“An amazingly addictive page turner!” ~Book Readers ClubOnce upon a time, there was a girl who dressed up and went to a big party at the palace. When she was there, she met a prince. They danced and fell in love…Damn good line. Too bad I don’t believe a word of it anymore. My name is Claire Montgomery, and I’m not a princess. I’m a fighter. I worked hard to earn my place on the emergency image … to earn my place on the emergency image repair team for one of the biggest public relations companies in the country. We’ve been called to the renowned Chicago headquarters of Stone Global Corporation, where it’s our job to clean up a heap of the Stone family’s filthiest laundry. Our success will be the biggest victory of my career. I’m on my game. I’m ready.
Why doesn’t ready include a contingency plan for Killian Stone?
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I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down once I started it! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
No Prince Charming is the first book in the Secrets of Stone series and is loosely based on the Cinderella fairytale. Claire Montgomery is our Cinders, although I’d say her soon to be stepmother, Andrea, is more apathetic rather than evil in her behaviour towards Claire. In this modern day retelling the evil role is reserved for Margaux, Andrea’s daughter, who is surely one of the most unlikeable characters I’ve read. They all work together for a top PR firm in San Diego when Killian Stone AKA Prince Charming calls them to Chicago to do damage control on his wastrel brother Trey’s latest escapade before he does lasting damage to the Stone Global Corporation. When Claire and Killian meet the chemistry between them is electric although Claire is reluctant to admit any attraction she has towards him let alone act on it due to Margaux “calling dibs” on Killian. Killian, however, is used to getting what he wants and right now that is Claire no matter how many times she says no. What he doesn’t know though is that Claire has a secret. One that could potentially see her sent to prison and the only other person who knows about it is Margaux, who isn’t above using blackmail to control people and is just mean and spiteful enough to use this information against Claire if thwarted in her plans.
I was a bit disappointed with the character of Claire in this book. She was such a doormat & didn’t seem to have any backbone. I was waiting for her to stand up to Margaux and there to be a big showdown between them but it never happened. The one point I did think start thinking “right, here it comes. Margaux has finally gone too far” but nope, Killian stepped in and took control but even then she still seemed to get off easy – maybe book two will see Margaux get her comeuppance. When I started reading this book I didn’t realise it was the start of a series and, although in my opinion, it could be read as a standalone, I’m looking forward to reading the second book, No More Masquerade, to see if Claire and Killian are living their happily ever after or if there are more secrets to be unearthed.
It’s a little fast pace,but so is the jobs they do. It’s got a great story line. One that will keep you up reading and saying just one more chapter
Killian and Claire are Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boorific! Killian needs a PR firm to help him remake his brother Trey’s image. The scandal from his older brother has left him scrambling and he needs to find somebody to spin it. When he meets with Asher and Associates and gets an eyes on the delectable Claire he knows she’s just the girl to help him with oh so many things. Working for her Stepmother and Stepsister at the PR firm has never been easy and when Killian Stone comes looking for some reputation assistance they have their eyes set on them. Her stepsister has her eyes on Killian and warns Claire way and threatens her away should she get any ideas. There’s no stopping the insane chemistry she and Killian share, but a warning to this fairytale it shall be continued in book two, so a HFN is on the horizon.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book
I finally got into this series and I am so glad I did. I simply love Claire and Killian! Theirs is the sweetest sexy romance imaginable. I am not crazy about the wicked step-sister and the jury is still out on the stepmother. I like the take charge attitude of the team in trying to quell the rumors and rein in Killian’s wayward brother Trey. While doing this, Killian is on the prowl and his prey is the crazy smart and very skittish, and rightfully so, Claire. She has a secret that can seriously affect her life if he does not stop his quest. He has a secret too but will not share it with her. Margeaux is the thorn in the mix for both of them but he cannot figure out how.
This book is rich in scenery, settings, banter, giggles, and so many sexy scenes you will need an ice bath. I can’t wait to dive into the next one to see where it is leading.
Wow – what a story from two amazing authors. This is Book 1 of this series and it is amazing. If this is any indication of what is to come hold on to your seat. This book hooked me from the first page to the last. Killian Stone and Claire Montgomery will have you rooting for them to the last page. Killian is bigger than life a true Alpha male and then comes Claire she is smart, works her ass off to get everything that she has. She is a hard worker and focused on what ever the job is until Killiam walks in and everything she worked hard for seems to go bye-bye. Claire has secrets and she knows secrets of others but she has no clue of the secrets that Killian has. This book is amazing it is full of drama and humor and of course hotness. Can not wait to read the rest of this series. Bravo to Angel and Victoria if the rest of the series is anything like this you have a winner on your hands. This is a MUST READ!!!! Do not let this one pass you by.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from Netgalley for an honest review. This is an amazing retelling of a modern day Cinderella with a future step mom and horrible future step sister!!!!Claire and Killian’s chemistry could be felt pouring off the pages from the very first meeting of these characters! The sexual tension was intense and it flowed into sexy steamy scenes! I am so glad this is only book 1 of the series and I am super stoked to read the entire series!
I have never before read any book by Angel Payne or Victoria Blue. So I started this book with no expectations.
I expected this to be some sort of retelling of Cinderella.
It was. Sort of.
I loved the writing and the story but what I hated was a HFN ending. I didn’t know the story actually continues in the second book! I am curious how their story progresses even though I hate cliffhangers.
4.5 stars for the unexpected ending.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
These authors nailed this story! Forbidden love, angst and steam. All of my favorites. A well written book with a story line that is utterly brilliant! I will without a doubt be reading the rest of the series!
