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By His Royal Decree #2
Prince of Secrets
100% Determined and Devastating
Prince Demyan Zaretsky does whatever it takes to protect his country. So seducing Chanel Tanner will be easy. And marriage? An unfortunate side effect of duty. She unwittingly holds the economic stability of Volyarus in her hands...and he must secure it.
With his royal identity and intent disguised, Demyan sets about a ruthless seduction designed to make Chanle lose her mind with ecstasy. But when he discovers she is a virgin, he uncovers something in himslef—a conscience. Now his plan takes a shocking turn—one this dark-hearted prince had never anticipated!
Prince Demyan Zaretsky does whatever it takes to protect his country. So seducing Chanel Tanner will be easy. And marriage? An unfortunate side effect of duty. She unwittingly holds the economic stability of Volyarus in her hands...and he must secure it.
With his royal identity and intent disguised, Demyan sets about a ruthless seduction designed to make Chanle lose her mind with ecstasy. But when he discovers she is a virgin, he uncovers something in himslef—a conscience. Now his plan takes a shocking turn—one this dark-hearted prince had never anticipated!
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 23, 2013
About the author
Lucy Monroe
627 books1,486 followersI write spicy romance books that end in an HEA. Contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance…I write it all. The two things my books all have in common is lots of emotion and spice. Last year, I fell in love with a new subgenre: mafia romance. Since I write what I love to read, I started a new standalone series, Syndicate Rules where you’ll meet over the top alpha heroes in the Italian and Greek mafias as well as the Irish mob. There are arranged marriages, forced marriages, enemies to lovers, stalkers, forced proximity and lots of mafia intrigue. Morally gray is my new favorite color.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
Follow me on BookBub for alerts on my next release: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lucy-...
I’ve been published a while and most of my 90+ books have hit the Nielson Bookscan bestseller list, a few ended up on the USA Today bestseller list and some even hit national bestseller lists in the UK and Australia. My books have been translated into numerous languages and are for sale in dozens of countries around the world. I’ve won awards and been published with most of the big houses in New York, but my greatest achievement is touching readers’ hearts. When I hear from a reader who got caught up in one of my books, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
I love writing emotionally deep stories with snappy dialogue and solid plots. I’m more grateful than I’ll ever be able to express that so many readers have taken my stories into their hearts and put my books on their reread and keeper shelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 16, 2015
A geeky scientist and a handsome prince....my first thought was....what!!! Never!!!
Then it became clear to me that it was totally possible....this prince has some devious plans that include the "underneath the drabness is a beautiful swan" scientist...and let me tell you...his intentions are not pure and true!!!
What made me not get too bored was the heroine. How would anyone named Chanel (yes, her mother named her after Coco Chanel, who just happenned to be her favourite designer!!) become a scientist. Surely the name would suit a model or actress much better!!!!
She was quite endearing and rather sweet....and she made me laugh loads of times....
check out some of her dialogue and thoughts......
But wait...here's just one more of many of what I really enjoyed about her character...
Not incredible but still enjoyable.
Then it became clear to me that it was totally possible....this prince has some devious plans that include the "underneath the drabness is a beautiful swan" scientist...and let me tell you...his intentions are not pure and true!!!
What made me not get too bored was the heroine. How would anyone named Chanel (yes, her mother named her after Coco Chanel, who just happenned to be her favourite designer!!) become a scientist. Surely the name would suit a model or actress much better!!!!
She was quite endearing and rather sweet....and she made me laugh loads of times....
check out some of her dialogue and thoughts......
“If you like reading about sex so much, how are you still a virgin?”I loved her reasoning!!!!
“I like reading murder mysteries, too, but I haven’t gone out and killed anybody.”
But wait...here's just one more of many of what I really enjoyed about her character...
Her mouth went dry, the moisture going straight to her palms. “You’re big, aren’t you?”
“I’ve never compared myself to other men.” With that he shucked out of his boxers, leaving his very swollen, very rigid length on display.
“According to scientific studies, the average penile length is five to five-point-seven inches in length when erect.” And Demyan was definitely longer, unless her eyes were deceiving her.
Not incredible but still enjoyable.
July 8, 2013
LM used to be a favourite for me and I have to admit if you go back and read her old work you'll wonder what happened but this one was so much better than her other books which she has done recently and the best thing was the heroine.
She is a 29 year old scientist who has no filter, she blurts out whatever she is speaking and is not what her mother wanted but she doesn't care because she is like her deceased father and grandfather. Then the hero comes into her life, with an agenda. The hero is the almost son of the king who gives him a mission, marry the heroine so that it never comes to light that the heroine's ancestors are still owed a lot of money, money that could destroy their kingdom so the hero does what he is told.
He hides his princely identity, wears glasses and woos the heroine. I liked how the heroine wasn't all jumping at his plan, yes she enjoyed going to bed with him but that didn't mean she would marry him after knowing him a short while. Plus she didn't forgive her mother and stepfather instantly for years of neglect and ridicule and wow she was so awesome with the King, she literally kicked ass. I must say I was surprised at how accepting she was of the hero's initial deception but she used intelligence and logic instead of impulsively making a call. All in all I loved the book because of the heroine.
She is a 29 year old scientist who has no filter, she blurts out whatever she is speaking and is not what her mother wanted but she doesn't care because she is like her deceased father and grandfather. Then the hero comes into her life, with an agenda. The hero is the almost son of the king who gives him a mission, marry the heroine so that it never comes to light that the heroine's ancestors are still owed a lot of money, money that could destroy their kingdom so the hero does what he is told.
He hides his princely identity, wears glasses and woos the heroine. I liked how the heroine wasn't all jumping at his plan, yes she enjoyed going to bed with him but that didn't mean she would marry him after knowing him a short while. Plus she didn't forgive her mother and stepfather instantly for years of neglect and ridicule and wow she was so awesome with the King, she literally kicked ass. I must say I was surprised at how accepting she was of the hero's initial deception but she used intelligence and logic instead of impulsively making a call. All in all I loved the book because of the heroine.
