I'm always a sucker for a Cinderella retelling and this was a great one! June has been a servant in her own home since her father's death, thanks to the emotional abuse of her stepmother and stepsister. Seventeen years later she's gotten the courage to try and leave when fate brings Cal Redmon to the house. He's been strongarmed into going there to check out a stalker situation for his cousin, who has been "dating" the stepsister, and while it takes about a day to see through that ploy, it takes less for him to become fascinated by June.

She's observant, calm, intelligent, and Cal wants to help her out. So when he leaves he convinces June to go with him. What starts out as just helping turns into more on both sides. Both have massive insecurities- both emotional insecurities and body insecurities- and are convinced the other won't want to be with them long-term. It was really interesting to see Cal so hung up on his body since we don't usually get men in romance books who are so unsure of their looks. Connected the way it is with the torture he went through and you can understand how painful and self-conscious he feels about it and you feel so bad for him. I was so happy June was able to see straight to the heart of him and what a great, caring guy Cal is. She seemed to instinctively know just the right things to say, even if Cal wasn't always quite ready to hear them, which I thought was great. She knows it isn't about the outside- her steps are gorgeous women and horrible- though she never quite internalizes that for herself.

This was more a book about finding yourself and internal healing for both Cal and June, and Cal freaking out about falling in love, than it was a fast-paced mystery or thriller the way some of Stoker's books are, so you have to go into it with a bit of a different expectation. You don't have to have read The Protector first, though all Cal's friends show up again so you see familiar faces if you did read it. I loved how protective the guys are of each other and how they embraced June once they were sure she was right for Cal. And we get a tease for the next book that promises major action ahead!

An enjoyable, lovely romance with Cinderella vibes that were just enough for me without being over the top, great friends turned family, and two damaged people learning to trust themselves and each other enough to fall in love and admit it.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

Modern Day Fairy Tale Stoker-Style

The Royal is the second book in Susan Stoker’s amazing romantic suspense series called Game of Chance. The story has amazing, well developed characters, intense chemistry and a fantastic storyline that is written from the third person point of view (primarily the hero and heroine).

Callum Redmon was immediately and inexplicably drawn to Juniper Rose when he was sent by his cousin to investigate a possible stalking case of his latest love interest. She was nothing like the other manipulative members of the household, and when he learns she wants to leave he offers her a way out.

For seventeen years ago, June has been living the life of a house slave for her stepmother and sister. She yearns for a better life and is preparing to leave when she hears of their horrible plans for Cal. She never expected her warning to be the beginning of her journey to a better life. Happiness and romance soon develops between them but will Cal and June get their fairytale happily ever after or will her evil stepmother and stepsister win in the end? Read it and find out.

Stoker did a phenomenal job creating a modern day Cinderella story, sprinkled with a few dashes of Beauty and the Beast. These elements combined with suspense and drama, kept the reader hanging on tight as they were drawn into this beautiful story of perseverance and love. I love the men of Jack’s Lumber and I can’t wait to read Kendric’s story.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.

OH MY GOODNESS, this story. I have cried while reading books but this one had me boo-hooing quite a bit. All in a good way, of course. The struggles of living one’s life after torture was so well spoken in this story. It is all about what is on the inside and how people conduct themselves, not the physical. I wish more people realized this and lived it. And the awkwardness of looks isn’t only in Cal’s mind, but also June’s. This is such a beautiful love story and the ending is epic. I just loved this wonderful story.

It's not bad but not that good, and it kind of lacks something BUTT I do enjoy reading this one. It's fun but emotional, a typical romance book but it also differs from other books too because there's a twist that is interesting to me.

I adore Cal and June; their journey to own up to their insecurities and finally overcome each struggle they feel is heartwarming. I'm a sucker for emotional ride romance, so even when it's not my favorite I will still reccomending this book to my friend!!!

