Dear Jane,You’re a princess. I’m a thief. This isn’t a Disney movie. We never had a chance in hell of a happy ending. But I still wish I could have given you one.When we met, I had you pegged as a snob. All tiaras, polo matches and private jets. But you turned out to be the exact opposite. I fell for you the day we met.I lied to you about a lot of things. I don’t expect or deserve your … deserve your forgiveness. You’re too good for me. But I was always honest about my feelings for you.
I hope you’ll find true happiness one day.
I’m sorry—
Charlie
PS—don’t let your blackjack game go to crap. Practice it every day, all right?
The books in the THORNE MONARCHS series are STANDALONE stories and can be read in any order!
ROYAL RUIN: Kit & Emily’s book
ROYAL REBEL: Rob & Aly’s book
ROYAL ROGUE: Charlie & Jane’s book
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Charlie does have some sort of morals, “you kiss like you play blackjack, princess. Ruthlessly. Of course I want to come in. Which means I need to go. Tomorrow—tell me you’re free.” I really liked Jane’s attitude, “oh, we’re definitely going to bed, farm boy,” she replied. “But first I want to try one of these sandwiches. They’re all your mum’s recipes?” Charlie plants some good idea in his woman’s head, “…her hand creeping dangerously close to my crotch. “Happy,” I said, leaning in. “And horny. I say we own our title and take a little bathroom break.” I liked this book, I really loved Charlie
Princess Jane is just sorting through her life after a messy divorce and some subsequent wildness, slowly fitting the pieces of her life back together and discovering who the real Jane is. Charlie has an unavoidable career of conning rich, spoiled, badly behaving women out of money and possessions. He justifies it by believing they deserve to be separated from their wealth, so he doesn’t think twice about a con to steal a Warhol painting from Jane, having read about her post-divorce bad behavior in the tabloids. This last con will pay his debt and finally free him and his brother, but when he finds Jane is nothing like he assumed, the con and his freedom are at risk.
Having read Jane’s brothers’ books, I was eager to read an early copy of this book. If it seems like an improbable premise, a common thief and an heir to the throne falling in love, it is, unless you consider the Thorne siblings, and even the queen herself. For all their royalty, they’re still family. Boisterous and interfering but close knit and full of love. A family that anyone would envy and long to be part of, as Charlie soon finds out.
There was a lot to love about this book, which I’ll get to. My one criticism is with the sexy times. I know. I’m as shocked as you that I have an issue with it! Truthfully, it verged beyond romance and into erotica, and came uncomfortably close to porn, because many times it felt like the scenes were just there to add more sex. I’m hoping they were meant to show a growing connection and deeper emotion between Jane and Charlie, but for me they fell short. In fact, it wasn’t until the big crisis that I finally felt the deep, authentic, abiding love they had for each other.
On the plus side, we get this big, loveable bunch of royal Thornes who are endlessly endearing and delightfully entertaining. Who doesn’t love members of a royal family who cheat at Monopoly? Then there are the Princess Bride references which are as clever as they are heartwarming and take this book up a notch. Jane is fantastic – strong, good hearted and compassionate – and I loved watching her discover who she is and see her regain confidence and take a chance on love. But Charlie is the one I love the most, a guy with a huge heart who does the wrong things for the right reasons, trying his best to help his brother and get them out of an impossible situation. His inner conflict was real and I felt his turmoil right along with him as he struggled with himself. But the best part of the book was how the Thorne family interacted with Charlie. For a guy who never had much of a family, it was a strange, beautiful, awe-inspiring experience. I’ve definitely fallen for this royal family and recommend all of the royals in the Flings With Kings series.
This is my first Jessica Peterson book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
With so much attention on the British Royal family at the moment and the relaxation of outdated ‘rules’, the topic of this book fits right in.
Charlie stole my heart, I love how he tries to protect those he loves. Despite being a pretty strong woman, I’ve always wanted a big brother who would look out for me, and would totally go to bat for me when needed.