July 2, 2013
I used to look forward to reading the latest Lucy Monroe book.Now, not so much.This book just did not work for me.I felt no connection to either characters and the book just felt stilted and choppy to me.This may be my last read by an author that I used to love.
April 4, 2018
Prince hero needs to marry scientist heroine so that her shares in his country's oil business revert to the government, staving off a recession. Hero finds himself falling for the heroine and the reader waits for the heroine to clue into the hero's original motives.
It's an interesting journey along the way. The heroine's relationship with her mother is altered (in a good way). The H/h courtship is sweet, with the emotionally repressed prince finally realizing what he's feeling for the heroine is love. They both know each other so well by the time the "black moment" rolls around that it turns into a moment of clarity rather than angst.
A slow start, but the ending is very satisfying with the character both changing for the better. There's an epilogue with the H/h from the first book and their children, as well as the queen who is reveling in her role as granny.
It's an interesting journey along the way. The heroine's relationship with her mother is altered (in a good way). The H/h courtship is sweet, with the emotionally repressed prince finally realizing what he's feeling for the heroine is love. They both know each other so well by the time the "black moment" rolls around that it turns into a moment of clarity rather than angst.
A slow start, but the ending is very satisfying with the character both changing for the better. There's an epilogue with the H/h from the first book and their children, as well as the queen who is reveling in her role as granny.
Shelved as 'avoid'
April 5, 2018Note to self: blatant glorification of female virginity in blurb.
I was just about to one click the book based on STM’s review. She did an awesome review. But then, I decided to read the blurb.
But when he discovers she is a virgin, he uncovers something in himslef—a conscience.
Notice how his conscience only decides to become apparent after the proof of the presence of a hymen? What does that tell you? Because it tells me in no uncertain terms that only a virgin woman is worthy. Of anything. Love, respect, even consideration.
Now I’m not a virgin, I am a divorcée. So are you trying to tell me that if I was there in place of the virgin heroine, you would have no issues with the hero using me for his own gain, “sacrificing” himself by marrying me and not have his conscience effected by it. It would be justifiable because I no longer am a virgin? Any accusations, blackmail, manipulation is now valid because I’m somewhat experienced? My feelings, my conscience, my values no longer counts? Because last time I checked, my love, feelings, moral and ethical value and my intelligence did not reside in my vagina.
He hid his identity so he can woo and marry the heroine and is only sorry for doing that because she was virgin, not because it was a disgustingly wrong thing to do!
Now that was all from the blurb, and I can’t go past it. He may have very well fallen in love with the heroine for herself despite the status of her vagina, BUT, a blurb is given to you so you make a decision on a book, that blurb tells me he was repentant because she was a virgin not because he was in love with her and not because he was love with her when she was an experienced single mom battling custody battle. So rather than marking a book low, which would be enjoyable to readers who do prefer the heroine virgin, I’m going to avoid this, and get done with.
I don’t have an issue with her being a virgin, I have an issue with her virginity was apparently a game changer and the only reason for hero to have a conscience. There is not a subtle but bold difference between those two.
(This also reminds me of a hilarious conversation I had with my dearest Fanniny. We really need to come up with a plan on how we will let our billionaire future husbands know that we’re not gold diggers because we are no longer virgins! 😂)
I was just about to one click the book based on STM’s review. She did an awesome review. But then, I decided to read the blurb.
But when he discovers she is a virgin, he uncovers something in himslef—a conscience.
Notice how his conscience only decides to become apparent after the proof of the presence of a hymen? What does that tell you? Because it tells me in no uncertain terms that only a virgin woman is worthy. Of anything. Love, respect, even consideration.
Now I’m not a virgin, I am a divorcée. So are you trying to tell me that if I was there in place of the virgin heroine, you would have no issues with the hero using me for his own gain, “sacrificing” himself by marrying me and not have his conscience effected by it. It would be justifiable because I no longer am a virgin? Any accusations, blackmail, manipulation is now valid because I’m somewhat experienced? My feelings, my conscience, my values no longer counts? Because last time I checked, my love, feelings, moral and ethical value and my intelligence did not reside in my vagina.
He hid his identity so he can woo and marry the heroine and is only sorry for doing that because she was virgin, not because it was a disgustingly wrong thing to do!
Now that was all from the blurb, and I can’t go past it. He may have very well fallen in love with the heroine for herself despite the status of her vagina, BUT, a blurb is given to you so you make a decision on a book, that blurb tells me he was repentant because she was a virgin not because he was in love with her and not because he was love with her when she was an experienced single mom battling custody battle. So rather than marking a book low, which would be enjoyable to readers who do prefer the heroine virgin, I’m going to avoid this, and get done with.
I don’t have an issue with her being a virgin, I have an issue with her virginity was apparently a game changer and the only reason for hero to have a conscience. There is not a subtle but bold difference between those two.
(This also reminds me of a hilarious conversation I had with my dearest Fanniny. We really need to come up with a plan on how we will let our billionaire future husbands know that we’re not gold diggers because we are no longer virgins! 😂)
July 10, 2013
Demyan and Chanel are a really nice couple. She is an intelligent scientist and he is a Prince who comes after her so as to secure his kingdom's economic stability. When she finds out his true reason for marrying her she is hurt but Chanel isn't your typical Harlequin whiny heroine. She is strong determined and confident. She knows Demyan truly loves her and when he finally expresses his love he melt my heart to pieces! Adorable couple!
August 27, 2013
I am a sucker for the "Cindrella" romances where the girl falls for the Prince. If you love these classic romance stories too then you HAVE TO read "The Prince of Secrets" by Lucy Monroe. This was a fun read about Prince Demyan Zaretsky, a Prince of Volyarus, a small country, who finds out that due to a legal mistake a descendent of the man who helped to found the country actually owns a great percentage of the Volyarus national treasury. Needless to say, Prince Demyan is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of the country. That means seducing the American scientist (Chanel Tanner) and convincing her to marry him. Only marriage will gain his country's financial security.
