From New York Times Bestselling Author, Claire Contreras, comes a new, sexy, 100% stand-alone novel . . . If you had any ties to Marbella, it was impossible for you not to have heard the stories about Prince Elias and his debauchery. Every summer he arrived with his security detail and friends in tow and rented out a row of cottages near the water. Cottages that belonged to my family. Each of … family.
Each of those summers, my parents sent me away – summer camp and later, boarding school. Anything to keep me away from the royals and their partying.
I hadn’t been home in years, but when I finally come back for the summer, I see that not much has changed. Like all the summers I’d been gone, Prince Elias is back, but this time with an incognito security detail and no friends. This time, there is no partying, no noise, no crowds. No reason at all to even think he was there.
I’m given strict orders not to talk to him, not to even look in his direction, but he makes this an impossible task. I may be doing everything in my power to stay away from him, but there is no one in the world who can say no to the future King of France.
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I got so lost in “The Sinful King” that I had to ask Google to confirm whether or not France still had a monarchy. LOL! Seriously. I began doubting my limited knowledge of European history somewhere around the 20% mark of TSK, and I sorta blame Claire Contreras for it. She wrote a damned good tall romantic tale.
It also seemed like Contreras took a peek inside every romantic notion I had about royalty. Crowned Prince Elias was everything I thought royal heirs would be: hot, intense, progressive thinker, aloof, loyal, and misunderstood. Book heroine, Addie, hit a bit of a videographic (emphasis on “graphic”) snafu, and almost became the next Kim Kardashian or Vanessa Hudgens. She’s a professional event planner, based in London, and had to hide away in Marbella, France to avoid the London crowd. I don’t really understand why Elias and Addie were drawn to each other. For him, it seemed like lust at first tangle (which should’ve snuffed the initial lust out, but she had magical powers, I guess?). For her, he was unattainable; ergo, she tries to resist, but…. nah.
I really liked how “The Sinful King” took me far, FAR away from reality, and drew me into a love story that was sooooooo far fetched, but, dang, it made me believe. When I reached the end, though, that’s when reality threw a really heavy bucket of ice, cold water on me: I suddenly remember all those YouTube videos that Lindsay Holiday made and that I binge-watched like crazy last month. All the in-breeding amongst the European royals? Phew. Let’s just say that Contreras’ amazingly hot and half-naked cover model made me happy that the author’s incredible prose thwarted me from reality.
And, please allow me to insert a not-so-related topic here: I cannot freakin’ wait for the next installment in Contreras’ Half Truths series!
Okay, I’m done. Go get “The Sinful King,” and be as swept away from erryday problems, y’all.
Dreamy. That’s the best way to describe Claire Contreras’s The Sinful King. This royal romance is all kinds of sweet and and sexy. Adeline and Prince Elias, future king of France, have such a great connection. Instant and intense.
I live for the longing and the angst. Claire Contreras does a great job building the tension. The fight between duty and desire really tugged at the feels.
I don’t read many royal romances but I really enjoyed The Sinful King. This fast paced, addicting, swoony read is a must.
Adeline and Elias first meet when she’s 18. She gives him her innocence and then doesn’t see him again for years. She hadn’t realized who he was when she first met him, but when she saw his picture the next day and realized he was Prince Elias. Yep. Now years later, they’re both in town and their chemistry hasn’t waned, in fact, has intensified. But their circumstances still haven’t changed – he’s royalty and she’s a mere commoner. It could absolutely never work…Or could it?
I love royal romances, and this one’s a great one. Adeline and Elias have a passionate connection and make such a great couple. I love how hard they fought to be together, to stay together and how hard Elias works near the end to make things right with his love. This is a downright swoony royal love story!
Ms. Contreras drew a wicked picture of a France that still had a king. I really liked the way “The Sinful King” played with how this country might look today if the monarchie still existed. I loved the plot in total and her writing was as good as I expected it to be from previous books I read. Some of the dialogues I read in this story are sure to make their way into lists with favorite book quotes – of that I am sure…. as they were pretty swoon-worthy.
