This Cinderella retelling fell flat for me. I was hoping for a little more tension/suspense but the majority of the novel focused on the relationship between June and Cal which got to be a bit repetitive. June as a character was a little too naive at times although I did like Cal and felt his reservations were justified. I had not read the first book in this series, but this functions well as a stand-alone so readers won’t be lost plot wise if they haven’t read the first one. Ultimately, this title just wasn’t for me.

This was a modern retelling of the Cinderella story. I would have preferred a less literal replication of the characters – June as a meek and downtrodden ‘servant’ girl/sister or Cal as a Prince although Cal did have his horrific POW experience. The evil step mother and step sister were too nefarious for me as they bordered cheesy. I did enjoy June and Cal’s evolving romance although I would have preferred more “getting to know you” scenes instead of the sexy scenes. I did like the heart wrenching climatic moment. This was only an OK read for me.

It’s no secret that I love a great romance. When I started reading this, however, I did have some eye-rolling going on. A retelling of Cinderella? Plus blending in some Beauty and the Beast? Are you kidding me?

Once I got through the initial unease and dismay, the story very quickly turned into something so much more than that! I am so glad that I continued on!!

This author can write amazing scenes that just consume you with emotion. She digs down deep and knows how to write characters with their deepest secrets and fears laid out in the open yet still accepting of others. I’m not even sure I’m describing that properly.

The story is emotional in many ways. Heartbreaking and touching; even a little tough to read in spots. But the romance and their love is all-consuming.

The author also balances the connection and emotion with great secondary characters. A group of people that you would love to meet and be around.

This book has everything in terms of a wonderful blooming romance. But I have to tell you that you must go through a little crushing emotion to get to a fantastic ending. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but let me just tell you that Stoker is probably going to be a new favorite author for me.

Definitely hunting down past stories that I have missed. She is an amazing storyteller that gets you right in the gut!

I have not really connected with Susan Stoker's writing in the past, but the blurb for this book really sold me. THE ROYAL a very literal, modern retelling of Cinderella with a Romantic Suspense edge that I really liked.

Cal is a very worthy Hero who is leaving behind the trappings of a life he was born into and redefining family. And Juniper is sweet and loyal, but was really hard for me to root for since she remained a doormat through this entire book. I longed for a bit more backbone with June.

And while I really liked the Cinderella-like plot, it felt very on-the-nose for this entire read. THE ROYAL ended being a decent read for me and one of my favorites from this author. So if you already really love Susan Stoker I think you will adore THE ROYAL!

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: suspense related violence, past death of parents, fat-phobia, past physical torture
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.

This is a superb story when I read the first book I just knew that Callum's book was going to be a heartbreaker and it didn't disappoint

When the team was taken prisoner in the middle east then Callum Redmon a full blown royal prince became the main target not only was he royalty but he was the pretty one almost male model beautiful Callum was fine with it after all while they tortured him they left his team mates alone Now with their escape and new business in Maine he can hide himself away after all no woman would want a man who is scarred all over his body and at least in Maine the press leaves him alone. Then he is called in by his family his cousins friend has a stalker and she needs his help but not is all as it seems the victim actually just wants a royal husband and she has set her sights on Callum the only problem is he is falling for her step sister a true reincarnation of Cinderella. Can Juniper Rose convince Callum that she sees the man not the scars and can they escape her family and build a future You will have to read to see

Susan Stoker's The Royal is the second book in her Game of Chance series. It is based on Cinderella, with a cruel stepsister and stepmother making Juniper's life a living hell after her father's death.

The story starts with the prince agreeing to help a friend by guarding his friend's bride-to-be from a stalker. That sounds promising, right? But the beginning is very dull, with no attachment to the characters. The author just narrates everything that happens without letting us see the characters in action.

The plot gets better and more readable around the middle. The creep, however, is pretty weak, as are the evil stepmother and stepsister. This book was not very enjoyable to read, but it had some good moments.

The editing at the end didn't sit well with me either. The final two sections—even though they are still connected—talk about the following book, and I thought they ought to have been kept distinct from this one.

If I had read The Protector, the first book in the series, before reading this Netgalley selection, I think this novel would have more depth. But I advise you to!

I really enjoyed this mix of Cinderella story and military romance. It’s not your typical Prince Charming or fairytale and I liked that!

Cal struggles with his past and what happened to him. Meanwhile, June is the light to his dark, even though she’s been through her own had hardship in the past. I did feel I wanted from her character, it felt like like something was missing. They both struggle with their imperfections and the connection they form really shows they are kindred souls.

The chemistry between the two of them is instant and well developed. It was a beautiful and emotional story, alongside the friendships and other relationships it was really well executed. Looking forward to the next book to find out more about Bob!