With his identity disguised and a pair of geeky glasses, Demyan sets out for America to seduce Chanel. However, he didn't plan for the stong attraction that he feels for Chanel.
This was just an all arouns story that every romance lover can enjoy. I loved Chanel''s character. She is very inexperienced, but not naïve. She always finds little factors of Demyan and their relationship that just don't fit, but she still continues to trust because of the way she feels about Demyan.
And of course there is a HEA ending!
With his identity disguised and a pair of geeky glasses, Demyan sets out for America to seduce Chanel. However, he didn't plan for the stong attraction that he feels for Chanel.
This was just an all arouns story that every romance lover can enjoy. I loved Chanel''s character. She is very inexperienced, but not naïve. She always finds little factors of Demyan and their relationship that just don't fit, but she still continues to trust because of the way she feels about Demyan.
And of course there is a HEA ending!
July 25, 2013
I have to say that when the family of the hero (well his adopted family) has the same name as your boss, it makes for challenging reading. (especially when they are royals!)
What kept me reading was Chanel. Throughout the whole book I kept thinking, she had to be modeled after Temperance Brennan from Bones (the TV Show...not the books). Her personality was so much like hers and for that I loved her.
There's something about a smart female that is socially awkward and just totally unsure of how to deal with the hot sexy man that is Demyan that really intrigues a person.
I probably would have liked the story a bit more if she weren't a 29 year old virgin. Socially awkward or not...if she is as beautiful as she's written to be..well that part is hard to believe.
I did love the instant attraction between the two the really makes the reason Demyan is there seem insignificant.
I was also amazed at how Demyan's alpha maleness wasn't overpowering. It was there, but not in a way that makes him brutish, the way some Presents heroes can be.
Overall a pretty decent read.
What kept me reading was Chanel. Throughout the whole book I kept thinking, she had to be modeled after Temperance Brennan from Bones (the TV Show...not the books). Her personality was so much like hers and for that I loved her.
There's something about a smart female that is socially awkward and just totally unsure of how to deal with the hot sexy man that is Demyan that really intrigues a person.
I probably would have liked the story a bit more if she weren't a 29 year old virgin. Socially awkward or not...if she is as beautiful as she's written to be..well that part is hard to believe.
I did love the instant attraction between the two the really makes the reason Demyan is there seem insignificant.
I was also amazed at how Demyan's alpha maleness wasn't overpowering. It was there, but not in a way that makes him brutish, the way some Presents heroes can be.
Overall a pretty decent read.
September 30, 2019
El príncipe de los secretos
December 20, 2017
2.5 stars
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 27, 2023DNF - not in the mood for a 29-yr old virgin. - this book feels sanitized. I prefer this author’s older books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2018
This is REALLY good. Great combination of science geeky heroine with no filters, and sexy hero with a secret agenda.
LOVED it!
LOVED it!
July 7, 2013
STEAMY, SEXY, all you want from a Harlequin Romance. The play between the characters is well thought out and well written. You wont want to put it down once you open the book. I didn't!
Watch as Demyan shifts from protector of his country to protector of Chanel. The characters come alive in the hands of Lucy Monroe. This was the first I have read of her writings and will be looking for more.
I have already read it twice. couldn't put it down either time!!!!!
Watch as Demyan shifts from protector of his country to protector of Chanel. The characters come alive in the hands of Lucy Monroe. This was the first I have read of her writings and will be looking for more.
I have already read it twice. couldn't put it down either time!!!!!
August 8, 2013
I was excited to read this book due to the premise and good recommendations I'd come across. It started off well enough but fizzled towards the end. I think this book was too short to fully develop the characters and their emotions. A lot of the characters' reactions and dialogue felt stilted and unrealistic. The hero doesn't even really apologize for his deception which was unsatisfying. I had a hard time believing this couple was truly in love by the end of the story.
December 27, 2014
i intensely disliked this one as chanel was too naive for her own good. she actually learns he's a prince and he lied by omission, yet she accepts his marriage proposal. wasn't she just a little suspecting? doubtful ? about what was going on there. i also thought prince demyan's change of attitude/behaviour was too drastic upon meeting her. his love declaration at the end also seemed false.
August 27, 2019
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
The plan had been to give her a small taste of passion before leaving the apartment, to flirt with Chanel in subtly sexual ways over dinner and then leave her after a make-out session that left her wanting more.
He didn’t plan to consummate their relationship for another week, at least. He wanted her blinded by her own physical wants, ready to commit to him sexually and emotionally.
Only, she got this strange sense that he was holding back.
“Sometimes I think you mean everything you say, but then there are times, like at dinner tonight, when it seems like you’re saying what you think I want to hear.”
Chanel wasn’t a bubbly blonde beauty like her sister, Laura. She wasn’t a cool sophisticate like her mother. Chanel was the awkward one who could make perfect marks in chemistry courses but utterly fail at the human kind.
She could not doubt him, but it didn’t make sense. Her scientific brain could not identify the components of the formula of their interaction that had led to this reaction.
This marriage he had to bring about would not be a hardship. Chanel Tanner would make a very amiable wife.
But second, and more important to his efforts on behalf of Volyarus, once Demyan had awakened her passions for the first time, Chanel would be more likely to accept his proposal of marriage.
Prince Demyan of Volyarus did not break his promises.
And he had promised King Fedir that Demyan would marry Chanel Tanner.
Demyan liked sex. According to Maks, he’d had more than his fair share of partners. Some of them were very experienced in the art of seduction, women who knew exactly how to use their bodies for maximum effect.
It was her first time and he found that highly erotic.
