrets of his own. He's fascinated by the princess and senses there are things about her that he doesn't know. All of this draws him to her even more. Meanwhile, her brother, the reigning king and her mother are intent on marrying her off to someone who will provide the best alliance possible to their country. They have no regard whatsoever for Sophia's feelings on the subject.

“Real men didn’t trade in women; they protected them.”

Mercenary Princess was full of danger, blackmail, deceit, betrayal, murder, strong women, a sexy alpha male, controlling relatives, and last but not least - - lots of sexy times. Basically, it had just about everything in its pages.
This is the first in what appears to be a trilogy. However, even though Ms. Jay set the groundwork for book two towards the end, Mercenary Princess still had a satisfying ending and didn't feel like a cliffhanger.

"One thing has changed. My rules."

Thank you to NetGalley and Ms. Jay for this reader copy in exchange for an honest review.