This really wasn't the book for me. I just found it to be so repetitive and boring, I never cared for or connected to the characters. It got to the point where I was only reading it because I had gotten so far through it I felt like I *had* to finish it.

Cal Redmon suffered at the hands of terrorists three years ago. They found out he was a prince after they captured him and made sure "Prettymon" would never look the same by slicing into nearly every inch of his body, leaving only his face untouched.

Since he was rescued, he's worked in a small town in Maine with his three friends who are also POWs. A call from his cousin sends him to DC to investigate a model claiming she has a stalker. That's where he meets June, the model's stepsister and a woman who immediately intrigues him.

Cal can tell that the model and her mom are lying about the stalker, and he's appalled at the way the women treat June. He convinces her to escape her evil family and return to Maine with him, realizing he was brought in just because he was a prince and an easy target for marriage. But June's family isn't letting her go without a fight.

Cal and June's romance was sweet, seductive, and made you want to give them both giant hugs. They even had a "one bed" moment on their way to Maine that was the perfect tease! They were both scarred in their own ways - Cal physically and June emotionally. She'd been just as much of a captive as Cal but in a different way.

I'm glad that June confronted Cal when he started to distance himself. So often in romance novels, one party let's the other one pull away in order to accommodate a third act breakup. These characteristics were too smart for that!

There was of course a Big Scary Incident that threatened their relationship, but I won't spoil what it was. I'll just say this - it was a little anticlimactic. I loved that Cal showed a serious depth of emotion, but I think I was expecting something more dastardly.

The Royal checked all the boxes for me: a fairy tale retelling, friends to lovers, forced proximity, and a cinnamon roll hero who gets growly in the bedroom!

Thank you, NetGalley and Susan Stoker, for the opportunity to read this book! These thoughts and opinions are my own.

Very much like Cinderella - but way more action and adventure. Read the story in one sitting with only breaks to drink, or to take care of nature. Loved the story. Both June and Cal are insecure about their looks and question why the other sees in them. Cal was a POW in the Middle East and because of his royal status was tortured repeatedly. He has several scars throughout is body. and because of it he feels no one will ever be attracted to him.

June has been trapped as a servant to her evil step=mother and stepsister for 17 years. It is only after her stepsister starts video chatting with a member of the Royal family (showing her tits to him) and telling him she is being stalked by someone. The prince calls the queen (his mom and demands that his cousin, Cal, check it out)., Cal has always thought his cousin was an idiot for big boobs, and questions how they think he can save Carla (the evil stepsister to June).

Cal sees June from a distance dumping the trash and is attracted to her (her plump body) and the way she looks up at the sun. He learns later that she is not the servant but is related to his clients. June does not realize the prince her stepfamily is attempting to trick into marrying her sister Carla, has reservations on how he can protect her from the stalker. What transpires between Jume and Cal is a romance of love a first sight.

Cal convinces June to run away from the abuse and servitude to her step family - and go with him to MAINE. Her step mom puts a hit out on June - thinking it will appear that the stalker was really after Carla - but due to the new security cameras being around the house - decided to attack June to prove his threats.

I won't give the rest of the story away.

I do

The Royal is the second book in the Game of Chance series written by Susan Stoker. It is loosely based on Cinderella - evil step sister and step mum making life a living hell for Juniper following the death of her father.

Step sister is set on finding a royal to marry and she has no qualms at using all tricks available. Unfortunately she's got her sights set on the wrong man. He on the other hand, has his eyes set on Juniper.

In true Prince Charming fashion he sweeps Juniper off her feet and they start a new life together. Unfortunately the evil step mother and step sister have other plans and things turn rather dark for a while until good wins.

I believe this book would have more depth if I had read the first book in the series, The Protector, but as this was a Netgalley pick I hadn't. I suggest you do though!

Ooh one of the best Cinderella retelling that I have read yet. It was so perfect! I loved this!!
I just reviewed The Royal by Susan Stoker. #TheRoyal #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Unfortunately, the third person POV is not my cup of tea at all. This book fell a lot flat for me especially due to the POV because I felt like I could not get acquainted with the characters well enough and the book stayed too superficial.

As for Cal and June, it all felt too instalove since I could not get proper insight into their feelings and thoughts. Normally, even if I don't like a book, I can still feel for the characters and their story because when I read their POV, I get a better insight into them. For me, a book written from single or third person POV needs to be extremely well written in order to offer thorough character insight to the main characters and I found that lacking in this book.

The whole Cinderella storyline felt a bit rushed and off to me and I cannot decide if it is due to the POV or the writing itself.

As for Tim, Elaine and Carla, I would have hoped for a better conclusion to their fate since they were integral to the book. Also Carla's camgirl exploit seemed like it was mentioned but the connection to the whole story (considering the whole concept) was way too loose.