Thank you Netgalley for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a spin on Cinderella. Cal is a handsome prince who will never take the throne. He has lots of scars inside and out from being taken captive and held hostage with his military unit. These guys escaped thanks to Cal taking the punishment. Now they live in Maine and do various odd jobs and security. Cal is sent to DC to investigate a stalker situation if a media influencer. This is where he meets June and discovers her horrible living experience as an indentured servant to these awful women. Can he save her and let her save him from himself?

A Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast mash-up story but with a twist. THis time around our MMC is the one with body image issues. Whilst Juniper struggles with being outside of what society deems as a desirable size, Cal suffers with chronic pain and the daily reminder of the scars of his torture.

Cal seems like an unattainable dream for Juniper. He's minor royalty, a war hero, handsome and gives off serious hottie vibes. She sees herself as fat, frumpy, inexperienced and indentured servant in her own home. But she has a sweet temperament, kind heart and ability to put others at ease.

Leaving her evil stepmother and sister in her wake when she leaves with Cal, after he sees through their manipulation, Juniper finally gets what she has always wanted, friends.

These MMC aren't your average protectors. Yes they're veterans and have certain skills but they vowed to leave the killing and bloodshed behind. They have found a new way of life which keeps them settled and at peace. But those protective streaks haven't gone completely - put someone they love in danger and there won't be much left to worry about. Their partners are strong woman, even when they think they are anything but. They complement the MMC's so well. Roll on book 3.

Cal Redmon has never been the same after his military group was captured by the enemy. While they were all tortured his royal lineage meant that he received extra attention by the enemy and this Prince Charming came home looking more like the Beast. He and his group have found some relief in their new life living in a more remote area of Maine so the last thing he wanted to do is help some spoiled girlfriend of his cousin, but duty calls. The last thing he expects to find is a real life Cinderella. June (Juniper) doesn’t know how her life has become so draining. The death of her beloved father flipped her life from heads to tails as she now caters to the whims of her spoiled stepmother and stepsister (see the fairytale reference). While their upbringing were totally different June and Cal were made for one another. Both have this inner stength that is amazing as each has had to overcome diversity in their own way. This is a super sweet soft romance with plenty of Disney-like vibes, and a quick read that will give you warm fuzzies, but there is a bit of action thrown in too. The supporting cast, from Carl’s military brothers to June’s elderly charges ( I loved Banks) is wonderful. If you’re in the mood for something light and easy with a lot of sweetness than this is your book. It is book two of a series but you do not have to read book one to enjoy this one, although I do recommend it. I received an arc copy of this book and voluntarily give my honest review. 5 stars

Unfortunately this book was not for me.
It's a modern Cinderella story where everything happens too fast and there are too many cliches for my taste.

I believe a lot of people will enjoy it (please read goodreads reviews), especially if you like fast pace, romance, and Cinderella inspired stories. Unfortunately I'm not that reader.

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity in reading this book.

Oh my this book was soooo good! Susan outdid herself with this one. At places it brought tears to my eyes. When Cal is asked by his cousin to check out a stalking case, he refuses until his family gets involved. When he goes to New York to meet the young woman, he meets June. The fairy tale begins or is it a fairytale?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

The Royal by Susan Stoker is the second book in the Game of Chance series. An updated retelling of Cinderella.

Callum Redmon, or Cal, as he's best known, has suffered tremendously. He and his three teammates made it out of hell and settled in a tiny town in Maine. Cal is reminded of his ordeal every day as his body is permanently scarred, and he suffers from pains that make him feel far older than he is. His family knows he prefers the solitude of the trees, but saying no when asked by his family to check on a possible stalking situation isn't an option. Heading to DC is really the last thing he wants to do, and when he figures out quickly, it is all a scam from a vapid mean spirited woman wanting to be a princess and her equally delusional mother. The only bright spot in the entire ordeal is June Rose and making sure she gets to move on with her life. Bringing June back to Maine might prove to be the best decision he's ever made. He wants her to find her purpose and not hold her back from experiencing life.
June is free for what feels like the first time in forever. After the death of her father, she had been under her stepmother thumb ever since. Now, she's determined to stand on her own, even though the attraction to Cal is impossible to resist. June has years of insecurities to overcome, yet surprisingly, she is a kind, thoughtful person, despite the callous way she's been treated. Could she really have the fairy tale ending with a man who doesn't think he's perfect but is perfect for her? Or will her rotten step family have the last opportunity to ruin her life for good?

