Stolen Princess (Royal Conquest Book 1)

What a crazy, beautiful, wild ride!!

I fell in love with Aerith and Jhaeros’ story in the Monster’s Ball anthology short and was ecstatic when I heard Nikki Jefford decided to continue their story. This is the first full length novel I’ve read by Nikki and I am hooked, on these characters and her writing. I loved seeing Jhaeros and Aerith’s adventure expand, and I absolutely adore Mel. This book is EVERYTHING!!

It’s a love story, an adventure, an intrigue, but most of all it’s addictive. From start to finish there isn’t a dull moment. The detailed and disruptive narrative of this book fully immerses the reader and makes the reading experience that much better.

I cannot wait to read the next book, and am eager to see where Hensley’s will lead. This book is definitely in my top 10 must read books of the year. #2018Top10MustRead

It was surprisingly good, which I didn’t expect at all. I wasn’t sure about this book before I read it, but the moment I started reading it, I can feel that it will be amazing. I was glad that it turns out to be a nice and beautiful story. Stolen Princess is the first book in the ‘Royal Conquest Saga’ series. This book are full of surprises, family drama, and plotting revenge. It was very intense.

The storyline was nicely done, and the whole thing about elves and faeries was amazing. I really dig the whole concept of elves, faeries, and humans. This book shows the differences between these three groups, and how their worlds are connected with one another. I truly liked the aspect of it actually. The author also included a small info on how elves and faeries travel to the human realm, and how humans travel to the supernatural realms, which was very rare to see in other books. I imagined the human realm in its modern era, the elven realm in its medieval era, and the faerie realm in its victorian era. That’s just how I picture the settings, and I’m sticking by it.

I was glad that there are mentions of the human realm, and how the elves and faes acknowledge it. Also, the concept of elves and faeries are so unique. The story shows a lot of differences between these two the most, and I totally get how these two groups doesn’t always get along with each other. And, from what I gather, the faeries are more vile compared to the elves. The elves are very clever, and definitely stubborn, but they know how to play dangerous games and win. To me, that makes the elves as much dangerous and intimidating as the faeries. This is the first book where I didn’t root for the faes.

The plot was amazing, and it has some twists in it too, which makes the story more intense and so interesting due to the amounts of surprises this book has. I totally didn’t expect any plot twist at all, hence the reason why I didn’t see the twists coming. Aside from that, the writing was also beautiful and very lyrical. I loved how smooth and steady the writing is. It keeps me connected to the story.

There wasn’t enough action in this book, the amount of action was very small but I find it satisfying somehow. It was very rare for a fantasy story to have very little action in it, like most fantasy books I’d read have so many high and intense actions. So seeing this book has little of it was truly surprising, but also nice for a change. As much as the lack of action kind of bothers me a little bit, I also enjoyed seeing Aerith and her in-laws (the faeries) playing their own cruel, wicked, and dangerous game to achieve their own goals. Seeing how they plan everything and how they play their games, it was very impressive. They’ve got some mad skills when it comes to it, and the games they’re playing at are very dangerous which makes the story more intense than it already is. I can see why this book doesn’t need heavy action to make the story intense, a bit complicated, and interesting. The whole politics of the royal faerie court was already intriguing enough to hold my interest.

The actions in this book are basically some swords training, a few short fighting competitions, and a few parts involving a little bit of magic. The swords training parts are my favorite. Magic doesn’t play a huge role in the story. So far the story introduced the fire magic which is an elemental magic, so I’m curious whether there are any elemental magic other than fire. Faerie magic also had an appearance in the story, but not too much…still, I find them quite amazing. The magic, the different realms, the cultures and traditions from each realms, everything was on point…Hence the reason why the world-building was so impressive. The story was on point, no filler contents which makes the pacing of the story fast. Everything are straight to the point, no delays at all. To me, this book gets it all right.

The characters are a mix of good and bad…but not bad as in “villainous bad,” just bad. The story doesn’t have any villains at all, it was just the brother and sister-in-laws playing a very dangerous game and did something really bad.