July 20, 2024
Wonderful book! I loved the character of Chanel so much! Her quirkiness and individuality was so fun! Some of my favorite quotes:
“If you like reading about sex so much, how are you still a virgin?” “I like reading murder mysteries, too, but I haven’t gone out and killed anybody.”
and
“According to scientific studies, the average penile length is five to five-point-seven inches in length when erect.” And Demyan was definitely longer, unless her eyes were deceiving her. But Chanel was a scientist who had conducted enough measurements she could usually guess within a centimeter’s accuracy.
and
“You’re American.” “Which does not equate to uninformed, stupid or uneducated.” Chanel met eyes so similar in color but different in expression from Demyan’s. “My heritage in this country may not be royal, or as long-standing, but when it comes to the welfare of Volyarus, it is equally as important as yours.”
and especially
“There are half-a-dozen moderately accessible chemical compounds that would eat the flesh from a shark’s body in less than a minute, did you know that?” The king shook his head, his expression almost bemused. “I did. I know every single one of them.” “Are you threatening him?” “I am reminding you that even sharks get eaten if they aren’t careful and it doesn’t always take a bigger shark to do it.” “I believe there is a strand of ruthlessness in you, too.” “Would you like to find out?” The king opened his mouth and then closed it, giving Demyan a look of concern before his expression turned thoughtful. “No.” “Good.” “What do you plan to do?” “Throw the bouquet.” “You know that is not what I meant.” “I care?” The king’s mouth tightened, but he stepped aside, having seemingly finally gotten the message that his admonitions were more effective goads to bad behavior than preventers of it.
As for Demyan, I wanted so badly to hate him because of what he was doing to Chanel without her knowledge, but he really redeemed himself in my mind.
“If you like reading about sex so much, how are you still a virgin?” “I like reading murder mysteries, too, but I haven’t gone out and killed anybody.”
and
“According to scientific studies, the average penile length is five to five-point-seven inches in length when erect.” And Demyan was definitely longer, unless her eyes were deceiving her. But Chanel was a scientist who had conducted enough measurements she could usually guess within a centimeter’s accuracy.
and
“You’re American.” “Which does not equate to uninformed, stupid or uneducated.” Chanel met eyes so similar in color but different in expression from Demyan’s. “My heritage in this country may not be royal, or as long-standing, but when it comes to the welfare of Volyarus, it is equally as important as yours.”
and especially
“There are half-a-dozen moderately accessible chemical compounds that would eat the flesh from a shark’s body in less than a minute, did you know that?” The king shook his head, his expression almost bemused. “I did. I know every single one of them.” “Are you threatening him?” “I am reminding you that even sharks get eaten if they aren’t careful and it doesn’t always take a bigger shark to do it.” “I believe there is a strand of ruthlessness in you, too.” “Would you like to find out?” The king opened his mouth and then closed it, giving Demyan a look of concern before his expression turned thoughtful. “No.” “Good.” “What do you plan to do?” “Throw the bouquet.” “You know that is not what I meant.” “I care?” The king’s mouth tightened, but he stepped aside, having seemingly finally gotten the message that his admonitions were more effective goads to bad behavior than preventers of it.
As for Demyan, I wanted so badly to hate him because of what he was doing to Chanel without her knowledge, but he really redeemed himself in my mind.
December 14, 2014
Dear Lucy Monroe,
Although this story mentioned Oxana and Fadirs past a little more i would have liked to found out more about it. I know their story doesnt end in a HEA and its heartbreaking to read but i would love for you to maybe give us an insight in their story, or prehaps an extra rather then a whole other book (as im sure it will defy the machanics of a harlequin romance - unless they do eventually get their happy ending together.) Plus, im sure im not the only reader of yours to want this request too. Pretty please.
Your avid reader.
Although this story mentioned Oxana and Fadirs past a little more i would have liked to found out more about it. I know their story doesnt end in a HEA and its heartbreaking to read but i would love for you to maybe give us an insight in their story, or prehaps an extra rather then a whole other book (as im sure it will defy the machanics of a harlequin romance - unless they do eventually get their happy ending together.) Plus, im sure im not the only reader of yours to want this request too. Pretty please.
Your avid reader.
July 11, 2023
Again downgrade.
h was too perfect. Nobody can be sane and understanding this much!
h was too perfect. Nobody can be sane and understanding this much!
May 23, 2018
This was a really fun read for me. I loved Chanel and her very direct personality. Demyan didn’t stand a chance against her.
He needed to marry her to secure his country’s financial future because her great great grandfather left her 20% of the country’s wealth. Demyan went to Seattle to meet and woo the awkward scientist Chanel with the goal of marriage. Once she was married to him the 20% would revert back to the people of his country.
He wooed her, made her fall for him and agree to marry him, what he didn’t take into account was her brilliant brain and what her reaction would be once she learned the truth.
I liked the relationship between the the H and the h. His acceptance of her quirkiness made me forgive his deception. She blossomed under his care and he was instrumental in helping her build a bridge with her mom.
I also loved the way she stood up to the king. He didn’t know what to do with her straightforwardness. He’d never been spoken to like that before. She even threw around a threat to use a chemical compound that can eat the flesh off of bones. Chanel is a little scary!
A fun read for me. Very entertaining.
He needed to marry her to secure his country’s financial future because her great great grandfather left her 20% of the country’s wealth. Demyan went to Seattle to meet and woo the awkward scientist Chanel with the goal of marriage. Once she was married to him the 20% would revert back to the people of his country.
He wooed her, made her fall for him and agree to marry him, what he didn’t take into account was her brilliant brain and what her reaction would be once she learned the truth.
I liked the relationship between the the H and the h. His acceptance of her quirkiness made me forgive his deception. She blossomed under his care and he was instrumental in helping her build a bridge with her mom.
I also loved the way she stood up to the king. He didn’t know what to do with her straightforwardness. He’d never been spoken to like that before. She even threw around a threat to use a chemical compound that can eat the flesh off of bones. Chanel is a little scary!
A fun read for me. Very entertaining.
January 14, 2021
This is a great love story between a man and his beloved one. He would do anything for love, anything, even deceive and marry a plain spinster with too much brain for him. His beloved one is his country, and he betrays the woman persuading her to marry him in order to win the rights to a piece of land to ensure riches to his country. She didn't mean to sell this land and maybe, if he explained to her what was the problem, she would have assured that she didn't want that land at all because she was really a decent person. I don't believe for one second that he is in love with Chanel, in the end he isn't even sorry to deceive her, at least not enough sorry, only a little bit unconfortable with the idea. And she is not angry because she knows that he loves her. Yes, believe it dear. No, it is really not romantic.
