The Santina Crown... Playing the Royal Game - Carol Marinelli

Playing the Royal Game - Carol Marinelli
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897708












My rating

From the back cover:

"The Santina-Jackson Royal Fairytale: Fact or Fiction? 

Falling in love with a prince might be every girl’s dream, but is Allegra Jackson’s royal fairy-tale really all it seems? Allegra’s headline-grabbing family have hardly prepared her for a life of public duty and sinfully delicious Prince Alessandro of Santina has always seemed virtually allergic to the idea of settling down – changing women so fast the paparazzi can barely keep up! 

So why, out of all the beautiful socialites his name’s been linked with, did the heir to the throne pick ordinary Allegra? The royal rumour-mill is in overdrive, asking if this shock engagement really is a love-match…or a desperate arrangement with scandalous consequences."


A couple of the previous books in this continuity series hinted at something that is not as it seems about the engagement between the Allegra and Alex (the event that started it all!) and that really whetted my appetite, I was very much looking forward to reading their story.

But, I also have a nagging feeling that this might be an accidental pregnancy story, there is nothing wrong with that of course but I knew that the series deserved something 'more'. I'm so glad I was wrong, in fact the plot of this book completely surprised me. 

Carol Marinelli has written such a deep and provoking story that had me hooked all the way through. The emotion and almost desperation that saturates the pages when the hero and heroine first meet really set the tone of the whole story. The hero and heroine got themselves into something rather misguided only realising what a mistake it had been once they had become deeper and deeper involved. The story had a snowballing effect that is rather compelling to read. 

The relationship that grows out of this comedy of errors is fraught with pain and restraint and is very moving. These characters belong together, you can see this right from the start, but everything is so difficult for them. The execution is flawless. My only complaint is that I wasn't too keen on the inclusion of POV from other characters, it felt almost jarring when it switched away from what was a deeply absorbing love-story and the inclusion of this didn't further the story at all, if anything it actually ruined the pace in my opinion.

When focused on the hero and heroine the writing is evocative and emotional with prose that feels as though it is floating.

Wonderful, and an enjoyable end to this continuity that if I'm honest had a rather shaky start!

Xx

The Santina Crown... The Girl Nobody Wanted - Lynn Raye Harris

The Girl Nobody Wanted - Lynn Raye Harris
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897661









My rating

From the back cover:

"Jilted Bride Stranded with a Notorious Playboy 

Anna Constantinides, publicly humiliated when her long-time fiancé announced his engagement to someone else, might have thought things couldn't get any worse… Until her private jet crash-landed on an uninhabited island, leaving her stranded with billionaire hotel magnate Leo Jackson! 

Renowned playboy Leo’s reputation is legendary and, if the smouldering looks they were fighting to contain when rescued are anything to go by, there can only be one question on everybody’s lips: just how long did it take wickedly sexy Leo to undress buttoned-up heiress Anna…?!"

This is a really enjoyable story but not always an easy read, which makes it an intriguing book. 

The hero and heroine are, at times, quite annoying - the hero for his arrogance and the heroine for her neediness. However, to me, this makes the book feel more real. Nobody is perfect and these characters certainly aren't. 

The premise is interesting and really well thought out, I enjoyed reading how the uptight heroine finally decided to rebel just once then had to face the consequence of her actions - honest writing. 

Both the hero and heroine have to learn to live with each other and to accept themselves and I think there is a lot of character growth explored in this book, especially from the heroine.

This is a passionate story with two flawed characters and an against-all-odds love story that is very satisfying to read. I loved it!

Xx

The Santina Crown... Princess From The Shadows - Maisey Yates

Princess From The Shadows - Maisey Yates
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897692












My rating

From the back cover:

"Santina Secret Baby Scandal! 

Santina’s royal palace officials were tight-lipped about claims that Prince Rodriguez Anguiano was jilted by his fiancée. But it seems the prince did not leave Santina empty-handed after all – he’s taking with him one reluctant bride! 

Princess Carlotta Santina has been living out of the spotlight and under a cloud ever since a certain event. Now, finally fulfilling her role of dutiful royal, she’s arriving at Rodriguez’s Spanish palace in preparation for their forthcoming nuptials… Perhaps the prince should get some new advisors because he’s about to discover that his blushing bride comes with an unexpected bonus"


The hero of this book is an out and out rogue/playboy right to the core. I didn't think I would like him- I didn't want to like him in fact -but I couldn't help it, I did! And that is mainly down to the strength of the writing, in particular the characterisation.

This is a story that is wholly centred around it's characters and really gives us, the reader, a chance to feel everything they are feeling and experience their journey with them. Both the hero and heroine have "issues" but through the course of the story they actually deal with them together and that is very satisfying to read. 