If you want erotic romance, this is a book for you.
No Prince Charming, by Angel Payne, is a modern-day Cinderella story complete with of course the evil stepmother and the devious, conniving and hateful stepsister, who I absolutely loved. This book has lots of heartbreak, deception, and of course lusty, steamy scenes.
The best part of the book was Killian Stone, Mr. Prince Charming himself. I totally enjoyed these authors giving this version of prince charming a total makeover into, in my opinion, the perfect alpha male. He is tall, dark and handsome, the type of guy that every woman looks at when he walks into a room. Now for what kind of drove me crazy, Clair. Clair was smart on the one hand but insecure on the other. Did her job perfectly but was socially awkward and not in a cute way. I did find the chemistry between Killian and Claire pretty hot…but I got whiplash every time Claire ran from him, and oh boy did she run and run. And yes I did get that she was hurt in the past, but really time to get over it.
This book was quick and easy to read, the writing, not the best I have ever read, but certainly not the worst. The book was written in the first person, going back and forth between Clair and Killian. I did like the back and forth banter the two had, but there was a bit too much internal dialogue for my personal tastes. I did like the storyline, but there were some parts that I would have liked the authors to expand upon. I wanted more of Killian’s past and his secrets. I am guessing that it is all in the next book.
***I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion .***
quasi cliff hanger
This book too a couple chapters for me to actually get into it, but once I did i enjoyed it. The main characters would well developed even if the main female was a little too weak willed for me. There was plenty of sex scenes, sometime it seemed like a bit much. The ending thankfully did not end in a cliffhanger but left loads of room to continue the story line for the main characters into book to. I would recommend this book.
This is the first book that I have read by Angel Payne and Victoria Blue. Props to both of you! Who hasn’t had a fantasy about a dashing and gorgeous co-worker/boss? Really enjoying the storyline and finer details of the characters. Looking forward to finishing this one and starting on the next! All princesses deserve a prince! Even if they are only in our fantasies!
Very steamy and very easy to read. The story captured you once you hit the first page. I recommend everyone to read this series.
Love the combination of Angel Payne and Victoria Blue!
For me, the humor interspersed throughout the story, especially Claire’s inner (and outer) dialogues, really made the book. It’s easy to get pulled into the banter between Killian and Claire, which made them all the more likable in my book. The characters were well defined, and there was a good underlying story line. I liked the fact that the story was enhanced by the more “romantic” scenes rather than defined by it. This couple has many issues to get through, and I found my own inner dialogue screaming at them to open up. Highly recommend this enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next book.
Slow burn to a boil! This is the first book for me by these authors and I can’t wait to start the next in the series. This one started as a slow burn where I was so caught up in the story that I wanted to throw on matches myself to get them moving forward. It was like watching good friends ho you know are meant for each other but they allow their personal demons and secrets stand in the way. Great storytelling – am running off to the next book!
Well damn, what took me so long to start reading this series? I started with No White Knight a few weeks ago as an ARC and once I’d read that I knew I needed start with book one.
This was fantastic! It’s kind of a modern day fairytale about a young girl working for one of the biggest public relations company in the country. She’s working with a team that’s working with the Stone Global Corporation where she helps clean up all the unwanted rumours, and keep things as smooth was possible. It’s when she’s helping control Trey Stone and his rebellious ways that she meets Killian, his brother.
Claire? She’s a smart girl, a little skittish, a little shy in a way too, but she’s a fighter and she works her ass off for everything she has in life. She’s focused and she thought she had it all worked out, that was until Killian Stone came walking through the door and everything she’s worked hard for went out the window.
Killian? He’s a powerful CEO of his father’s company and he’s dominant and alpha as hell and when he sees something wants, he normally gets it and what he’s got his eyes on now is one of the team members that is trying to keep scandal aware from his families company.
Claire holds secrets of others, but she’s got some of her own.. and as much as she craves and wants Killian and wants to act upon these feelings, she’s reluctant but little does she know that Killian holds secrets too.
This book is full of drama, steam and even a fair bit of humour, and I absolutely loved it. Both Angel and Victoria are a duo to be reckoned with. Although I’ve only read book 1 and 8 of this series I already know it’s going to be phenomenal!
Best read together and in order to get more of a feel of the stories and the characters.
So glad I finally started this series properly!
I’ve already started No More Masquerade!
I received an advanced reader copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review. Killian is the CEO of a major Chicago company. Claire is part of an elite PR firm Killian has brought in to manage the PR nightmare his brother created. Claire has to deal with her boss marrying her father. Her boss’ daughter is after Killian and Killian wants Claire and is not a man who takes no for an answer. I really enjoyed this book. Claire is smart and successful and will not put up with shenanigans. Killian is smart, successful, respectful and endearing. While the heat between them is off the charts, it is a slow burn. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this one the characters pull you in they are strong and well defined. Seeing through both Claire and Killian’s minds makes it even better.
Claire Montgomery meets after Killian Stone’s company has hired her firm SGC to clean up the aftermath of Killian’s brother. Trey sure knows how to find ways to bring out plenty of negative extra activities that land the Stone family on the wrong side of the out come. This is where Clair’s Pr firm comes in to clean up the mess. The attraction between Claire and Killian is undeniable. She doesn’t have the confidence and Killian knows just what she has to offer. These two have so much to overcome and the chemistry is off the charts between the two. This is a modern Cinderella story.