This book is a good fit for readers looking for a fast-paced, passionate romance revolving around a secretive princess and a determined billionaire who will stop at nothing to uncover her hidden truths.

This book was a great romantic suspense book with some smoking hot chemistry between Sophia and Viktor. Sophia could hold her own as she had proved with her double life but when she needed it I liked how protective Viktor could be of

Woah this book is an amazing start to a series. I absolutely love vicktor. sophia was a total baddie. I am in love with this book

4 Stars!

“Your eyes betray you. Your body even responds to mine no matter that you’re angry. You want me.”


Wow, this was an action-packed story with passion, intrigue, and some smoking hot sexy times. I have to say, it was a pleasant surprise. I tried and just could not get into Ecstasy Claimed, but I now many friends of mine love this author.

This is a story of the good girl (she's an actual princess) and the bad boy Russian investor, with a secretive past, Viktor.

The story follows Victor as he works to unravel Sophia’s secrets, meanwhile she's on a mission to complete. She's had a crush on him since she was 16. What awaits them is a whirlwind race, in and out of the bedroom, with seduction, secrets, royal scandal, betrayal, blackmail, conspiracy and more… Lovers of the Royal trope would definitely enjoy this one.

Told from dual POVs, it’s a steamy opposite attract, forbidden romance. I absolutely loved Viktor and Sophia together. I really hope there are going to be more books with the secondary characters.

This was my first Setta Jay book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. An interesting royal story with a twist, action-packed, full-on drama, suspense, and intrigue. Sophia and Victor had such intense chemistry and their interactions we're scorching hot. This book will definitely keep you on your toes. A veritable page-turner!

ARC received for review

Sophia has been lusting over Viktor for years and years. Finally she gives in and boy are they HOT! But I think all tattooed Russian heroes are hot. Their drama does not disappoint. I did feel the way Sophia and her friend's organization was created and run and little weird.

They both have lots of peeps to get HEAs in future books. Their body guards really need one.

.Wow, this was the first novel I have read by this author but it won't be my last.. This novel from the very first page grabbed me and would not let me go until the very last page. This novel kept me on the edge of my seat, I was never sure what was going to happen next. The chemistry between Sophia and Viktor was off the charts. Both characters had been through so much. I love when a novel can keep me guessing what is going to happen next,

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

“Don’t even mock my crazy right now.”

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

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

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

"One thing has changed. My rules."

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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley to give a voluntary honest review. This review contains only my own thoughts and opinions of this book.

I am really on the fence with this book. While I enjoyed the premise and idea behind it, it dragged out and focused on parts that just held no interest to me. At the same time once the focus where were it was supposed to be, it became a page turner.

I wouldn’t say that the idea behind the book is super original, but it still found its own unique ways. I especially enjoyed that it did not take place in America with way too American characters. For a romance book this was a fresh breath of air considering how the genre is cultivated mostly by American authors. Instead the story staged itself in France, England and ,what I assume is a made up country, Porenza, with characters from different cultures. I just wish that had been taken more advantage of, because while the story told me where they were and where they were from, it didn’t actually show it, more than the characters sometimes speaking their own language or having a Russian drink vodka (which honestly was a bit too much on the nose for me when it comes to stereotypes).

The different cultures could have been a great tool to help form the personalities and even relationships and it would have been really interesting to learn about Porenza, shining some light on Sophia’s culture and ways. Sadly, the book didn’t offer much in the characterization or personality department. The characters didn’t have much that pulled them apart from the rest. To me they were pretty generic, which is a shame because there were such potential in building amazing characters, especially when it came to Sophia.

Being a princess in a country we know next to nothing about, from a family that doesn’t really care for her and forcing a marriage upon her and her secret life that helps her survive her lot in life. There is so much there that could have formed a strong personality, and sure, the book sometimes tried to, explaining of how much pressure it had on her and how difficult it was for her to handle it. However Sophia’s personality didn’t show it, mainly because, just like the rest she didn’t have much of a personality to begin with. It also didn’t help that the story focused so much on her secret life and their mission, pulling the focus away from all the stuff that was interesting to me. To be frank, their mission to take down rich and powerful crooks didn’t interest me one bit. One, because I’m not really that much into that sort of detective kind of genre and two, because nothing in the story with lackluster personality made me interested in it.