Aerith is the main protagonist of the story, one of the best heroine in a fantasy book. She has a strong mind, brilliant brain, and high intelligence. She can physically fight just fine, and doesn’t need anybody’s help at all. But, her intelligence is the most important thing in the story. Without it, she won’t be able to play her in-laws wicked games and survived. She went through a lot of tough challenges in her life; she had to left her life behind at the start of the story, all of the huge responsibilities are hers because she’s the eldest, and she had to face her wicked in-laws and fight for her own survival. All of this test only help her get stronger and turn her into someone that can’t be easily defeated. Aside for being clever and strong, she was also very patient. She has been very patient throughout the whole book, and slowly play her own game to eliminate her in-laws and their games. Her campaigne board does help put her game slowly in motion.

She’s a badass heroine, one who knows how to win. I really liked her character a lot, and she does have a nice attitude, and bright personality. The way she cares for her own people just shows how big her heart is. Aerith doesn’t have magic or any supernatural power, she just have her intelligence and her fighting skills, and that was enough to help her in any situations. This is why Aerith is one of the most unique heroine in fantasy books, because most fantasy books have heroines with magical abilities but not smart enough to get them out of any dangerous situations. Aerith is different, she’s tough and also smart enough to figure out everything, and find a way to free herself. She doesn’t need to rely on anyone at all, and she definitely isn’t a damsel in distress. I’m so thankful that the author display Aerith’s independency in this book. It helps make her character look more important, more intimidating, and mostly make her look strong instead of weak whenever she’s with her in-laws. Despite her little weakness and flaws, Aerith is a brilliant heroine and one of the best female protagonist.

Jhaeros is Aerith’s mate/lover, and he is my most favorite hero in the story. He came off as obnoxious, and the type who likes to show-off and look down on others which makes me feel so irritated by him. But I’ve come to love his character due to the change in his behavior. He has always been kind, but that side of him shine brighter whenever he was around Aerith. He was tough and much stronger than any male characters in the book so far. As much as he has to rely on his strength when it comes to protecting Aerith, he also has to rely on his intelligence. The things he did just to get back to Aerith and protect her was not an easy one. He had to make a plan and make it as good as it can be, just so he can reunite with Aerith again. His fast-thinking ability only add to the more reason why he wasn’t easy to get rid of. He was a nice gentleman, and is a very caring person. He was also a very dedicated man, and has strong determination. Jhaeros is a great hero, and to me there is no one that can beat him, he’s just the best ever.

The romance between Jhaeros and Aerith was very lovely. It was an enemies-to-lovers trope, as in two people who couldn’t stand each other slowly fall in love. These two basically irritated by each other’s presence at the start of the story, but a few months later Jhaeros and Aerith reunite and that’s when things start to changed for both of them. I loved how they take things slowly. Jhaeros treated Aerith with love and kindness, and he even willing to do so many sacrifices just to get her back. Aerith on the other hand fought so hard to be with him again. These two are the perfect match, and I’m glad things work out so well for them. The night of their reunion was pretty steamy and I really liked it. All the challenges they had to face was to test how much they love each other, and how strong is their loyalty to one another. I really loved these two, and their relationship was so beautiful. The build up to their romance was slow but realistic. They have a great chemistry, and their connection was strong that no one is able to permanently tear them apart. I just loved this powerful couple.

The story ended nicely. Although there is a continuation, the ending make it feel like it could be a standalone. I really liked how the author ended the story, where everyone get what they wants, and things are calming down and back to normal once again. I’m just glad everything works out for everyone, but I’m mostly happy for Jhaeros and Aerith for getting their HEA, these two really deserved to be happy together.

I enjoyed the whole story, and really loved the direction the author went for. I truly find this book so beautiful in so many ways. If you love a good story about elves and fairies, full of court intrigues and many surprises, and a lovely sweet but steamy romance featuring a strong and independent female protagonist, then I suggest you to pick up this book. It was a very entertaining tale.

Holy sweet berries!!! This plot was delectable!! This follows the novella from The Monster Ball anthology and it’s nothing like how you’d image the story to be! This was a surprising book filled with twists, turns and wonderful new characters!! With heaps of drama and danger you never know what will happen next! There are some steamy scenes that may make you rethink your thoughts about certain characters. Aerith goes through these highly dramatic encounters and yet she remains strong. She is tested at every corner and yet she retains her pure heart and her unstoppable desire to protect others. I wish we had had more of Jhaeros!! He really is one delightfully delicious dude! Liri has to be mentioned because we would not have a story without him!! He is one of those guys that you hate and you love, that both repels and yet draws you in! The best thing about this book is the way we perceive certain characters, we think we’ve got them pegged and then here comes a beautifully memorable scene and everything changes!! I love reading different point of views as it really gives us the hearts and minds of the characters! Ms. Jefford is such an amazing and mesmerizing author!! She gets into the details and she’s not afraid to give you the dialogue that inspires strong feelings from her characters. She takes you along this journey that keeps you captivated and those pages flying by!!

