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.