CROWN CHASER, KINGMAKER, POSER, PRETENDER, WANNABE HEIRThey had it all wrong.I never wanted to rule the world; all I wanted was her.But they couldn’t see past my bad reputation, so they forced us apart.That was ten years ago, and I’ve grown up.I’m still a rebel.I’m still reckless.But I’m also ruthless.Determined.And I have even bigger balls.So, when I find out she’s in trouble, I have to help … balls.
So, when I find out she’s in trouble, I have to help her.
It doesn’t matter that she hates me.
She’ll get over it.
Fighting for her is what I was born to do.
I never wanted to rule until she needed me to, and this time I won’t stop until I get what I want.
If they think I will…
They have it all wrong.
more
This was my first book in the Royals series and it had me hooked. Spencer and Liz’s story is surrounded by lies, secrets, chaos and drama. As lives are on the line Liz must seek the help of the first man to ever break her heart. As Spencer finally has the opportunity to be at the side of Liz he will do anything and everything to protect her even letting her know that walking away all those years ago wasn’t because he didn’t love her, but quite the opposite. As deals are struck and hearts are intertwined their story will have you captivated and on the edge of your seat right to the very end.
Wannabe Heir by Kim Karr is the third book in her latest series, The Royals . The underlying intrigue taking place in the fictional royal world is slowly building with each standalone romance in the series but this book puts much of the danger into perspective and provides some history to the troubles also. The family dynamics or lack thereof in this story might just make your heart bleed for Liz and for the truth that Spencer will soon learn.
Liz and Spencer’s story is slightly dark and twisty, sexy with underlying intrigue and drama. Told in dual pov with a happily ever after. I loved this and cannot wait for more of these wonderful, fictional royals! Enjoy!
I love these royal books! Wannabe Heir was a great addition to the series.
Liz is there to support her brother at his wedding when she gets cornered and can’t believe what she hears. How could her father do that to her?!?!
Forced to marry to get her father out of his gambling hole? She does what she can to buy herself time…says she is already married!
Spencer has been called many things by the press. None of them true. When he sees Liz again and finds that they are “married” he goes with it to help Liz.
Will these two be able to move on from the past to make a way for the future? Will the secrets of past come help them have a future?
This was a great book! I truly love this series and can’t wait for the next one!!
4.25 Stars
Liz and Spencer.
Both royal ‘kids’ from the Vespa Isles.
She’s the daughter of a royal who is ultra-deep in debt with the gambling mafia – so daddy needs her to marry this über-rich idiot royal Count Godfrey. The billionaire royal idiot wants to be King of Marvella – where the royal family was killed over twenty years ago.
But Spencer might have a thing to say against that. He’s Liz’s first love. But after how things ended with them almost ten years ago – she now hates him. Poor Spencer will have his hands full saving the the love of his life and his own family and kingdom!
LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN…
Well, this was adorable & exciting & sexy!
It’s been a long while since we last heard about those royals – so I pretty much forgot EVERYTHING! And all the names and kingdoms and islands and family relations mentioned in the first chapters … that was a bit much for me. I still couldn’t keep them sorted in my weird brain anyway!
BUT – it’s totally okay – we only need to know about Liz and her dark prince Spencer!
And they were adorable. Lovers-to-enemies-to-frenemies-to-lovers-to-frenemies-to-happily-ever-after??
I already started crying in the prologue!
Lots of heartbreaking and exciting moments for us to survive until we can get that HEA!
I really enjoyed reading this third book.
Can’t wait to see what the next royal will be up to in the 4th book!
(It will be Liz’s ex Julius!)
What I didn’t love? This story was a bit short. It could’ve been a bit longer with more detail and more depth to things. It was all a bit fast and a little silly at times. Also – I HATE Spencer’s earring. That is not wild or sexy or anything good. A diamond stud in a guy’s ear is just yucky!
And the other thing I didn’t like about the book – or these three books. The cover guys. They might be hot in normal life – but the photographer must’ve been drunk when he gave the instructions to pose – especially with the guy from book #2 – he was the worst!!! That finger-to-mouth idiot pose??? Porny and ridiculous. And the other two covers are not much better with all that hair product and the cheap porn look in their eyes. Sorry – no offense intended – that’s just my opinion – but really… do you like those covers? Look at book 2 please and tell me how that’s sexy?!!!!
→ WANNABE HEIR was an adorable & fun & exciting & sexy Royal Romance!!
Run to your nearest amazon for your own Spencer – this one is MINE!!!!
ARC received for an honest review
It is always a good day when a new Kim Karr story turns up on your kindle.
It has been ages since I have delved into the world of the royal families of the Vespa Isles, so I have completely forgotten most of everything that has happened – though I did remember the gambling storyline that has followed through all the stories so far.
Liz and Spencer are royal kids of these families, and now they are paying for their family’s sins/failures. Gah, that made me mad. These people – especiallly Liz’s mum and dad are just horrib.e, and I wanted to scream at them, or push them off their yacht. This is the 21st century, not the middle ages hahah
I do adore Liz and Spencer though – theirs has been a complicated relationship over the years, and watching them duke it out to get to where they are at the end of the book is enjoyable.