September 14, 2013
Ah Demyan. What an adorable corporate shark, romantic deceiver you are. To save the nation he must seduce and marry geeky scientist Chanel Tanner. And he does it so well. *fans self* I enjoyed this story, watching Demyan with his machinations and the way Chanel sees through so much of his surface persona to the real man beneath.
I loved how we get to see Chanel's impact on him as well as seeing her fall for him. There is no doubt that they are made for each other. The only concern is how his deception will impact on their relationship.
I think I enjoyed this one a little more than the first one of the duet. They were both easy reads and I loved the interactions between Chanel and Demyan and the romance scenes were well done with nice sizzle.
I loved how we get to see Chanel's impact on him as well as seeing her fall for him. There is no doubt that they are made for each other. The only concern is how his deception will impact on their relationship.
I think I enjoyed this one a little more than the first one of the duet. They were both easy reads and I loved the interactions between Chanel and Demyan and the romance scenes were well done with nice sizzle.
May 20, 2014
Second of this mini-series by Lucy Monroe, and as usual, I really liked it! Set in "somewhere in the Middle East" with another tall, dark handsome, incredibly rich and titled hero--this type of man seems to abound in Romancelandia, but I am still waiting to find one in real life--, our reluctant hero must make a marriage of convenience to save the treasury of his country as well as his adopted family. Oh, what to do, what to do!
December 16, 2015
the heroine was utterly captivating... loved her dialogues....her Geekiness at unexpected moments... totally without a filter... and finally her strength and the way she doesn't let him down even after she is "enlightened" by his "Egg and Sperm Donors" was too good.
Full marks to the author for conceiving and writing about this wonderful heroine.
Full marks to the author for conceiving and writing about this wonderful heroine.
December 18, 2015
It's a nice read, could use a more angst though.
What I like most was how the author addressed the problem with the parents which often neglected in other books, where abusive parents were concern. Chanel finally talked to her mother about the way she was treated, how it's really hurt her, and her mother acknowledged her mistakes and apologized.
What I like most was how the author addressed the problem with the parents which often neglected in other books, where abusive parents were concern. Chanel finally talked to her mother about the way she was treated, how it's really hurt her, and her mother acknowledged her mistakes and apologized.
August 18, 2013
This book was okay, not great, but not bad either and was readable and able to get through it very quickly.
The book started out with the main character, Demyan being asked by his uncle, who was really his father in Demyan's eyes with the his uncle being the one who raised him when his parents no longer wanted him, and who was also the Kin of Volyarus that he was to find, seduce, and then marry Chanel Tanner for the good of the country. Chanel Tanner inherited, though she didn't know it, from her great great great grandfather stock in the country of Volyarus, which would have been destroyed if she demanded her money from the country, and would make it become bankrupt, however she would give up her inheritance automatically once she married and the stock would immediately go to her husband. That was where Demyan came in, and he was set on this mission to wed her.
He visited her office, at a lab she was a science geek, dressed like a geek himself with his clothing and adding non prescription glasses to his getup to complete the look with his mind set on his mission, and did his very best to seduce her. She, being insecure and wary, didn't trust him and wondered why he was interested in little old her, and meant to keep him at arms length, but she was no match for him with him being way above her experience in the love department and he pretty easily seduced her and she knew it even though she hated it at the same time and wasn't completely trusting of him. Especially when he mentioned that he wanted to marry her, bringing red flags up immediately, but she cared and fell for him quickly and gave in, giving him her virginity in the process.
While Demyan used every trick in the book to get her, flirting and buttering her up so he could get his way, but he found that this was no hardship for him because he liked her and wanted her and found the idea of marriage to her to be not such of a chore like he thought it might be. He treated her sweetly and made love with her every night while trying to persuade her to marry him and even became frustrated at times when she wouldn't give in too him, but he preserved. And found that when he wasn't around her that he missed her and wanted to be around her and not just because of their physical relationship, but because he cared about her.
Of coarse she said yes, admitting to the fact that she was in love with him and wanted to be his wife even though part of her was afraid of him and her feelings for him and part of her wanted to push him away, but she didn't and decided she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, and trusted him and the fact that he wanted and cared for her too. They get married and she found out why he relentlessly pursued her, and felt very duped by him and how she was so wrong about him. Though that didn't last long because this happened at the end of the book and these types of books always have happily ever afters so she forgave him and they stayed together.
In all honesty the characters didn't really do it for me, and I just didn't feel very connected to them. I didn't love them or like them, but neither did I hate them, I was kind of almost indifferent to them. Just kind of feeling flat towards them and not really feeling for them at all. I didn't think Demyan was a jerk for having lied to her, but at the same time I didn't cheer for him really either. And for me Chanel seemed like a pushover with no backbone just falling into his arms so easily especially at the end, I thought she was way too quick to forgive him and accept his explanation even though it hurt her to know that he only pursued her because he was told to not because he wanted to in order to get his hands on her inheritance, but that hurt quickly disappeared once she spoke to Demyan, which I thought was unrealistic especially learning about her in the beginning and how hard she found it to trust that he wanted to be with her and trying to find a reason why, and I thought that would break her once she learned the knowledge of why he came to her and just hurt her more than it did. And I was kind shocked that she wasn't and it just seemed to easy for me.