I really liked this book and how they both encouraged each other. June really wanted Cal to see the best in himself and I loved that. It is a very fast paced book and it works for their relationship. My only issue is that June speaks pretty negatively about being fat and doesn't seem to believe she's beautiful. It feels like the book makes a point to say that Cal is still pretty even with all of his scars but doesn't put much effort into saying that she is a beautiful fat woman.

I received an arc through netgalley.

This modern-day Cinderella story had me completely enchanted from the start. Callum Redmon, a former military man and member of a royal family, finds himself reluctantly drawn into a twisted web of stepfamilies and stalkers when his cousin's love interest claims she's being targeted. But amidst all the chaos, Cal's heart is torn between duty and his growing feelings for someone else in the household.

Meet Juniper Rose, trapped in the clutches of her cruel stepmother and stepsister ever since her father's passing. She dreams of escaping but fears leaving behind her father's cherished home. When Cal offers her a chance to break free, she seizes the opportunity and takes a leap into the unknown.

As their fairy-tale romance unfolds, the danger lurking in the shadows becomes all too real. Susan Stoker masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, romance, and bravery. I was captivated by the well-paced evolution of the story, filled with harrowing and beautiful moments, and not to mention, some steamy scenes that had my heart racing. If you loved The Protector, you'll adore The Royal and the charming, protective Prince Cal. This series has become an absolute favorite of mine!

2.5/5 ★

genres & tropes :
• contemporary romance
• modern day retelling
• military-ish romance (IMO)
• insta-love

'The Royal' is a loose, modern day retelling of Cinderella. We're introduced to the mc's: Callum & June. Callum is a royal prince-turned-US-military-operative who meets the fmc while doing some investigating on behalf of his cousin, which is where we meet June. June is a naive "adult" who falls head over heels in love with Cal the second her eyes land on him.

First off, let me start by saying that The Royal was my first Susan Stoker book. While there was absolutely nothing wrong with the book or writing, it just wan't my jam. I'm not a big fan of military romance, and I'm even more wary of the whole insta-love aspect. However, there have been plenty of instances where I've read a book that spotlights one of my personal ick tropes, but have still enjoyed it, due to the characters & story. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case here. Most of the "angst" in this book equates to straight up sexual tension, and when I'm promised angst, I expect to smear my mascara & shed some tears, which was NOT the case here. I found Callum to be very off-putting... he was a creep, no? And June... oh girl, what is you doin?! At no point did I sincerely remember that I was reading a book about complete & total adults, because of how immature & unsuspecting she was. I just couldn't invest myself into their story.

P.S. - if you're someone like me and 3rd POV really irks you, this is a fair warning of what to expect!

This story has it all, an evil stepfamily set on revenge, a stalker who needs the money and a lovely swooning romance.
Both Cal and June learn something about themselves from each other as they deal with the trials life has thrown at them both now and in the past, they come to recognise that love sees beyond our imperfections, and what’s important is being there for each other.
A nice addition to this series, which can be read as a stand-alone. Looking forward to hearing Bob’s story next.

If you love Cinderella stories, you'll love The Royal!! An effortless insta-love mature women's romance!

Beyond letting me know that there are other European countries that still have royal families... (and yes - I absolutely had to look that up because I didn't believe it at first) - this book was exactly what I wanted to see for a non-working royal to have in their happy ever after!!

- I also really enjoyed the romance in terms of the character's ages. Our heroine Juniper is 32 years old, so while she hasn't experienced much of the world, her character processes things more maturely. Such a fun way to dive into the one-bed trope, miscommunications, no third-act breakup, and the added element of the evil stepmother/stepsister!