This was a light, fun and quite short read. I smiled, I shed a tear or two and really liked reading it.
I am now looking forward to book 4 -the story of Liz’s ex.
WANNABE HEIR is the third instalment in Kim Karr’s contemporary, adult THE UNKNOWN ROYALS erotic, romance series focusing on the fictional royal families of the five Vespa Isles off the coast of France. This is Prince Spencer Lexington of Catalina, and twenty-six year old, Princess Elizabeth Taylor Laurent’s of Eastwood, story line. WANNABE HEIR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Liz and Spencer ), and several third party ‘media’ observations WANNABE HEIR follows the acrimonious relationship between Prince Spencer Lexington of Catalina, and twenty-six year old, Princess Elizabeth Taylor Laurent. At the wedding of her brother Prince Truman to his beloved wife Rachel, Princess Elizabeth aka Liz will discover that all is not well in the Kingdom of Eastwood. Deep in debt, owing millions to the mob, Elizabeth’s father has struck a deal ensuring our heroine’s life is no longer her own but Elizabeth isn’t willing to go down without a fight dragging her past into her present in the hopes of stopping her inevitable future. Enter Prince Spencer Lexington, the man who destroyed Liz’s heart, and in doing so destroyed any hopes for her own happily ever after. What ensues is the rebuilding and second chance relationship and romance between Spencer and Liz, and the potential fall-out as her father’s past comes seeking payment due.
Ten years earlier Princess Elizabeth Laurent fell in love with Prince Spencer Lexington but Spencer walked out of Elizabeth’s life leaving a heart broken young royal in his wake. Fast forward to present day wherein life comes full circle and Spencer offers Liz a potential solution to her life-altering dilemma, a solution that will reveal more than anyone could have imagined.
The relationship between Elizabeth and Spencer is one of second chances: a rekindling romance between to people pulled apart by power and control, and a brother’s need to protect his sister at all costs. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Spencer and Liz’s parents; Spencer’s sister Camilla ; family friend Oksana; Prince Truman and Rachel; Victoria and Adrien (Washed Up Royal#1) and Count Godfrey Hawkins.
WANNABE HEIR is a story of family, power, secrets and lies; of second chances and happily ever afters. The premise is imaginative and intriguing; the romance is spicy and seductive; the characters are spirited and edgy. WANNABE HEIR in an inviting and sensual addition the Kim Karr’s series of Unknown Royals.
Fight or flight, we’ll in this case to love or run. Princess Elizabeth is looking toward a horrible future when her past comes in to provide a not only a viable solution but the path for her heart.
Spencer never forgot the untouchable girl he met and fell hard for 9 years ago. Now he gets to save the dms3l nd maybe his future.
This book has the happily Ever after with both a prince and princess and some really steamy trysts in the castle. Danger, intrigue and murder plots fill this book to the brim with excitement!
A must read!
Thank you Give Me Books and the author for an advanced copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Wannabe Heir
By: Kim Karr
*REVIEW*
I have always loved royal fiction, so I could not resist reading Wannabe Heir. This story is part of a series, but I read it fine as a standalone. Princess Liz is in a terrible situation thanks to her pathetic father. She is a pawn, tasked with something that should not be asked of her, but her family is at stake. Liz does not have much of a choice. An old flame, Prince Spencer, enters her life again after ten years. He broke Liz’s heart back then, so she has no use for him now. Spencer still loves Liz, and he may be the answer to her prayers. Does Liz love Spencer? It is a royal ruckus filled with drama, romance, laughter and tears. I found this story delightfully entertaining and compulsively readable. The characters were likeable. Liz was a feisty sassy heroine, and I loved her independent spirit. Spencer was brooding but warm and loving under that tough exterior. Together, they could be dynamite, but are they meant to be? You will just have to read this book and find out for yourself!
Overall Grade:
To say that I’ve been waiting patiently for Kim Karr’s Wannabe Heir is an understatement. I found Kim Karr with her Men of Laguna series (if you haven’t read it, you should… hot, stubborn male heroes). From there, I indulged in her ReWined series. Then, she began writing her Royals series, and I was hooked. From Victoria and Adrien to the Prince Harry look-a-like Maximilian, I’ve been lost in her royals’ stories. Now, Wannabe Heir has landed. This is a second chance romance with a fake husband/forbidden best friend’s sister story.
Princess Elizabeth “Liz” Taylor Laurent finds herself in a bit of a quandary. Her father has amassed a great debt due to gambling, and his solution is promising her to the dastardly Count Godfrey Hawkins. Using his wealth, he attempts to blackmail Liz into marrying him. Under duress, she tells him that she’s already married to Spencer Lexington, Prince of Darkness. Liz and Spencer share a past. He’s the one man she gave her firsts to, and she has never fully moved past him because he left her life without an explanation. Mulling her options, she finds herself gambling in a casino after the offer from the Count as a way to make back the money for her father’s debt. Also, gambling in the casino is Spencer, and he notices her immediately. In fact, we find out that Spencer has never forgotten his time with Liz. However, there are complications from their time together and keeps him at arm’s length…at least until he feels the need to save her from the Count. One of those ways is acting as her husband. Will Spencer save the day and find his HEA with Liz, or is she doomed to become the Countess Hawkins?