In the same vein of that, I thought that she would find out about his deception soon rather than the last few pages of the book, and then he would have to woo her back and grovel a bit more while she was dealing with her hurt and insecurities that could have possibly come back again and he would have to reassure her and just win her over. But that didn't happen instead it was just a long way to show his pursuit of her and her wavering back and forth of whether to be with him or not, and deal with her insecurity issues and I felt that could have been shortened a bit in lieu of her finding out and him trying to win her back. That's what I thought would happen when I read the back and was kind of shocked that she didn't learn the truth until then end, and then it just seemed like a rush like I said with her confrontation with him and then she just forgave him so fast that I didn't really get it (though I should have seen it coming since I was heading towards the end.). I just felt like that could have been played up more and her slowly learning to trust him again and let him back into her life while dealing with all the pain had caused. But it was like her pain was gone with a blink of an eye, and totally forgotten again as long as she was in his arms again and decided to stay with him. I just thought he could have done and said a bit more in my opinion.
The thing that did work in this book was the passion and chemistry between the two, which happened as soon as the met one another with flirtatious lines and innuendos along the way, which was hot and made by pulse kick up a bit. It was just totally hot. And those love scenes, oh my, they were to die for and smoking as well that it steamed from the page, making me fan myself in the process. Their first love scene and her first time though sweet, caring, and gentle, yet at the same time totally filled with hot passion as they consummated their relationship. It was a long scene and drawn, but that made it all the much better, adding to the steam and anticipation as well. They were just hot together as were the rest of their love scenes in the book were, and I loved it and found that to be the most enjoyable part of the book.
On a side note: Not having anything to do with the main characters, but with the Queen Oxanna, who I felt so bad for and did in the first book in this series because she was in a marriage with a man who not only didn't love her, but loved someone else and even called her the other woman's name the few times they were in bed together. It was just awful that was how her life had become, and that she would never get the she would always be married to a man who would never love her, which wasn't right and totally heartbreaking, though she vowed that her sons would be in loving marriages even though she would never be and made sure that happened for them and their children as well, figuring that she could at least witness their love and happiness when there wouldn't be one for her. She felt so duped by the King who said he loved her like she loved him, but really all he wanted was heir which she could provide him and other woman couldn't, and he never gave up his other woman as well leaving Oxanna alone and dejected with gaping hole in her heart. But that wasn't my point, in the book the Queen and King while Demyan was presented had a little tiff about their marriage and the state of it and just he lied to her while he said he loved her, but she said it was only as a sister and it would never be more because he loved the other woman. He tried to say something to her, but she cut him off. Being that it was open ended like that I was sure that we would have seen a scene between the King and Queen, and have a conversation where possible the King apologized to her or said something about the state of their marriage or even just a confrontation of some sort. But that didn't happen and I found myself a little disappointed by the fact because I would have like to see it or something like that, and just see Oxana stand up for herself. But it didn't happen, and I guess it was irrelevant because they weren't destiny to have a happy ending or a love story, which was a shame and I hate the think that Oxana would have to stay in that loveless marriage forever. It was just sad.
Overall the book was okay, the chemistry between the two characters definitely saved it for me and was the reason I gave it 3 stars, but other than that I wasn't wowed by it or the characters and just felt like it was drawn out in parts and then rushed at the end so the story could just finish up in the allotted pages. It wasn't a bad book, it wasn't a great book, but just okay, but that doesn't mean I am going to stop reading Lucy Monroe book, which I usually enjoy especially her characters that usually root for, but this book just didn't do it for me on the characters and sometimes some of the things that they did didn't make sense especially with the build up throughout about their character. It didn't make sense and I found it unrealistic. But it was a light, quick read that I could get through in a short amount of time, which was a nice break from some of the longer reads I have been reading lately.
The book started out with the main character, Demyan being asked by his uncle, who was really his father in Demyan's eyes with the his uncle being the one who raised him when his parents no longer wanted him, and who was also the Kin of Volyarus that he was to find, seduce, and then marry Chanel Tanner for the good of the country. Chanel Tanner inherited, though she didn't know it, from her great great great grandfather stock in the country of Volyarus, which would have been destroyed if she demanded her money from the country, and would make it become bankrupt, however she would give up her inheritance automatically once she married and the stock would immediately go to her husband. That was where Demyan came in, and he was set on this mission to wed her.
He visited her office, at a lab she was a science geek, dressed like a geek himself with his clothing and adding non prescription glasses to his getup to complete the look with his mind set on his mission, and did his very best to seduce her. She, being insecure and wary, didn't trust him and wondered why he was interested in little old her, and meant to keep him at arms length, but she was no match for him with him being way above her experience in the love department and he pretty easily seduced her and she knew it even though she hated it at the same time and wasn't completely trusting of him. Especially when he mentioned that he wanted to marry her, bringing red flags up immediately, but she cared and fell for him quickly and gave in, giving him her virginity in the process.
While Demyan used every trick in the book to get her, flirting and buttering her up so he could get his way, but he found that this was no hardship for him because he liked her and wanted her and found the idea of marriage to her to be not such of a chore like he thought it might be. He treated her sweetly and made love with her every night while trying to persuade her to marry him and even became frustrated at times when she wouldn't give in too him, but he preserved. And found that when he wasn't around her that he missed her and wanted to be around her and not just because of their physical relationship, but because he cared about her.
Of coarse she said yes, admitting to the fact that she was in love with him and wanted to be his wife even though part of her was afraid of him and her feelings for him and part of her wanted to push him away, but she didn't and decided she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, and trusted him and the fact that he wanted and cared for her too. They get married and she found out why he relentlessly pursued her, and felt very duped by him and how she was so wrong about him. Though that didn't last long because this happened at the end of the book and these types of books always have happily ever afters so she forgave him and they stayed together.
In all honesty the characters didn't really do it for me, and I just didn't feel very connected to them. I didn't love them or like them, but neither did I hate them, I was kind of almost indifferent to them. Just kind of feeling flat towards them and not really feeling for them at all. I didn't think Demyan was a jerk for having lied to her, but at the same time I didn't cheer for him really either. And for me Chanel seemed like a pushover with no backbone just falling into his arms so easily especially at the end, I thought she was way too quick to forgive him and accept his explanation even though it hurt her to know that he only pursued her because he was told to not because he wanted to in order to get his hands on her inheritance, but that hurt quickly disappeared once she spoke to Demyan, which I thought was unrealistic especially learning about her in the beginning and how hard she found it to trust that he wanted to be with her and trying to find a reason why, and I thought that would break her once she learned the knowledge of why he came to her and just hurt her more than it did. And I was kind shocked that she wasn't and it just seemed to easy for me.