And honestly, this is also why I do not fully understand my own reaction to the book. At first sight, it really had everything I love – yet I was not able to really go with the flow … I tried very hard to love the characters and to feel with them but I could not bring myself to more than a LIKE no matter how hard I tried. …
Why? Well, I thought hard about that and the only thing I can think of is the beginning of the book. The book starts off in a way that I can not connect to. I could not understand the way the female lead (re)acted – I naturally understand the allure of mystery and attraction at first sight but I couldn’t follow these specific characters on their journey. And when the story really picked up a few years later after that opening chapter I struggled with one of the most basic facts that would not leave my mind – and when such a detail is burned in my brain I simply can not rid myself of it and it follows me questioning far too much of a plot. – With as little as possible spoiler, I would describe my “problem” with … “As a future King of France you should be able to get any information that you really want at any given time” and I will leave it at that .
But these issues are probably really only my personal problem and others will not mind them at all. As I said the plot itself is a pretty good and interesting read that will keep the readers hooked.
Oh I love a fairy tale with a gorgeous Prince and the beautiful woman that he falls in love with and has to have. It’s just that the unbelievably hot Prince also happens to be quite grumpy and did I mention is in line to be the next King of France very soon! Oh and one other thing the King wants the Prince to marry asap!!!! Well I guess I would be grumpy too. Prince Elias and Adeline have some history. They met briefly 5 years ago, but Addie is convinced he wouldn’t remember and is playing it that way. And the way he responds initially, yup he is not so nice. But slowly we start to see the real side of Prince Elias and he is the absolute definition of swoon and romantic. Adeline really doesn’t stand a chance in trying to convince herself or Elias that it’s not a good idea for them to stay together even if they do have insane chemistry. I love Elias sister Pilar and can’t wait for her book. Addie’s friends are great. Overall this is a wonderful, feel good, romance that will easily be your next 1 click!!!
This book is a Super Hot Fairytale of a sexy prince who becomes King of France and falls in love along the way. I loved these characters they were real people with real lives but with the whole royalty thing thrown in. Prince Elias has been groomed to be King by his family but sees the changes that need to be made, the world isn’t the same as when his father became King. Adeline is failing at living up to her father’s expectations and seeking her mother’s approval. Lots of drama and angst bring these two together and also threaten to keep them apart. I enjoyed the romance between these two with the pomp and circumstance of the royals and also the quiet behind the limelight times they enjoyed.
4.5 Stars
This book was so much more than I thought it would be. I really enjoyed The Sinful King and found myself reading as fast as I could.
Adeline and Prince Elias met a long time ago at a party. Years later and these two still think about each other. Adeline is getting away from home to try and get past a scandal. She never thought she would see Elias again and that pull still be there. These two had a connection that was strong and so sweet.
The Sinful King was full of romance and angst and I loved every minute of it. This is a book you want to make sure you read.
Sinfully sweet royal romance that will sweep you away into the kingdom of Marbella and all that entails.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I opened TSK. Of course I knew CC was going to pull me in with her flawless storytelling ability, but I really had no idea what I was in for.
Prince Elias and Adeline heat up the pages from the beginning. We already know how this will turn out since his priorities and obligations are to his country, but what if he could change that? What if he could have them both. Fall in love and find a way to keep her by inserting her into his world.
Farfetched? Sure. Sexy and forbidden and swoon worthy? Absolutely. The angst is fairly light considering all the events that take place but CC still manages to pull it off and keep us paying attention until the very end. I enjoyed every bit of this romance and am in hopes a couple of these characters may one day get a story of their own.
An epic royal romance!
There should be a picture of this book under the definition of a royal romance. It exudes passion, complications, and regalness. I adored Adeline and Prince Elias’ story. These two have chemistry in spades, and the book draws you in from the very beginning. Prince Elias is brooding, secretive, and very princely. Adeline is innocent, smart, and has lots of spunk. I loved everything about the book, and I know you will too! Don’t miss this one!
A great modern day royal romance!!! Claire Contreras gives readers another great sweet read!! Elias and Adeline have great chemistry and a great story!!
It gives all the feels to doing what everyone thinks you should do versus doing what truly makes you happy!! All the expectations on Elias as future king and king and him truly following his heart to happily ever after!! As Adeline grows within herself to make herself happy!! I really enjoyed this book!
This book deserves way more than 5 stars, this book was jaw dropping perfection. I could not put this book down for even a second. Claire Contreras just wrote the best royal romance book ever.
Elias is mine, MINE!!!! I am not kidding when I say that I am obsessed with this book. This book made me swoon, smile, cry, get mad, and then swoon again. I just love how these characters were so well explained and written, I loved how this was a book about love, taking chances, and fighting for the ones you love. Elias and Adeline were two people who are so different from each other yet they needed each other to make their lives whole.
