This is another exciting read from Marquita Valentine. It sounds like a new series and I always want to read the first one to know all the background details when I read the next one. This story is unique and fun! You usually don’t have the lead man hiding from his past. They are typically pretty darn proud of what they’ve done and it almost always involves overindulging in some shape or form. Refreshing and new is how I would describe this story. Both characters are strong but sensitive people.

Colin Sinclair is royalty without a country. Della Hughes is an angry woman when they meet because he has kicked them out of the only home she knows. He wants privacy from the world and having someone live on their family estate simply won’t provide that. They reach a compromise and he lets Della and her stepmother stay in the caretaker house. That’s just the beginning of their encounters and challenges.

He’s raising two young boys with absolutely no experience whatsoever in how to deal with toddlers. She swoops in and begins to care for them, both emotionally and physically. But the twists and turns of his past come knocking on his door again and again. The only solution he can see is to marry her, in name only, to get the problem solved.

We all know how that always ends but this story has so much more than that. An excellent read, very well told story. Can’t wait for the rest of the series!

I received an AC from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was expected nor received for this review.

I enjoyed reading Marquita Valentine’s book Royal Scandal, book one of her new series, Royals in Exile. It’s the story of a family of siblings exiled from their home country after the death of their parents to live in North Carolina. The story is a friends to lovers adventure as the hero, Colin, defies the demands of his country by marrying his best friend Della. This is after year of being the care-taker of his family with help from Della. Ms. Valentine created a good story, with characters that not only demonstrate compassion and empathy but also a depth to their feelings. This book exemplifies Valentine’s creativity, sexy and sensitive scenes, as well as her outstanding writing ability.

This was a sweet, fun and entertaining story with very likeable and authentic characters that you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written, having complex characteristics. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

couldn't get into it and didn't finish. I couldn't get into the characters and I felt very out of my depth. I didn't get a feel for the story and lost interest. will certainly try another book by this author in the future.

Fluffy diversion for a rainy afternoon. This book was both sweet and steamy, but didn't really grab me as much as I'd hoped. I wanted more with the rest of the family, especially the boys.

I loved this book. Della and Colin have been friends for 10 years and have loved each the whole time but have never shared their feelings. When Colins past comes to light and he needs a wife he turns to the one women he has loved.
There are a few surprises in this story that i will not spoil as i believe books are better with no spoilers in them.
I liked this book very much and hope to read more of the Sinclair family.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable start to this series with a sassy independent woman taking on the head of the family who is a prince in exile. Best friends for 10 years Della is unaware the Sinclairs who took over the estate where her family resided in the caretaker cottage are actually royalty. Surprise on her and everyone else when the story breaks. This story is full of lies, betrayal, sass, scandal, love, lots of love, and laughter, and bless your heart southern charm. All the twists and turns and surprises and I suspect there are still more to come in the next installments. I definitely recommend this one.

**Received an ARC copy from the publisher via NetGalley**

As much as I adore the British Royal Family, it's so hard for me to get into this story because:

1. I never read any Royal Family story before so I have no comparison. Actually when the first time I read the synopsis of this book, I was so excited to finally read a book about a Royal Family. But honestly I'm disappointed. Because it wasn't like what I was expected. I find the story really boring.

2. The 'scandal' that happened with the Sinclairs is so confusing.
The author is probably trying to make it like a mystery that will make the reader curious about what happened to them and continue reading it to find out. But I don't feel curious. Instead, I feel so confused because it's like I'm lost that I don't understand what the hell is happening.

3. I don't feel the connection between the hero and heroine. Everything seems so superficial.
I don't really understand the real characteristic of the hero, Colin. He seems so cold, but then suddenly he's trying to be a Dom in the bed room, and I find it really doesn't suit him.
It also makes all the erotic scenes really dull, awkward and boring.

4. I don't understand the plot. Even after 57% of the book, I have no clue what the hell is going on.

To sum it up: this book is boring, not exciting, with not well-developed characters, everything seems so superficial and too fucked-up.

I really, really tried so hard to enjoy this book. But unfortunately I really couldn't. I'm sorry.

Thank you for providing me an early copy of this book.

What a entertaining, sassy, and sexy book. Story is about an exciled crowned Prince (Colin) who is forced to move to a small town in North Carolina along with his five brothers and sisters that he is now responsible for. There he meets Della, who is the groundskeepers step daughter, and they end up having a 10 year friendship before Colin is forced to marry in order to keep him from becoming king. Della has helped him raise his siblings, two of which were still in diapers when they met. What comes out of this friendship, then marriage of convenience for Colin, is a really funny and sassy story, which turns very romantic and sexy once the two end up married and on their honeymoon. Yes, the story is kind of corny, but the dynamics between the two, along with Colin's younger siblings really work and makes this a very enjoyable and entertaining book. Love Della and Tessies sassy mouth, Lola is also very entertaining. Some surprises in there, keeps you wanting to find out how it all turns out. Will definitely read the sequel. Definitely worth the read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Royal Scandal is an adorable story that will give you lots of butterflies and smiles! You have a pack of exiled royals, a girl and her stepmom who live on the grounds, and lots of secrets. This is a GREAT friends to lovers trope as well. Della and Colin were friends for 10 years before they were more. 10 years is impressive. They met in their late teens and Della helped Colin raise 'his' boys. But, things change when Colin needs a wife and he proposes Della be that wife...in name only. Way to sweep her off her feet, prince charming...