Jane took a little bit more warming up to for me, but I grew to like her once I got to know her character. Having seen a friend and a family member both go through a similar situation Jane went through with Michael, I was delighted she finally found herself.
The one negative for me in the book was the sex scenes, and I am pretty open minded when it comes to sex. The sexual acts where fine, the issue I had was with multiple uses of the ‘c’ word (can’t repeat it here). It is such a derogatory word and I found it quite a turn off.
Ending on a positive note, I loved the other Thorne family characters, particularly Jack. Their family get togethers reminded me of my family, especially the insults. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series, in fact I am off to download them now.
I didn’t think anything could top Royal Rebel. Rob’s story is one of my favorite reads from the beginning of 2018. Then came Jane and Charlie and I can’t choose a favorite.
When I read the blurb, I thought Charlie sucks and there’s no way anything can work out. Jane is a mark, how do you come back from that? I admit, I didn’t have faith that there could be redemption. Oh how wrong I was. I loved Charlie pretty much immediately. I didn’t care that he was a thief and a con man, even with all that, I didn’t think he needed redeeming. Talk about a change of heart!! Jane gave me all the feels. She’s strong and independent and pretty much who I want to be when I grow up. I loved absolutely everything about this book and everything about this family. I can’t wait to visit with them again!!
*This is my voluntary review of an advanced reader copy*
4.5 “Live in the lie” Stars!!!
I didn’t know what to expect. But then again, considering this was my first Jessica Peterson novel I reeeeeeally didn’t know what to expect. Here I was getting enthralled in this sweet, funny and adorable romance when, BAM, I was hit with emotion overload. Once those feels happened there was no stopping the more and more that came after.
Charlie is a con. He deceives people and becomes different personas to obtain what he’s after. Charlie didn’t want any part in the life he’s living. But in order to payoff an obscene debt that has more to do with his brother, he’s left no other choice. He’s presented a job that’ll in fact make the debt paid for. Charlie’s beside himself, knowing he’ll finally be free and ultimately his conning days will be over. Though, Charlie didn’t expect to be captivated by his mark. He didn’t expect to develop feelings towards her. And he most definitely didn’t expect to have to make the biggest decision of his life that would change everything.
Jane. Princess Jane has been through a very difficult divorce. She’s slowly trying to find herself. Learning things about herself she didn’t know. The biggest revelation is she doesn’t need a man to be happy. Jane always spoke her mind and that’s one of the things I liked most about her. She was also brave and strong. And just when Jane has found herself, here comes a tornado of man to obliterate all her senses and makes her question things she thought she tucked away.
Charlie and Jane were every bit different, but ironically they were one in the same. Both caring and kind and above everything, they’d both do anything for their family. I can’t even begin to say how much I loved these two. Their chemistry was of the charts. And it was undeniable how perfect they were made for each other. I couldn’t get enough and wanted more, more, more.
Royal Rogue was a very enjoyable read. Charming, witty, and fun. Filled with likable characters I couldn’t get enough of. Who knew that a thief with a heart of gold would steal mine? I didn’t see it coming, but I most certainly wouldn’t change a thing.
4.5 stars
I have been fascinated with everything royals since Princess Diana. Of course, my heart has been following her sons as well.
So, being able to read Royal Rogue was priceless!!! I have been waiting for Princess Jane’s story since Royal Ruin, I knew there was something about her and her past. Then we have Charlie….he’s trying to do what he can to help his brother but at what price?
I need more of these Royals!!!!
First, Charlie and Jane make me think of Cary Grant & Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief. Their flair. Maybe the chemistry of Audrey and Cary in Charade but a bit more X-Rated. 😉 I loved seeing Jane finding herself and meeting someone who loved her not her title. Charlie may be a con-artist but the only thing he will steal is your heart. I adored them and their story!! I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Charlie is sexy, charming, and would do anything for his brother. He never aspired to becoming a conman, but he has the acting skills to pull it off. But conning the wealthy, entitled, spoiled crowd in England is getting to be old. Conning Princess Jane could be his last score and set up him and his brother, and if the headlines are true, she might deserve it. Charlie quickly learns that Jane is nothing like he expected. She’s smart, warm, generous, giving, loyal, dedicated to helping women and girls, and knows her whiskey. Jane and Charlie have more in common than either expected and with chemistry that tests his resolve to keep her close yet retaining some distance. She pushes and challenges Charlie to see the world differently while he supports her and sees the woman instead of just the title and privilege. Their relationship is intense and leaves Charlie questioning everything. Jessica Peterson definitely created an intriguing, impossible, forbidden relationship with plenty of banter.