After reading the Monster Ball Anthology, I was dying to find out what happened to many of the characters after that exciting night filled with lust, revelations, and so much more. And one of the ones that most interested me was Aerith’s story. Her unexpected alliance with someone that surprised all of us carried on into the next book. And when she is called back to the faerie world to face her dead husband’s brother, she is forced into many frightening situations that show us not only her strength but her loyalty and bravery under the most dire of circumstances.

This one had me questioning what else she might have to face and why, after all she’s already endured, does she have to deal with more adversity. It was action packed and devious. I had no idea who she can trust and was surprised by the allies she gained and the ones who turned against her. It was simply an amazing and exciting story. Though there is no cliffhanger, there is another book coming in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading it.

Gah! All the love for this one!
Stolen Princess is the continuation of Nikki’s short story “Enemies and Lovers” featured in The Monster Ball anthology. Aerith and Jhaeros’ story continues to be thrilling and entrancing, full of sexy moments and all kinds of twists. Longtime Nikki fans will not be disappointed, and new readers will discover a great rad, whether they start with Stolen Princess or decide to check out the Spellbound Trilogy, the Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter series, or the Wolf Hollow Series first. I highly recommended all of them, but Stolen Princess is absolutely my new fave of Nikki’s (admittedly, I say this whenever I dive into a new Nikki read).

I fell in love with Aerith and Jhaeros in Enemies and Lovers which is part of The Monster Ball Anthology. I was thrilled when Nikki announced her plans for a continuation of her story. Stolen princess picks up right where the story left off and it sucks you in from the beginning. We only got a glimpse at Mel before but I was glad to see she had a bigger role in this book. The book is fun, sexy, dark, romantic, magical and it’s full of twist that keep you at the edge of your seat. I definitely recommend it to any one who loves magic and the supernatural.

After reading the prequel Novella to this phenomenal new series from Nikki Jefford in The Monster Ball Anthology I was so excited to read Aerith’s story.

When Nikki announced the Stolen Princess as a follow up I seirosuly did a little happy dance and Nikki certainly didn’t disappoint me with this. I am now completely hooked on this new series.

I loved how this was told from multiple POV instead of just from Aerith’s POV, It works well making this instalment flawless. There are some really clever twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages waiting to see what happens next.

I lloved seeing more of Aerith’s sister Mel and I’m really hoping she gets her own story, she is a seriously kick ass girl who’s sass I simply adore.

I can’t wait to see what Nikki brings us next in this Duology.

3.5 Cranky Stars

Aerith is an elf. She’s a true riches to rags back to riches story. She enters a competition to be the next Fae queen despite her protests. Her skills with a bow and arrow are amazing and really all the prince wanted was someone to protect him from his own treacherous family. When things don’t go so well, she lands back in her realm and in her fathers home. A father who took the stipend that was given to him for marrying off Aerith and spent in on useless things. Now he’s trotting her around like prized cattle at auction to maintain his lifestyle. When Aerith is summoned to the Monster Ball she is certain it is Liri but it wasn’t. Its here she meets Jhaeros an elf who courted her sister at one time and is an arrogant prat according to Aerith. They share a night and she becomes his intended. Yet there is so much going on in Aeriths world she can’t keep up and the past is bound to catch you especially when it’s an all powerful fae.

Oh boy what can I say? I was confused like seriously and that doesn’t happen often. I mean I love the fae and elves and all magical creatures, but this was like ok we are going there and now here. One plot was basically summed up by chapter three and it only got more confusing from there. Then we throw in a wicked sister, a dad who uses his daughter for gains, a rebellious teen, an arrogant suitor, and a ruthless king. We also added a couple different POV suddenly in this book. I felt that if maybe we stuck to one plot bunny, we could have a great story on our hands and maybe it was intended to be this big epic story. It almost felt like two stories in one. Also I know fantasy has no real rules but I was assuming this was set in the times of horses and carriages and where a woman’s virtue was protected at all cost until marriage yet they had modern vernacular. See confusing. I was so close to giving it a four but I think unless you actively read this have some time on your hand and enjoy having to slowly follow the plot or plots this just might be for you.