Overall, the story is predictable but fun. Aiden and Pierce add some adorableness to the story that only young boys can (explaining a dutch oven to Della...). Experiencing Della and Colin finally admit their love is sweet and dirty (Della is a bit of a dirty talker and Colin has a few naughty words to add as well!). The book is pretty steamy, which did surprise me a little (not bad, but it is steamier than I anticipated). Its not overly angsty since the conflict typically comes outside forces (the evil prime minister...) but there are a few miscommunications between Della and Colin that I didn't care for. Miscommunications are my least favorite plot trope; while it was used in Royal Scandal, it wasn't excessive and it wasn't even the main conflict, so it didn't make the book too angsty for me to enjoy. I am looking forward to Charlotte's story though. She is so quite and reserved!

Royal Scandal is exactly what this book is based on.

Colin and he's family, are Exiled from the British Isle, due to their parents murder.
They escape to the States to start a new life. Leaving their Royal Heritage behind.

Colin has a lot to deal with including protecting he's 2 sisters Charlotte and Imogen and he's twin brother's who are very young.
Imogen is the rightful Queen and it's Colin's duty to protect her from the outside world and their identity a secret.

Beaumont is the Royal head of security who agreed to be Exiled in order to protect the family.

Quickly Colin meets Della via an altercation regarding the tenancy of the caretakers home in which she lives in with Tressie.

They become fast, firm friends and Della remains very loyal to Colin and he's siblings.

The first chapter is a little hazy as it gives nothing away as to why the Sinclairs have been Exiled.  I found it a little confusing as there wasn't a clear introduction to who the characters were.

However it didn't stop me from wanting to know more.

The book forwards on 10years and Della is still a huge part of the family.
In fact you can see subtle hints there is chemistry between Colin and Della.

Colin still has contact with the government and they call on Colin to attend a meeting.
The gist of the meeting is that in order to return from exile and rule the British Isle Imogen has to step down as the rightful Queen and Colin has to marry someone of the government's choice and become King.

Colin has no interest in becoming King, so the family come up with a plan to stop this from happening.

I won't go any further as I really don't wish to give any more away and spoil the mystery.

I loved how Marquita kept the reader guessing. She allowed you to think you knew what was going to happen but then Bang! another secret unveiled.

I fell in love with Colin and Della and was eager for them to fall in love. I really loved how Marquita kept an air of suspense and mystery between them. Building up the tension between them.

Royal Scandal is a charming book about Family, Loyalty, Trust, Friendship, Love, Heartache.

There really is something for everyone inside, a must read for all romantics who love a little mystery.

This story started out strong, with some great characters and witty banter. Colin is struggling to calm his baby brother, and Della is demanding to know why he's kicked her and her stepmom out of their jobs. It's an easily cleared-up mess that paves the way for a strong friendship between Colin and Della.

While the writing is strong, I couldn't help but feel that many of the important scenes in this book were written after the author had seen a movie or two. There were lines that immediately brought to mind specific scenes from Pride & Prejudice (among others), where the wording was almost too much like something one of those characters would say, vs. the characters of Valentine's book. I was pulled out from the emotion of the scene and left scratching my head as to which movie she was referencing-without-really-referencing. It detracted from the overall ambience of the story and I was left feeling like the words weren't quite the author's own.

The sex scenes was especially jolting, and not in a good way. Valentine gave Colin a decidedly serious, stubborn, and proper personality - but upon the first time he opened his mouth in bed, the words that tumbled from his lips were not the romantic ones I'd hoped for. Instead, they were kind of filthy (and he used the same words over and over, which showed a lack of creativity, in my opinion). Filthy definitely has its time and place (in Colin's brother Theo's book, for example), but this was so out of character for Colin, it left me feeling kind of icky and not at ALL into it. After the third love scene, I started skipping pages.

I liked the story, and the plot. I feel that if Valentine stayed true to her characters more, and let them speak their own words vs those inspired by rom-com movies, I'd love this series. As it is, it's a three star review, with potential for me to continue on in the series if only to see improvement from what I think is a significantly underwritten subgenre (I do love me some Royals!).

reviewed by Nancy

It took a few chapters in to get the story line going, but it was a good and juicy way to lay things out! I was hooked! Aren't marriages of convenience the best?! Yep, I think so too! I loved the banter between Della and Colin. And I loved her sense of humor in their situation. I also enjoyed how the chapters flipped from their POVs.

Colin is hiding a few BIG things from his best friend, Della! When things start to shift for his family and he has to make a rash decision, he has to come clean to her, mostly. He trusts her with his family secrets and with his boys. However, he never specifies more about the kiddos to her. But their wedding requires them to take a honeymoon so that no one is suspicious. Being married in name only is difficult, especially when both parties have a yearning for the other. Life for Della and Colin definitely had its up and downs but they had each other's backs and they supported one another. This book is sweet, sexy and was an all around enjoyable read. One-click your copy today!