Maisey Yates's voice is modern and forward-thinking and that shines through in this book. Stripped down this is a marriage of convenience trope, but Maisey doesn't stick too rigidly to her theme and therefore the story didn't feel weighed down by lots of unnecessary external conflict and clichés,. 

The relationship and love between the hero and heroine develops beautifully and the characters are able to grow and move on in a believable way. There is plenty of passion involved too! 

Really enjoyable.

Xx

The Santina Crown... Defying the Prince - Sarah Morgan

Defying the Prince - Sarah Morgan
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897654









My rating

From the back cover:

"Santina Princess-To-Be's Sister Serenades High-Society 

It was a night filled with scandal, but pop princess Izzy Jackson really took the crown! Royal and VIP guests were reportedly horrified at the singer and reality TV star’s impromptu performance at her sister’s royal engagement party. 

It was left to Prince Matteo, second in line to the throne, to whisk tipsy starlet Izzy off stage, into his limo and straight to his luxury palazzo, from which the pair are yet to emerge… Rumour has it the proud prince and the footballer’s daughter are working on a charity concert. Will they make sweet music together or split citing irreconcilable artistic differences?"

I don't know what she does but Sarah Morgan's books always have an added something special about them that makes them shine, and this one is no exception.

I could not get enough of the heroine Izzy she's quirky , a little silly even, but also soft and determined. I loved her! And as for the hero, well, he's judgemental, a bit of a snob but oh-so-sexy! What a pair these two characters make, and they bounce off each other perfectly. The banter between them is phenomenal - not many romance authors would be able to do it this good - and the attraction between them is real.

What I liked most about this book is that I could actually 'feel' the feelings between the hero and heroine grow and develop as the story progressed, and the characters were able to grow alongside.

This is a wonderful story that will leave you feeling like you have gone on the journey with the characters. Another plus is that this gives insight into the overall continuity story and adds a bit of progression which some of the previous books haven't done so well in my opinion.

Throughout enjoyable. Recommended.

Xx

The Santina Crown... The Man Behind the Scars - Caitlin Crews

The Man Behind the Scars - Caitlin Crews
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897685









My rating

From the back cover:

"Exclusive! Aristocrat Recluse Weds! 

Rafe McFarland, 8th Earl of Pembroke – and 21st century pin-up – has secretly wed ex-model and tabloid darling Angel Tilson! Angel’s long been believed to be in financial difficulty, prompting feverish speculation that her marriage to the tortured billionaire is one of the strictest convenience… Bearing terrible scars from his time in the military, Rafe rarely leaves his remote Scottish estate. And with the terms of this deal negotiated, possibly behind tightly closed bedroom doors, is Rafe demanding repayment – in kind – from his new wife…?"

I don't think I have ever read a book with a beginning quite like this one, it is really surprising and intriguing. We, the reader, know right from the start what the heroine is trying to achieve but then it is such a shock to have her actually come out and say it! As much as I love the Modern/Presents line, one of the most frustrating things about it is that the books so often have motivations misunderstood or kept secret, so this one was a nice refreshing change.

The heroine is extremely honest, and I loved that about her character and she is very interesting throughout the story. Rafe is a great hero; he is tortured and damaged and scarred, both physically and emotionally. His character is the complete opposite to the heroine and her openness, instead the author keeps us wondering about him never really knowing his full story.

Both characters have layers and feel very three dimensional, plus between them there is plenty of chemistry, tension and connection, which leaps off the pages.

Brooding is the theme here, as well as acceptance. It is satisfying story. Enjoyed it!

Xx

The Santina Crown... The Scandalous Princess - Kate Hewitt

The Scandalous Princess - Kate Hewitt
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897647












My rating

From the back cover:

"Pampered Princess Tamed? 

Santina’s Princess Natalia has been spotted on the arm of billionaire Ben Jackson, famous for his ruthless work ethic, devastating good looks and disdain for the spotlight. But Ben had no chance of avoiding the cameras with notorious party-girl Natalia in tow! 

Most surprising of all, Natalia was seen putting in a full day’s work in Ben’s office! Has the legendary socialite swapped couture and cocktails for photocopying? One thing’s for sure, if we could all have a brooding, dynamic boss like the devilishly attractive Ben, work would be a whole lot more exciting…"


Now this is more like it! Exactly what I wanted after a slightly lacklustre start to this Santina Crown Series.

Kate Hewitt is rapidly becoming one of my favourite Modern/Presents authors; her books are so rich with genuine emotion and very compelling stories that push the boundaries. That is certainly the case here.

The heroine of this story is a brilliant character; she has a real and honest vulnerability that is used perfectly in showing her character. Her personality because of, and as a result of, this vulnerability is believable and she is relatable as a character as well has having the important loftiness that is needed with a royalty character.