In the same vein of that, I thought that she would find out about his deception soon rather than the last few pages of the book, and then he would have to woo her back and grovel a bit more while she was dealing with her hurt and insecurities that could have possibly come back again and he would have to reassure her and just win her over. But that didn't happen instead it was just a long way to show his pursuit of her and her wavering back and forth of whether to be with him or not, and deal with her insecurity issues and I felt that could have been shortened a bit in lieu of her finding out and him trying to win her back. That's what I thought would happen when I read the back and was kind of shocked that she didn't learn the truth until then end, and then it just seemed like a rush like I said with her confrontation with him and then she just forgave him so fast that I didn't really get it (though I should have seen it coming since I was heading towards the end.). I just felt like that could have been played up more and her slowly learning to trust him again and let him back into her life while dealing with all the pain had caused. But it was like her pain was gone with a blink of an eye, and totally forgotten again as long as she was in his arms again and decided to stay with him. I just thought he could have done and said a bit more in my opinion.
The thing that did work in this book was the passion and chemistry between the two, which happened as soon as the met one another with flirtatious lines and innuendos along the way, which was hot and made by pulse kick up a bit. It was just totally hot. And those love scenes, oh my, they were to die for and smoking as well that it steamed from the page, making me fan myself in the process. Their first love scene and her first time though sweet, caring, and gentle, yet at the same time totally filled with hot passion as they consummated their relationship. It was a long scene and drawn, but that made it all the much better, adding to the steam and anticipation as well. They were just hot together as were the rest of their love scenes in the book were, and I loved it and found that to be the most enjoyable part of the book.
On a side note: Not having anything to do with the main characters, but with the Queen Oxanna, who I felt so bad for and did in the first book in this series because she was in a marriage with a man who not only didn't love her, but loved someone else and even called her the other woman's name the few times they were in bed together. It was just awful that was how her life had become, and that she would never get the she would always be married to a man who would never love her, which wasn't right and totally heartbreaking, though she vowed that her sons would be in loving marriages even though she would never be and made sure that happened for them and their children as well, figuring that she could at least witness their love and happiness when there wouldn't be one for her. She felt so duped by the King who said he loved her like she loved him, but really all he wanted was heir which she could provide him and other woman couldn't, and he never gave up his other woman as well leaving Oxanna alone and dejected with gaping hole in her heart. But that wasn't my point, in the book the Queen and King while Demyan was presented had a little tiff about their marriage and the state of it and just he lied to her while he said he loved her, but she said it was only as a sister and it would never be more because he loved the other woman. He tried to say something to her, but she cut him off. Being that it was open ended like that I was sure that we would have seen a scene between the King and Queen, and have a conversation where possible the King apologized to her or said something about the state of their marriage or even just a confrontation of some sort. But that didn't happen and I found myself a little disappointed by the fact because I would have like to see it or something like that, and just see Oxana stand up for herself. But it didn't happen, and I guess it was irrelevant because they weren't destiny to have a happy ending or a love story, which was a shame and I hate the think that Oxana would have to stay in that loveless marriage forever. It was just sad.
Overall the book was okay, the chemistry between the two characters definitely saved it for me and was the reason I gave it 3 stars, but other than that I wasn't wowed by it or the characters and just felt like it was drawn out in parts and then rushed at the end so the story could just finish up in the allotted pages. It wasn't a bad book, it wasn't a great book, but just okay, but that doesn't mean I am going to stop reading Lucy Monroe book, which I usually enjoy especially her characters that usually root for, but this book just didn't do it for me on the characters and sometimes some of the things that they did didn't make sense especially with the build up throughout about their character. It didn't make sense and I found it unrealistic. But it was a light, quick read that I could get through in a short amount of time, which was a nice break from some of the longer reads I have been reading lately.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 17, 2017EL PRÍNCIPE DE LOS SECRETOS (Spanish Version)
Ay, por favor, otra "virgen" que llegó a estar desnuda con un ex novio y dice hubo "Toqueteos diversos", y te la venden todo el jodido libro como si fuera la virgen María del siglo XXI, con el discursito barato de que ella valora mucho, mucho la virginidad... Ya, por eso hizo todo el camino previo al acto y dejó a las puertas, y con el calentón, al pringado del ex, porque valoraba mucho su virginidad. Debería decir: porque valora mucho el tener un himen.
Sinceramente, prefiero leer una Heroina no-virgen y no una "virgen" calienta p*las, que "sigue siendo virgen" a falta de un coito solo:
"–Vamos a hacer el amor. Lo que quiero saber es qué has hecho hasta ahora –sus pulgares seguían acariciándole las clavículas con suavidad–. Vas a decírmelo.
–¿No eres un poco mandón?
–Solo en la cama.
No estaba segura de creerlo, y menos segura aún de que importara. No le preocupaba defenderse a sí misma. Nunca se había adaptado a los demás en las cosas importantes, por mucho que eso le hubiera facilitado la vida; especialmente con su familia.
En aquel momento descubrió que deseaba responder a su pregunta. Aun así, se limitó a generalizar.
–Toqueteos diversos, podríamos decir.
–Sé más específica.
–No.
No debería importarle, ¿verdad? La virginidad no era un problema para los hombres modernos. «O para las mujeres modernas», le dijo una voz en su interior, «y tú sigues siendo virgen».
Demyan se inclinó tanto que sus labios estuvieron a punto de tocarse.
–Por favor.
Los pensamientos se agolpaban en su cabeza, pero ninguna palabra salió de sus labios hasta que hizo un sonido que jamás había oído salir de sus propias cuerdas vocales. Era algo así como una rendición, pero más fuerte.
Era algo sexual.
Cerró los ojos, pero no sirvió de nada. Podía sentir su mirada. Sentir su determinación por lograr una respuesta.
