Return of the Prince

I have a love/hate relationship with Nana Malone books. They are well written, have fun characters, and keep building on each other; but they are a bit predictable, can get confusing, and there’s always a cliffhanger! I hate cliffhangers! That said, I enjoyed this book more than most of Ms. Malone’s. The blurb didn’t give much away, which was fun and infuriating at the same time…

This books gives us a look (finally!) at the mysterious Ariel we’ve seen in so many of the previous books. She’s tasked with the safety of the banished Prince; and it turns out they have a past together. This is book one in what has to be a second chance love story.

I have enjoyed the tibits of Ariel in previous books, and was hoping she’d get a book soon so her character could be explained and explored. I’ve liked all the heroines by Ms. Malone, but I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for Ariel. Bossy, practical, with such a fantastic and unexpected back story. Prince Tristan is away from home, being a sort of famous for being famous type of Prince while actually being a soccer star. He’s been mentioned in previous books, but not enough to get a feel for his character. He has such a good personality and kind soul and generous heart! Despite that, he’s set himself on a winding path to what he thinks is redemption. These two have amazing hurdles to work through, and it’s been fun to read their journey

The setup for these two to be romantically involved was a bit convoluted, but once laid out, made total sense for these two to have been friends and then more when younger. And then life kept them apart…but when it shoves them together, no force on Earth can keep them apart. Despite the years, the heartache, the circumstances, they are pulled together. Their poor tortured slow burn start keeps the readers interested.

Return of the Prince was a much faster read than many of Ms. Malone’s books. It was full of fantastic imagery and well written dialogue. I got sucked into this book surprisingly quickly, and was sad when it ended so quickly. What trouble will Ariel get into with her royal bestie?

This and the Heiress Duet are my favorites by Ms. Malone. If only they weren’t cliffhangers! I hate having to wait for the ending. Waiting for subsequent books in a series is hard enough, but waiting for the end of the mystery and the happily ever after is not my strong suit.

Favorite Quotes:
“There was no hiding from the intimacy between us, no running from it. No concealing the vulnerability.”
“I loved you from that moment I walked in and you tried to explain the benefit of action movies to me, a guy.”
“You might be a prince, but you are no gentleman.”
“…Something long dead that I’d buried, flared into life, like a single green leaf in a barren desert, pulling low on my belly, growing roots and taking hold. It smelled, looked and tasted like hope.”

Star Ratings:
Plot = 4/5 Characters = 5/5 Heat = 5/5 Writing Style = 4/5 Overall Rating = 4/5

A decade and she still couldn’t forget him. Now Ariel had been ordered by her king to guard him, along with her team. Seeing Tristan again was not part of plans for the future. She’d finally taken the step to begin dating–or at least trying to.

Tristan left. She was supposed to meet him. He never got in touch with her. Even so, she still couldn’t get rid of him in her mind video. She and her team would go to stay with the prince–and his fiance–after an attack on one of their lives. He didn’t want her to come. She didn’t’ want to go.

Who was after him? He had his own agenda he wasn’t sharing with her or her team.

Even they both felt betrayed the chemistry hadn’t diminished at all.

The characters in this series are sharp, professional, hot, and unable to ignore their chosen flames. Seeing and watching them interact with the other couples and team members they have come to respect and care about is a real plus. Those same characters from previous duets are fan faves as well.

This one is unputdownable. Hot, really steamy hot, funny, action-filled, and I can’t wait for part two.

I loved the beginning half of Ariel and Tristan’s story. All the side characters are fun to see in all the royal books as well. This book has angst, drama, and sizzling chemistry. I’d recommend this book, and I can’t wait for the next one.

From the beginning Ariel and Penny have been my two favorite characters. So I was very excited to find out that Ariel was finally getting her story told. She’s such an awesome heroine, intelligent, strong, confident and courageous.
After a rough year Ariel has been determined to make a name for herself. She’s got her company up and running with a few successful jobs under her belt. Add to that the amazing team she was able to assemble, life is good.
That is until fate decides to throw her a curve ball.
She’s tasked with protecting the exiled Prince Triston. The only thing harder than protecting him from the enemy will be protecting Triston from herself.
I loved this book. It ends in a fantastic cliffhanger. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next segment of Ariel’s story. I have a feeling it’s going to be an incredible adventure.

Reviewed by Emma-Louise on behalf of KindleFriendsForever

The moment we have all been waiting for. Ariel Scott gets her own book and by heck, is it amazingly brilliant! Throughout previous Winston Isle books, we’ve experienced the pain and heartache that encases Ariels life. Crumbs have been scattered all over; speaking for myself, I so hoped that we would get a story surrounding Ariel and Tristan.