The hero and heroine work beautifully together and I really felt that they were both able to grow as characters throughout the course of the story alongside their growing feelings for one another.

This is a very touching and beautiful love-story with a wonderful sad-but-hopeful mood. Loved it!

Xx

The Santina Crown... The Sheikh's Heir - Sharon Kendrick

The Sheikh's Heir - Sharon Kendrick
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897678












My rating

From the back cover:

"SHEIKH AND JACKSON IT-GIRL IN UNEXPECTED BABY SHOCK! 

Unconfirmed sources report that celebrity wedding planner Ella Jackson is pregnant! Currently single, Miss Jackson caused quite a stir at her sister’s high-profile, royal-studded party last month where she tossed a glass of vintage champagne over Sheikh Hassan Al Abbas following a very public argument. 

What happened in private is anybody’s guess, and certainly the palace haven’t officially confirmed that Miss Jackson was seen leaving the Sheikh’s opulent suite the morning after the party… Could this Cinder-Ella beat her sister to a royal title…and a royal heir?"


An interesting and absorbing book, I especially loved the start as it is really entertaining and a great way of getting the hero and heroine together and it made me like the heroine instantly. 

The hero frustrated me quite a bit with his arrogance, disdain and rudeness, but these kind of heroes are what Sharon Kendrick excels at and, you know, I kinda liked him eventually!

The story sticks to it's theme well and this is an entertaining and well told romance. But, for me, there was something missing, it just didn't live up to both its expectation and potential. To me, continuity series should be more daring and different, but this one, well, it's a perfectly enjoyable Modern, but nothing that hasn't been done before. 

However, it is a well written and enjoyable book so don't let me put you off!

Xx

The Santina Crown... The Price of Royal Duty - Penny Jordan

The Price of Royal Duty - Penny Jordan
Mills & Boon Modern Special Releases
Harlequin UK, 2012
ISBN: 9780263897630












My rating

From the back cover:

"Runaway Royal's Romp with Rajah! 

Santina's rebellious princess Sophia made a shock exit from her brother's engagement party last night following the surprise announcement of her own arranged marriage. It seems Sophia did not favour the match...instead boldly stowing away on the magnificent Maharajah of Naipur's private jet! 

Staff insiders to the masterful Maharajah  Ashok Achari, aren't denying the pair spent a wild night together before being caught by the press on arrival in Mumbai...Scandal is the last thing the Santina royals need right now - might this maharajah be persuaded into taking Santina's runaway princess as his wife?"

The first in the series and I have to be honest as say that I didn't like it as much as I hoped I would.

Penny Jordan is one of the best Harlequin Mills & Boon writers ever, and I think her writing is fantastic. This book isn't badly written, but I just felt that it is overdone and with a little too much purple prose.

Actions and events in this book are so drawn out and over descriptive that I'd forgotten what was actually going on in certain scenes by the end. It got a little tedious to read, to be honest.

I have a real lack of affection for heroes that don't believe anything a heroine says or presumes something about the heroine and cannot be changed in his thinking by anything - to me, this is incredibly frustrating to read and a poor technique for adding conflict.

The hero and heroine's "issues" (and yes, it deserves the quote marks) are melodramatic beyond belief, by the halfway point in this book I really just felt like telling the characters to get over it!

I feel like I have been really harsh writing this review, but even if you take away all of the above stuff I have talked about, this book still disappointed me. The plot doesn't really do anything new or special that I feel a continuity series should. Also it feels completely cut off from the rest of the series - the characters are isolated and the plot doesn't develop the overall series or the series storyline.

Anyway, moving on...

Xx

The Santina Crown... A series spotlight.

The Santina Crown is this years continuity series from Mills & Boon Modern/Harlequin Presents that brings together eight fabulous authors in a series based around a very scandalous royal family and an even more scandalous family of tabloid-royalty!

Royalty has never been so scandalous!

STOP PRESS - Crown Prince in shock marriage

The tabloid headlines...

When HRH Crown Prince Alessandro of Santina proposes to paparazzi favourite Allegra Jackson it promises to be the social event of the decade - outrages headlines guaranteed!

The Salacious gossip...

Mills & Boon invited you to rub shoulders with royalty, sheikhs and glamorous socialites,

Step into the decadent playground of the world's rich and famous...

***

I've said before that royalty romances aren't really my preferred trope. I've had this set of books for a while but it has taken me a while to find the want to read them. This series, though, does include some of my favourite Modern authors so I'm expecting greatness! 

To find out more information about the series have a look at these links

http://www.iheartpresents.com/the-santina-crown/

http://www.iheartpresents.com/tag/the-santina-crown-series/