Wow oh wow.... so many secrets in this family, deception and lies. I don't even know where to start. Overall, I thought the story was good, but I felt like there was too much jammed into the story... the royal family gets exiled based on lies, relationships are founded, love is found, but that relationship is pushed to the next level to try to exonerate the family....

As the truth comes out, happiness finally find its way to the surface. Overall, good story, just a bit too convoluted.

Got this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Loved this book from beginning to end. I love Theo, he's funny and young. He lives his life and doesn't care what anyone says. Theo is the second oldest, only a few years younger than Colin. Colin has to take on the responsibility of a family at a young age. He comes off as older but I guess it's because of what he has had to go through.

Della also comes of as older when first introduced but she's taking on responsibilities to make sure her family is not kicked out of where they live.

It was cute how Della and Colin met and how their friendship develops. Its also nice to know they both have feelings for each other. The only thing is that they both have secrets that can get in their way if they let them. Their chemistry is hot. I love how Colin is such a gentleman but when he's flirting he's young and dirty. Love it.

Della is such a mom from the moment she's introduced. She's a take charge type of gal and won't let anyone walk all over her.

This is a fun, sexy quick read. I highly recommend it and can't wait for the next book.

This was a good read. I enjoyed the characters of Colin & Della immensely. They were intriguing with the complicated friendship they had but only Colin knew exactly how complicated it was. I loved how Colin bucked the system that was trying to oppress him & his family. I also loved how quickly both Colin & Della came to the same conclusion regarding their marriage. I also enjoyed Colin's outspoken family, especially Chatlotte who was always a voice of reason or peacemaker. Definitely recommend.

The Sinclair saga continues...I loved this story..I was so enthralled that I couldn't put the book down. Sexy, steamy and fantastic dynamic.

This was a good start to this series. Della and Colin have been best friends for ten years. When Colin finds out he needs to get married, he doesn't want anyone but Della. Colin and Della have never been more than friends in the ten years they have known each other, but they are the best of friends. When they exchange vows, suddenly all of the feelings they have been fighting come to the surface. They find out that perhaps they can have a happily ever after.

I liked this story and thought it was a great story to kick off a new series. Della is a strong heroine. Colin is a stand up guy and presents himself as the perfect royal. I loved getting to know the Sinclair family and look forward to all of their stories.

3.75 stars


Stories featuring royalty always fascinated me and I was drawn to the blurb it was not the usual storyline. I was curious where it would go.

A prince living in the suburbs who woukd think right? I liked the best friend aspect of it and not really knowing he was a prince. I found the relationship between Della and Colin always straddling the line between friend or somewhat more and somehow becomes an marriage of convenience. The fact that Colin and his siblings are in exile makes is more messy too. Add to that the secrets both of them as hiding from one another well watching it all unfold will something to see.

I enjoyed the story and it was entertaining, the cast of characters have a lot to offer. We only scratched the surface with Colin's story. There are things though I think though could have made it better. Like some parts tighter and expounded on. I'm still confused on some parts of the whole exile and scandal but I get the general idea. I still need clarifying on.

If you're looking a light, easy read, some steam, dirty talking prince with a fairy tale twist Royal Scandal is for you. I'm kinda more intrigued about the other siblings especially from the preview of the next book.

Who doesn't love a sweet prince falling for the maid? Della is the awesome girl next door to the exiled royals. This family is worse than the family of Dallas, their parents lead lives full of scandal and infidelity. Colin, as the oldest, steps up to care for his baby brothers as his own sons. Luckily, Della is a natural caregiver and immediately becomes attached. The Sinclair's have an incredible bond and openly accepted her into their trust. True to Valentine's skills she wows us with sexual banter, crazy siblings, and little kids to provide the funny. This should be a very entertaining series. I was given an advanced copy through Netgalley and wrote this review voluntarily.

When his parents are assassinated, Crown Prince Colin Sinclair, is forced to flee his country with his siblings, and go to live in the United States. As the oldest, at nineteen, he has to become the parent to his five siblings ranging in age from 17 to 6 months. Thanks to the caretaker of their property in Charlotte, North Carolina, Colin gets help from Della. She becomes his best friend and confidant as he tries his best to raise his siblings. Ten years have passed and Colin realizes that he's been falling in love with Della throughout the years.
Back in his country, Parliament requests a meeting with him to discuss the future of the monarchy., asking Colin to marry a princess of their choosing so he can return and rule the country. To take revenge, Colin asks Della to marry him, knowing that Parliament will not accept her, since she's an American.
Della Hughes has been in love with Colin since she met him. She has helped him raise his two young sons (a fact that he never told Della, that they are his siblings). When Colin reveals that he is a Prince and not just a businessman, and then asks her to marry him, she is not only shocked but delighted. Even if it's only a pretend marriage, she can always dream of more.
I loved this book, it was like a Disney story with hot sex. I know that sounds weird, but then this isn't a Disney story, but it is a very sexy hot book!