This book gets 2.5 ⭐️ solely for the potential. I ended up rounding down because the POV did not work for me at all.

<i>NetGalley ARC review</i>

I was intrigued by Cal in the first book of this series and was excited to see his story was going to be a modern take on Cinderella. I was not prepared for the depth of emotion this book would make me feel.

Callum Redmon is not your typical Prince Charming. He is a broken man who has seen the ravages of war and lives with them every day on his body and in his mind. My heart hurt reading the description of his torture and it shattered into a million pieces when he described how much physical and emotional trauma he was still suffering because of it. Cal is a member of a royal family and had never been with a woman who wanted him for anything more than his title. Now, he feels like no woman would want him because of his injuries, so he has been living the quiet life in small town Maine with his teammates.

Juniper Rose has been living a life of solitude at the beck and call of her stepmother and stepsister since her father’s death many years ago. She has been tucking away money in the hopes of one day leaving, but she has many things holding her back.

June and Cal meet when he comes to her home to investigate her stepsister’s alleged stalker at the request of his cousin. Cal is immediately drawn to June when he first sees her. There is an immediate connection between the two that you can feel when reading. They are kindred spirits.

Things happen and Cal eventually asks June to return to Maine with him to get away from her situation. They are very attracted to each other but are both insecure and it takes some time for them to act on it. The evolution of their relationship was beautiful and heartbreaking to read. Cal and June save each other on so many levels. This is one of the most satisfying HEAs I have read in a long time.

No Susan Stoker book would be complete without some suspense, and it was really well done here. Danger follows Cal and June back to Maine and there are some harrowing moments, but it all turns out in the end. I loved seeing Cal’s teammates and the town come together to help. I am excited to read the rest of the books in this series. I plan to reread this one when it releases because I loved it so much.

I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for an honest review. This is my first second book from or Susan Stoker, also the second book from her Second Chances series. The story is a little too unrealistic for me but it is an easy read. As The Protector it’s is a gentle romantic suspense with a reasonable part of very hot scenes. It’s also very cheesy at some times. I am waiting for Bob’s story now.

This book was a delight from start to finish! It has a villains that are easy to dislike; a community of strong friends that feels authentic; a compelling storyline that mixes elements from both Beauty and the Beast and from Cinderella (reminiscent of the way Lexi Post reimagines classic literature in her stories); a poignant defining moment; and an unexpected and beautiful ending. Wow! What a story!

Callum Redmon is called to Washington D.C. as a favor to his relatives to investigate a ‘stalking’ situation. When he arrives, he quickly learns that the stalking threat has been manufactured and he’s ready to leave, but he wants to help Juniper Rose escape her current life. He sees admirable traits within her, and really wants to help her find her footing by giving her a fresh start in the town where he now resides. Unfortunately, this doesn’t go over well with her stepmother and stepsister…

You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens. It’s worth the ride! Enjoy this fast-paced story with wounded and flawed protagonists that are hiding noble and beautiful souls.

I was excited to receive a copy of The Royal by Susan Stoker. I enjoy fairy tale retellings and I've seen the author's name on bestseller lists so I wanted to try a book by her. Maybe this was not the book to try.

It opens with the reluctant prince helping out a friend by going to protect his friend's fiancée from a stalker. That sounds like a great opening, right? The problem is the opening is very slow with no connection to the characters. It is all the author telling what it happening without letting us see the characters in action.

The story does pick up about half way through and gets better and easier to read. However, the stalker is pretty lame as is the stepmother/stepsister duo. This was not a book I particularly enjoyed although there were a few moments that were fun.

I received a copy of The Royal from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own. #NetGalley #TheRoyal

I am loving the Game of Chance series and this one touched my heart as I read Callum and June’s story. Set as a modern day Cinderella, I felt their pain as they each had their demons to carry around, scars both physical and emotional and how they helped each other overcome their obstacles.
As with Susan’s books, I found myself into the danger, suspense, and romance these two endured. This series is another fantastic one and can’t wait for the next one.

I did not finish this book. There were too many just little things that gave me the ick. Like how June talked all the tim, "Well...duh" Like no one says that in real life. Also as horrible as the step sister was, i felt like it was kinda sexist how all they ever talked about were her boobs. Idk, I got like 70% through and was like, I cannot do this anymore. Also the miscommunication trope was very poorly executed in this book.

Loved this! I've read through many of the series by this author and am always entertained. While it does follow a formula, it's not detrimental in my opinion. The story starts out seemingly like Cinderella and then comes up with some twists and turns. Thoroughly enjoyable to me. I would have liked to see some kind of resolution regarding the wicked stepmother, but that would be my only "complaint".