Boy did I love Royal Rogue! This book is why I read romance. We have a not so perfect hero in Charlie. He’s a con man. He didn’t set out to be one but life got in the way and this is where he ended up. He wants it to end and with one last job he can achieve that. He just needs to charm a princess named Jane and steal a painting. Sounds simple but that’s where our story really begins. Everyone always says not to judge a book by it’s cover and that is Jane in a nutshell. She has so many layers and has been badly bruised so she keeps herself tightly sealed. Charlie cannot help but be drawn in by the not so perfect princess. I loved getting to know these two. They are so good together even though we know that deceit and lies can only lead to a bad ending, the romance lover in me wants everyone to have an HEA! If you like your romance to have some heat, laughs and a tear or two this is the perfect book. Royal Rogue is written from dual POV and stands completely alone even though it’s the third book in the series. I haven’t read those yet but I am running to start them now!
I enjoyed Royal Rogue so much! We have a not so perfect hero in CharlieCharlie and his brother are in a situation, and Charlie is a con man. This isn’t how Charlie saw his life, but things happen and he found himself in this situation. He has and opportunity to end his con man days, and that involves Princess Jane and a certain item she has. Jane is such an interesting character, she’s had a rough time and doesn’t trust easily. Charlie is drawn to Jane. Sparks fly with this two and they are combustible together. I absolutely loved this story and we also have appearances from Jane’s family.
Wow.
At 51%, I shed a tear. I didn’t see how these two would get a HEA. Ever.
I should have had faith.
Charlie is a con man…Jane is his “mark”. But these two lit up something in each other, something that was missing, and changed paths for both of them.
Go read this. Why are you still sitting there?
The Thief and The Princess – Charlie enters Jane’s life to steal something away. Charlie is trying to help out family. He never expected to be knocked off his feet, throwing all pre-conceived notions out the door.
Jane is an English princess who rebels against the institution to which she was born. She’s tired of being used for money. She just wants a fairytale as much as she drags her feet about it.
Charlie and Jane have a palpable connection thats apparent from the get-go. I completely adored them. They are amazing lovers, the chemistry was so hot! Charlie is a complete dreamboat.
I felt major Ocean’s Twelve vibes, maybe it was the European flair! I was laughing out loud throughout this book. The characters we’ve met continue to own our hearts. Looking forward to more Royals.
This was such a fantastic read with a HEA. I love the story line and how well it was written. It’s not your just ooh met princess and fell in love blah blah blah it had a nice scheming plot with a touch of steamy scenes and defiantly filled with sass! I would 100% recommend this book!!!! Defiantly a MUST read
My heart was full as I read this book. Full of love, laughter, desire, terror, pain, and finally love. All the love. Princess Jane and Charlie earned all my love. And Jessica Peterson earned all my respect. I could not figure out how this book was going to end on a Happily Ever After. A Princess and a con man? Ridiculous. I kept running scenarios through my head as I read, but nothing seemed right. I love it when I can’t figure out how a book is going to end! And I love a HEA that is well earned. I love this royal world that Jessica Peterson has created! I’ll be waiting for my invitation to Sunday sandwiches and Princess Bride Monopoly.
4.5 Stars****Naughty Nobility at Its Best!
Royal Rogue is the perfect mix of angst, wit, scorching sex, and romance. This is a love story that pulled me into its rapture from the moment Jane and Charlie met. These two characters are both fun and fascinating. Their connection is genuine, intense, and bittersweet. How can a princess and a con ever have a happily ever after? That is the question I kept asking myself as their relationship built.