The story is not what I expected, it became so much more than a simple romance. Ariel has been on page for every single book in this universe and trying to get a read on the intelligent Royal Guard was complex even at the simplest of times. Ariel owns her mistakes. Even when life took a dramatic turn and changed the entire course of her life she just kept on going without a single falter. I have zero guilt admitting Ariel is my favourite character in this series. She’s spunky, intelligent and good with weapons. What’s not to like?

And who could neglect to mention the relationship she has with Penny. Best friends for years, fighting through thick and thin. These women are the embodiment of strength and femininity. They won’t ever sugar coat anything for each other and hold nothing back. Their love is stronger than any familial bond could ever reproduce.

‘“We are going to do something that’s probably going to get me arrested. And very likely, one of us might get maimed in the process.

Sweet. When do we leave?

You don’t what to know what it is?

Well, you’re calling me before you get arrested. So that means that you need help.

No, I don’t need your help. I want you to talk me out of it.

Not gonna happen. You know how this goes. I’m Thelma to your Louise.

Are you sure I’m Louise?

Well, we can both be Louise. I really don’t care. If you’re into something, I’m into something.

There’s a good chance someone is going to get hurt.

Oh, fantastic! I have the perfect outfit for a kicking.

…You’re crazier than I am.”’

Tristan is a complicated man. One who holds his word in high regard. His oath is his bond, etc.
Coming from the family he comes from and having the nightmares of his past hanging around his neck, I’m completely sure we don’t have the full picture on his past yet. Lets hope we get all these outstanding questions answered in the sequel.

Neither is quite ready to admit how they still feel. So much water under the bridge and scars running deeper than anyone can say. Young love, especially first love carves itself out in our hearts and leaves us missing vital pieces. Ariel expends so much energy fighting herself over the one person she felt she could always trust. Plus, having to be in the position she is in makes for a very turbulent flight.

‘…my brain was thinking about the assignment I claimed I didn’t want, worrying about someone I couldn’t have.
Stop it. Tristan was a grown up.’

I haven’t been quite this frustrated with a book in quite some time. Two opposing forces who crashed into each other, and with the impact still reverberating throughout their bodies they are thrust apart until the next encounter.

‘“Well, in that case, we’ll need to figure out how to get around it because my job right now is to watch you. So we’ll both have to figure out how to work together. That first rule of Keep You Alive Club is no one talks about the past.
Ever. Second rule is you don’t ever kiss me again.”’

When these two finally meet in the middle I could feel myself visibly relax. Getting so wound up over a fictional couple truly shows how much I love these books. Mark my words; this is the best book Ms. Malone has written to date. Thank you again for writing the book I have been craving, without ever realising how much I needed it.

Wow, a five star read that I’ve been waiting for. Ariel is finally having her story told and ohhhhhh what a story it is. Tristan the long lost prince has finally been able to return to the Winston Isles much to Ariel’s consternation. Attempts to his life and the King’s concern for him put Ariel in charge of his security and up close with he and his starlette fiancee. I ache for Ariel as she tries to keep her distance while keeping Tristan safe. There is so much going on with Tristan and his backstory that I was on the edge of my seat page after page. I can’t wait for the next installment of Ariel and Tristan’s story. Their chemistry is pure heat and I and after 10 years of misunderstandings they both deserve their “Happily Ever After.”

This book is pure gold dust. This is my favourite ever in the duets. Fantastic characters and writing, intricate fast paced plot this one is dynamite to read.

Book 1 of this duet, Return of the Prince was awesome, fantastic, OMG. First, I was so thrilled to see Ariel get her own story. And what a story. We finally find out why Tristan and Ariel landed up separating years ago and why their letters to each were not received. As always, Nana Malone gives you suspense, intrigue and all this with great romance. The book starts out slowly but eventually picks up steam with much finally revealed to the cliffhanger. She truly pulls on your heartstrngs for Ariel and Tristan. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for book 2 in this duet, To Love A Prince. I would give this book 10 stars if i was able to!!!

OMG! This book! These characters!The Secrets!

I should have known Ariel’s story would be epic. I should have anticipated that I would not be able to put this story down until the last page, and even then, disappointed that I don’t immediately have Book 2.

Most of the characters from previous books in this Royal world make an appearance, and it’s like having old friends over. The sense of family is strong and I absolutely love how they have each other’s back, no questions asked.

The usual mix of humor, romance, intrigue, and emotional angst that Nana Malone is known for is all present in this book. There are a couple of different story lines happening concurrently that kept me engaged and I cannot wait to see how they play out.

ARC received for honest review.

What a book! I cannot wait for the conclusion. I knew Ariel was a kick ass character from the moment she was introduced to us in Penny & Sebastian’s books & I’m so glad her book shows her strength.