NOTES:
- The book has its spicy moments, and I would say is a true mix of cute/smut.
- CWs: If you've ever waited on a soldier's return who may have been KIA, a POW, or otherwise - The Royal may be tough to read!

**Thank you to Montlake & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

4.5 royal stars ☆

After his time as a POW, Cal Redmond just wants to be left alone, enjoying hiking and working with his friends in the lumberjack business, wanting everybody to forget he is part of the royal family of Liechtenstein. However, he's forced by his cousin's pressure to go to DC and check a supposed stalker his cousin's online fling has. Little does Cal know that nothing will be the same.

Forced to become a servant in her own home, Juniper Rose has to serve not only her hideous stepmother and stepsister, she now has to prepare a meal fit for a prince. Alone and bullied, June has been suffering her steps since her father passed away. She just wants to get away, not even the memories in her childhood home can keep her chain anymore. Meeting and falling for Cal wasn't in her plans. Neither was getting away and starting a new life with Cal's endless support.

Although life is good and her relationship with Cal is evolving into something more, danger lurks in the shadows, for someone who is going to make her pay for getting away with a prince.

I was eagerly waiting for this book, I must say it didn't disappoint. I read it in one night, being unable to put it down. I loved the characters, how Cal must overcome his own vision of himself in order to start a relationship with June, furthermore, how June has to accept herself, that everything her steps told her, all the insults and the bullying was not on her but on them, moreover how they will be the others safe border if they just take a chance.
Now, I'll be anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.

**Disclaimer: I've got this ARC via NetGalley and this is my free and honest review**

I read the first book of the Game of Chance series earlier this year, and I’ve been stalking NetGalley ever since hoping to score the ARC of the second book. Seek and ye shall find! So glad I was able to snag this, I hope I’m just as lucky with the last two books!

Cal is a royal prince seeking refuge and solitude with his former military buddies in Maine. When his cousin calls in a favor and asks him to assist a “friend” having trouble with a stalker, Cal reluctantly complies. He finds himself in a real life Cinderella situation; a crazy stepsister trying to get in his pants…a crazy stepmother that will do anything to marry her daughter off to a royal…and an emotionally abused woman named June that spends her days tending to her evil stepfamily. Cal convinces June to escape and move to Maine…partially because he wants to save her, partially because he has already fallen for her.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 - Cal & June have great chemistry, but here we have the less popular miscommunication trope. Cal struggles with his scars and mental state from his time as a prisoner of war; June struggles with her body image. You want to smack Cal upside the head once or twice because he’s being stubborn. My favorite part is still the bond between Cal and his military buddies, Riggs, JJ, and Bob - they have great banter and undying loyalty to one another. I’m most excited for JJ’s book; it seems like his will be last, but with each passing book the tension between him and his female lead grows.

The Royal is Cinderella in modern time. As a reader I am always looking for a unqueen take on the fairy tales, but this falls flat because it basically is Cinderella. The bad characters are obvious, and any danger seems only used to have Prince Charming and Cinderella have sex.
The story is boring and nothing special.
Thank you Netgalley

The Royal is the second instalment of the Game of Chance series. An enchanting modern Cinderella meets Beauty and Beast story. Susan has intertwined these classic stories into a sweet page turning romance writings about strong characters, overcoming horrors they have had to endure, to finding their forever person. Admittedly, it’s not one of my favourite books written by Susan, however is still a book I would recommend to read. I can’t wait to read more about these men as the series continues.

I would like to thank Montlake, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cinderella with a modern twist.

Cal is the scarred prince, and June is the forgotten daughter. Together they rescue each other in this suspenseful, sweet, and spicy romance.

We first learn about Cal in book one, The Protector. He, along with his three friends, were held captive and tortured. Unfortunately, because of his royal background and trying to save his friends, Cal was tortured the worst and left with numerous scarring.

June is the unpaid help in her home. She does everything for her stepmother and stepsister without a thank you. She has been sheltered and doesn't realize her worth.

Cal and June bring out the best in each other. They teach each other how to trust and love themselves and each other.

I have really been enjoying this book series so far, and I can't wait for book three!