Elias is the next king of France, he is expected to be with someone like him. I loved how strong and big hearted Elias was, he isn’t someone who can be controlled. Adeline was the best character of the book, I loved how determine and sassy she was. When these two meet it’s as if time stops, these two are pure fire together.
This book was everything, like I said…. this deserves way more than 5 stars. Claire Contreras just wrote a book that made it into my “favorite books of all time” list!!!!
Lighthearted, fun steamy read.
Insta attraction, meet under unconventional means and oh yeah he’s a royal!
What happens in this story you’ll have yon read and find out. It was a little over the top for me but it’s was a good lazy day read!
3.5 stars!
Perfect read for lovers of the modern royalty trope.
I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did.
Highly recommend this sweet and sexy treat!
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 4/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 4/5
Secondary Characters~ 4/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 4/5
Addictiveness~4/5
Angst~ 4/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 4/5
Theme or Tone~ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4/5
Originality~ 4/5
Ending~ 4/5
Book Cover~ GORGEOUS
Series~ stand-alone
Source~ Kindle eBook – ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
I am bowing down to Claire Contreras right now! This story completely captivated me, in every sense of the word. Claire Contreras took a fairly common story line of royals falling in love with those that tradition dictates they shouldn’t and completely giving it a unique and utter brilliant twist! From page 1 until the very last word I was undeniably consumed with this story.
I fell in love with Adeline’s strong resilient nature, her nurturing soul, and above all valuing her self-worth.
And then there is Elias…goodness gracious this man! He puts every royal, fictional or real, to shame! This stunningly gorgeous man with a huge heart stole mine completely out of my chest. He made me swoon, he made me laugh, and he made me fall head-over-heels in love with both Adeline and himself. Together, there was no denying the intense spark and chemistry between Elias and Adeline. They fit perfectly together, like finding the missing puzzle piece to your soul.
This storyline was unique, fun, and absolutely swoon-worthy. If you don’t have at least one moment throughout this book when you put your hand to you heart and just fall deeply in love, you didn’t read it right. While there are many moments in this book that I did just that, Claire also made me feel many other emotions. She certainly brought me on a rollercoaster, but it’s one I would ride time and time again. From the lead hero and heroine, to the secondary characters whom I love very much, to the original storyline, and so much more, I loved every moment that I was immersed in this world.
Bravo Claire Contreras, I cannot wait to see where these characters go as you tell others stories! A massive 5 crowns!
I call this book a sexy fairytale. It has a hero, a PRINCE to drool over, some steamy scenes I’d not recommend read in public *fans herself*, a great story arc that warms-up your heart and what I love most – Ms Contreras’ brilliant writing that makes her romance books more ‘romance’ and unique and so easy to read. As much as I enjoyed The Sinful King, there was something quite missing and that something being a glue that would help me connect to the story fully. I cannot tell you what I mean by the ‘glue’ specifically. The characters, plot, pace… Everything seemed great! I think this book was just like the Eiffel Tower for me. Beautiful outside, steady, having many admirers… But just like a visitor, after you’ve seen it, you go home. You don’t dwell. However, if you enjoy royal romances with the right amount of steam and heroes that are so swoon-worthy that you start to toy with the idea of divorcing your SO, you need to read this!
Title: The Sinful King
Author: Claire Contreras
Series: Stand-alone
Rating: 4.5 stars
The Sinful King is Ms. Contreras’s latest stand-alone novel. I love royal romance stories and let me tell you, this one did not disappoint. Full of banter, tension, hot as hell chemistry, The Sinful King will take you on a wild ride!
Prince Elias was the perfect hero-hot, charming, and used to getting what he wants. He has been vacationing in the same spot for years when he comes across a girl that he just knows is different. One night changes it all. Now years later, they meet again and the fireworks are still there. Too bad though that she is just a commoner…or so she thinks.
I loved this story so much! It was unputdownable! Ms. Contreras did an amazing job with the storyline and making the characters believable. Highly recommend reading it!
When The Royals play, and Mrs. Contreras writes.. FEEL WARNED : You might need say goodbye to Your poor bookish heart.