Chanel era muy sensible a su cercanía y su cuerpo ansiaba restregarse contra él. Los labios le palpitaban esperando el beso.
Pero el beso no se produjo.
–Dímelo –dijo él.
–No fue nada.
–¿Estabas desnuda?
–Una vez.
–Bien –entonces la besó, pero fue un beso rápido y apartó los labios antes de que ella pudiera perderse en ellos–. ¿Cuándo?
–En la universidad.
Demyan simplemente esperó.
–Me dijo que me quería –y después se dio cuenta de que estaba desesperada porque alguien la quisiera.
–No le dejaste entrar en tu cuerpo.
–No.
–¿Por qué?
–No me parecía correcto –sintió un viejo dolor en el corazón."
Ay, por favor, otra "virgen" que llegó a estar desnuda con un ex novio y dice hubo "Toqueteos diversos", y te la venden todo el jodido libro como si fuera la virgen María del siglo XXI, con el discursito barato de que ella valora mucho, mucho la virginidad... Ya, por eso hizo todo el camino previo al acto y dejó a las puertas, y con el calentón, al pringado del ex, porque valoraba mucho su virginidad. Debería decir: porque valora mucho el tener un himen.
Sinceramente, prefiero leer una Heroina no-virgen y no una "virgen" calienta p*las, que "sigue siendo virgen" a falta de un coito solo:
"–Vamos a hacer el amor. Lo que quiero saber es qué has hecho hasta ahora –sus pulgares seguían acariciándole las clavículas con suavidad–. Vas a decírmelo.
–¿No eres un poco mandón?
–Solo en la cama.
No estaba segura de creerlo, y menos segura aún de que importara. No le preocupaba defenderse a sí misma. Nunca se había adaptado a los demás en las cosas importantes, por mucho que eso le hubiera facilitado la vida; especialmente con su familia.
En aquel momento descubrió que deseaba responder a su pregunta. Aun así, se limitó a generalizar.
–Toqueteos diversos, podríamos decir.
–Sé más específica.
–No.
No debería importarle, ¿verdad? La virginidad no era un problema para los hombres modernos. «O para las mujeres modernas», le dijo una voz en su interior, «y tú sigues siendo virgen».
Demyan se inclinó tanto que sus labios estuvieron a punto de tocarse.
–Por favor.
Los pensamientos se agolpaban en su cabeza, pero ninguna palabra salió de sus labios hasta que hizo un sonido que jamás había oído salir de sus propias cuerdas vocales. Era algo así como una rendición, pero más fuerte.
Era algo sexual.
Cerró los ojos, pero no sirvió de nada. Podía sentir su mirada. Sentir su determinación por lograr una respuesta.
Chanel era muy sensible a su cercanía y su cuerpo ansiaba restregarse contra él. Los labios le palpitaban esperando el beso.
Pero el beso no se produjo.
–Dímelo –dijo él.
–No fue nada.
–¿Estabas desnuda?
–Una vez.
–Bien –entonces la besó, pero fue un beso rápido y apartó los labios antes de que ella pudiera perderse en ellos–. ¿Cuándo?
–En la universidad.
Demyan simplemente esperó.
–Me dijo que me quería –y después se dio cuenta de que estaba desesperada porque alguien la quisiera.
–No le dejaste entrar en tu cuerpo.
–No.
–¿Por qué?
–No me parecía correcto –sintió un viejo dolor en el corazón."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2019
I had high hopes for Chanel Tanner, she seems like such an intelligent and interesting person off the bat, especially given that she is a scientist who is sweet and has the brains, unlike your typical heroine. Given her position, she definitely acts and thinks somewhat differently from the typical females in this type of stories. Although, she tends to be way too trusting for her own good. Would have been nice if she questioned things a little more in depth, but it is refreshing not to have too many dramatic and over the top moments by her.
Demyan Zaretsky is your typical guy with good looks and authority. While he isn't arrogant, he puts obligations above everything else and sets out to seduce poor Chanel, oh but what he changes his mind part way through. Like we totally weren't expecting that. And plus he maintains his deception right up until the big day. Hmmm, trust issues much?
This turned out to be a rather quick read. Unfortunately there was not much actual character or in depth story development. Somethings were left in the air.
Demyan Zaretsky is your typical guy with good looks and authority. While he isn't arrogant, he puts obligations above everything else and sets out to seduce poor Chanel, oh but what he changes his mind part way through. Like we totally weren't expecting that. And plus he maintains his deception right up until the big day. Hmmm, trust issues much?
This turned out to be a rather quick read. Unfortunately there was not much actual character or in depth story development. Somethings were left in the air.
May 31, 2021
A good book
This is the 2nd book in the series. The h is a scientist who is awkward in social settings. She is very sweet and beautiful. The H is very arrogant and cynical and very ruthless. The H and the king came up with the idea that the H would pursue the h to get her shares in their company. The H was very ruthless in his pursuit and made the h fall in love with him. I wish the h had made the H suffer a little more before she accepted his apology, she forgave him almost immediately. Good ending.
This is the 2nd book in the series. The h is a scientist who is awkward in social settings. She is very sweet and beautiful. The H is very arrogant and cynical and very ruthless. The H and the king came up with the idea that the H would pursue the h to get her shares in their company. The H was very ruthless in his pursuit and made the h fall in love with him. I wish the h had made the H suffer a little more before she accepted his apology, she forgave him almost immediately. Good ending.
September 24, 2021
it was fun to read at first but it got very boring after a few chapters. there's almost no angst, and too much flash forwards.
the hero needed to marry the heroine to secure his country or company, i don't even get it. he kept it secrets from the heroine until their wedding. the heroine immediately fell in love with the hero, which is weird, considering she's a scientist and she's smart as hell.
the hero needed to marry the heroine to secure his country or company, i don't even get it. he kept it secrets from the heroine until their wedding. the heroine immediately fell in love with the hero, which is weird, considering she's a scientist and she's smart as hell.
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