Having so little characterization also took a big hit on the romance. It was just sex and attraction and very little else. Of course, that was to be expected in the beginning, considering their deal. However, it never took of from there even if the story tried to tell us that it did. For one, they didn’t really speak that much to each other, which also hurt their characterization. When there is only sex and no dialogue there is just no hope of them building something deeper between them. Luckily, it got better when they actually started talking, after around 75 % of the book. It wasn’t enough to save the romance and a little bit to late, but it at least gave a better ending to the story.

One thing that I must applaud the book for is the ending. It was then it finally focused more on her cruel family and put her in a very dangerous and distressing situation showing some real emotion from her, as well as Viktor. Because the same time all that went down, Viktor learn about Sophia’s secret life. It gave the emotional depth that I felt missing before and actually got me hooked to the story, or rather what little was left. It was a good redemption and had that same focus been throughout the story, this easily could have been a five star story. However since it only was in about 15 % of what was left it lands on barely three stars.

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

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

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

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

**4.5 stars**
She is everything I would want to be if I was a princess - a secret mercenary out to settle to wrongs done by the wealthy who thought they could get away with it. She is so b@d@$$.
So poor Sophia has dedicated years (along her her friends) to secretly taking down elite baddies of her social strata. She has been forced to play to good girl and lives by the iron grip her family has on her life, but it doesn't stop her from seeking justice for that have been wronged by the wealthy. Sophia is living a lonely existence though there has been one man who has captivates her, but she can only glance at him for fear of her brothers disapproval - the hot and intense billionaire, Viktor. He has been setting her panties on fire for years.
It's a drama at it's finest. Fast-paced, action-packed, and seductively intriguing. These two have explosive chemistry that burns pages before it finally ignites. I hope there is more stories for her friends because I honestly loved where it was all coming from. Highly recommend!
**I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

Mercenary princess by Setta Jay.
For years, one man has ruled Sophia's fantasies. The harmless obsession keeps her warm on the nights her double life starts to take its toll. She, unfortunately, gains his attention at the worst possible moment, when she's in the middle of a dangerous job. Now, she'll be forced to protect her heart along with her life of lies.

Viktor has been tempted by the innocent princess's lust-filled glances for far too long, and he has fought hard to resist her beauty. When her secrets finally draw him in, getting through her royal guard proves a minor inconvenience. But one sexually charged night isn't enough. He wants more, including whatever she's hiding beneath that demure façade.

As much as Sophia wants Viktor, she can never fully allow him in because her secrets aren't her own. Viktor is determined to have all of his princess. Will they find a way to be together, or will her dangerous secrets tear them apart?
A great read with some great characters. Sophie was my favourite character. Hope there is more to come. 4*.

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

I voluntary read an advanced review of this copy

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


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

ARC provided by the author and publisher via NetGalley YAY me!!

3.75 stars

This is my first read by this author, the story started off very slow for me. There was a lot of explanations of things that I would have been alright not knowing. It took some pushing through for my to continue but I am glad I did. The book did in fact pick up and so did the steam. Viktor was a great bossy, protective alpha and Sophia was a strong courageous heroine. I liked the secondary characters as well, Sophia has a lot of great loyal friends. I really want to know more about Forde!! All in all this was a good read you just gotta get through the slow parts. I would read this author again!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agh!! I loved this book!

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

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

I would happily recommend this book.

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

This book managed to incorporate so many aspects of a novel I love and avoid other tropes I am not a great fan of. This is adult romance (18+) with royalty, mafia-like characters and espionage.

I think it is the romance element which I enjoyed the most, I am not a fan of insta-love (or at least whirlwind romances) that is often found in romance books but I am also not a fan of drawn out romances that take them forever to get around to recognising their feelings - I'm not easy to please! This book however, avoided both of these tropes, and I loved that as the book starts Sophia has been yearning for Viktor for so long and finally acting upon those feelings (no insta-love; no long wait for relationship for us, win-win!)

Secondly, I loved our main characters Viktor and Sophia. Sophia is the prim and proper princess to the world and vigilante when she escapes the spotlight. I haven't come across a vigilante princess outside of fantasy books and it was nice to read one of my favourite fantasy tropes played out in a contemporary setting. She is also strong willed and skilled but also very human and has fears and vulnerabilities. Viktor is our 'bad boy' that give you mafia-vibes. He is the typical mysterious boss man who likes to be in control and protective to those he cares for.

I loved that the espionage side of the plot has a backstory as well as a current case to follow. The only thing I would have liked to be different was slightly more focus on Sophia's team. It would have been nice to have got to know more about the individuals and that dynamic. I would also like to have known more about Viktor businesses. I feel like we get glimpses of these in the book but I would have liked more, and I am all up for a sequel to see how dynamics change.

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