I just can’t get enough of The Sinful King and this author !!! Maybeee I just started to have a little obsession problem ? Can’t lie…. Mrs Contreras has taken me for one of the best ride with The Royal Family ever!!!! I know… my words won’t be too much original right now BUT I really couldn’t put this BEAUTIFUL, BREATHTAKING and HEARTWARMING book down. The Sinful King is EPIC… and masterpiece with capital M !
Mostly, I’m a very slow reader, BUT I devorued TSK in the speed of the freaking light !!!! Claire hasn’t only write THIS book – she created Her own magic around me. I fall.deeply in love with Elias and Addy. They were so amazing together !!!!! And their chemistry… gah it was over the charts !!!!!! (And make this story even more sinfuly delicious)
In The Sinful King, for me, Mrs. Contreras created love-story-perfect. I adore the way how she lead Her characters thru the whole book. Every ups, downs, twists were mixed at the finest !!! From the very first lines – I knew – reading this book will be amazing journey, and the biggest pleasure. Of course, there were some hard moments to survive BUT…. it was the right dose of drama.
Absolutely MUST READ title !!!!! Grabby Hands Ladies!
5 “I Want You Always” stars!
Prince Elias is the future king of France, and the most eligible bachelor in the world. He and his brother are known as notorious playboys, but Elias has been groomed and prepared to be king his entire life. He’s under a lot of pressure, and for him everything is about tradition, duty, responsibility, and appearances. He lives in Paris, but looks forward to his summers in Marbella. It’s the only time he can escape the tabloids and paparazzi, and relax. He loves being out of the spotlight, and is intrigued by a woman named Adeline. She’s stunning, and he likes how honest and real she is. They share a connection, but his life belongs to the monarchy.
Adeline Bouchard was born in Marbella but grew up in the states in Connecticut. She attended boarding school and then college, and now lives and works in London where she owns and runs her own event planning company. She arrived in Marbella for the summer to help her uncle with his bookstore. She hasn’t been back in five years, but is looking forward to some down time. Her family owns and rents out their villas on the beach, and every summer the royals arrive. This includes the charming, insanely gorgeous, intense Elias who is preparing to takeover the crown. When he begins to pursue her, she knows she should stay away from him, because they could never have a future together. He’s a man she can never have, but she still wants him. When things between them turn complicated will she be forced to let him go, or will she get her fairytale ending?
The Sinful King by Claire Contreras is a romantic royals standalone story full of chemistry, angst, love, and dreamy delicious princes. I loved this book, and fell hard for Elias! I need more in this world, and would love a story for prince Aramis too!
This king is definitely sinful! But also sad. Elias has the weight of the world on him but Adeline seems to make it a lot better. If only they were part of the same world… He is intense and cocky. He knows and takes advantage of the little control he has, and because of that you will feel he is a bastard. He will get you mad but still, you will love him. It can’t be help. The author did a great job at giving him enough of an excuse for his behavior, for you not to be disappointed in him. Plus I have to applaud Adeline for her common sense and control. To be in her position with so much uncertainty is heartbreaking. But she is a queen at heart even when she is a commoner. I loved this book to the point of staying up so late reading it, that the next day at work I was a zombie.
**** 4.5 Royal Stars ****
I am not necessarily a fan of royal romances. There, I said it. BUT…When author Claire Contreras writes a book that is a royal romance AND a second chance romance AND a real Cinderella story, I say that I am all in. Triple play for the win, Claire.
I liked Adeline right off the bat. I mean, who hasn’t done things that they wish had never happened? She’s taken herself off to Marbela, the place that feels like a home away from home for her, and is giving the tempest some time to cool down. Adeline is all about doing her thing, and telling it like it is. Yep, even when she’s trash talking the heir to the throne of France, who just happens to be listening.
Was Elias my favorite from the get-go? Well, sure, he’s hot, but not always the nicest guy. But he grew on me. I mean, it can’t be easy to be ‘on’ all of the time, always in the public eye. All he wants is to be the leader that his country needs, while still following his heart. And his heart (and, yep, all of those other parts) wants Adeline.
I was hooked from the beginning of THE SINFUL KING, highly entertained, and rooting for these two to make things work their way. And not only was this book the perfect addition to my TBR, the writing, the characters, and the storyline all combine to create a world that I can’t wait to visit again. If you’re a fan of royal watching, you will love THE SINFUL KING, so make sure to pop it in you’re reading line-up and enjoy.