Charlie is a charming, handsome, observant man. He and his bother are working to keep their mother’s dream alive, even if that means conning rich targets to stay afloat. When Jane becomes his next target, Charlie is surprisingly intrigued and conflicted by his feelings for her. Is it possible for him to be worthy of Jane’s love? Essentially he must make a choice that will hurt someone he loves.
Jane is a determined, independent, and generous woman. She lost herself during her marriage and subsequent divorce. Since then she has been working on finding out who she truly is and what makes her happy. Just as she is getting comfortable in her own skin, she meets Charlie. Charlie is not at all what she expected. He doesn’t treat her like he is intimidated by or trying to impress a princess. Charlie seems to actually want to know her. The feeling is freeing and intoxicating. However, Jane doesn’t realize that Charlie is keeping a huge secret from her.
The evolution of Jane and Charlie’s relationship is rapid and fervent. The passion they feel is further heightened by the emotional connection they share. The love that awakens between Jane and Charlie is transformative. It makes them bold and brave. But are they brave enough to withstand the obstacles they must face? Ms. Peterson crafted a HEA that is both brilliant and authentic enough to believe.
Jane and Charlie may just be my favorite royal romance couple to date!
I love everything that this story is and isn’t! It’s not your conventional royal romance because Princess Jane is anything but your typical princess! She’s done that before! Been the all smiles, everything is sunshine and rainbows princess and she’s not doing that again!
While Jane is done with being someone she isn’t she is also done with men! She can’t trust her judgement and will not go through the pain of heartbreak again! What Jane doesn’t take into consideration is meeting Charlie!
I
Charlie is suave, charming and everything Jane has always wanted and more, but Charlie also has secrets of his own! Trying to protect his only family Charlie is taking part in something that could break both him and Jane and omg the pain of it all!
My heart fell for Charlie instantly I mean how can you not! He’s funny, smart and through the rough exterior a gentleman! But Jane she’s the star of this book! If you’ve read the previous two books you know she’s had a rough go at love! She was unsure and lost but in Royal Rogue she’s anything but lost and unsure! She takes everything in and is pushing herself to go out of her comfort zone! Shes ambitious, courageous and so strong! I love the Thorne family so much and can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in book 4!
When I started Rogue, I fully expected a RomCom. The emotion, depth, and love so bone deep caught me off guard!
My favorite thing in stories is when the H or h start as flawed characters- people we don’t like even- and we get to watch their growth over time. Charlie is kinda like that, except his character shines through even at his worst. He’s everything I love about Neal Caffry in White Collar and more (minus the extraordinary forgery skills. ).
Oh, and I’d be remiss not to mention Jane. She’s genuine. Strong. Independent. Classy- even if she prefers whiskey to champagne. And she’s good.
At 86%, I found myself slowing down my read…I didn’t want it to end!
Bravo, Jessica! You’ve definitely earned a new stalker-fan! I look forward to going back and reading all the rest!
This book was SO good! I found this author when she did a take over at a release party for another author I follow, and I won an e-copy of the second Flings With Kings book. Thats all it took, her writing style and sense of humor fit mine perfectly and she became my latest one click author. I immediately devoured her backlog. Her characters come right off the page. I totally got where Jane was coming from, having been divorced myself, it does take its toll and you feel like a screw up, like you failed in some way. And Charlie *sigh*. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the hero who has to do the wrong things for the right reasons. Thats real life, I don’t care who you are, we’ve all been there, I mean not stealing from rich people probably or anything that extreme, but I get it. He’s a bad boy with a great heart. The witty banter between them, and between Jane and Jack had me smiling throughout. Its a fantastic book from a great author, very well rounded with equal parts humor, heart and heat thrown in for a damn near perfect (in my eyes anyway) balance. This author has serious talent, I mean come on, there aren’t many (if any) books I’ve read that have what I’d call a romantically sweet but VERY sexy anal scene lol but she pulled it off magnificently! Their HEA will leave you closing your Kindle with a sigh and desperate for more of her words.