I wasn’t sure how to approach this review, to be honest. I think of the three Royals stories, this is my least favorite. And I hate writing that. I had been waiting for this book because I like the intertwined stories of this series of standalones, but something was missing in this story. While I swooned over the first two books, throwing myself into them emotionally, there was a disconnect with this one. I’ve been reflecting on it, and I think these might be some of the reasons:
The story is solid. If you love a second chance romance with a fake husband/forbidden best friend’s sister plot twist, this will fill your need.
Spencer and Liz are solid characters. I don’t know that I felt the emotional pull that I’ve felt between the first two couples in this series. I think the issue lies in the complicated networks of characters and connections. Karr provides an explanation of the different islands and people before the story begins, but there were times when I couldn’t remember or found myself confused over the various connections. This makes the story convoluted in moments. Even more, there is a part of me that was discouraged with Spencer’s willingness to give up Liz in their youth. He blames it on “bro code” but it feels as though “bro code” ran out after his friendship with Liz’s brother, Truman, breaks his friendship with Spencer. We find out that he has been pining, to a certain extent, for Liz for a decade, yet he kept his distance. I struggled with this knowledge. If he truly loved her as he suggests, it seems as though nothing should have kept him from her, especially Truman. It seems he could have reasoned more vehemently with Truman. However, this situation is necessary for Karr’s story, so it’s important to suspend our disbelief, I suppose.
There is something about the narrative of this story. There were times when it felt like there was space between the moments. It didn’t flow like the first two books, and I was bewildered by it. Maybe it was my reading of it. Maybe I placed huge expectations on it because I had loved Washed Up Royal and Would Be King immensely. I’m not sure, but the storytelling, the linear nature of the story, felt broken in places. And I couldn’t’ understand why Spencer’s guardian/nanny from his youth kept his secret identity. It should have been divulged earlier in his life. That was confusing to me, as well.
The ending is sweet, though. It doesn’t take a genius to know that Spencer and Liz have a happy ending, and the way in which Karr presents it, it makes up for all my misgivings about parts of the story.
Would I recommend this book? Indeed. I think this is a case of the reader wanting more when it wasn’t necessary. You will fall in love with Spencer and Liz even in their stubbornness and self-sabotage. Even though I read this as an ARC for an honest review, and I felt conflicted with certain aspects of Kim Karr’s Wannabe Heir, I couldn’t put it down. As each page passed, I felt compelled to keep going, I worried over Spencer and Liz’s plight, and I needed their reconciliation. That is probably all that is necessary to understand about Kim Karr’s book. You may think it will let you down, but, in the end, it will leave you with a cavity from its sweet ending.
I am in love with this series, which is really weird for me because I’ve never been into anything royal before. But there’s something about these Vespa Isles that I can’t get enough of.
I think Spencer might be my favorite hero so far. There’s just something about a bad boy I can’t resist, and throwing in the fact that he’s a royal only makes it better. He’s edgy, dangerous, brooding, and actually quite amazing. You’d never think he was such a sweetheart underneath all that sexy, gruff exterior. And believe me, he definitely knows when not to be so sweet.
Liz is the perfect match for Spencer. Just as defiant as he is, she’s determined to live life her own way. She’s fiery and passionate, and never afraid to speak her mind. She’s tough, sassy, and has a smart mouth. You’ll instantly fall in love with her.
From beginning to end I really enjoyed this story. Chemistry burns from these two from their first encounter and you never know what’s going to happen every time they get together. There are elements of intrigue and mystery, plenty of laughs, and loads of heat to round out this great story. The result is another great stand-alone in this interconnected series.
Wannabe Heir was Sweet and Thrilling! Wannabe Heir is a standalone and book three in The Royals. I read this as a standalone and felt like I wasn’t missing too much, maybe just a few love stories. This was my favorite kind of read, a second chance love story. I loved the characters! Liz was feisty and a romantic, I loved that she was a writer. Her family is in a really bad place of their own making and their solution is devastating! Spencer is the ultimate crush! I loved him instantly! His history with Liz had some gaps and it was easy to see his true feelings. Oh my heart, Ten years hasn’t lessened the pull these two have for each other. The torch is still burning and this time it won’t be so easy to walk away. Spencer’s love for Liz is the kind we all want to have, He’s so perfect! lots of swooning! There are secrets and risks, a very bad man and the press there to keep everyone updated! I really enjoyed this book it was easy to fall into and leaves you with a sigh!. I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
When presented with a dire choice: marry slimy, sleazy Count Godfrey or let her father’s “creditors” do what they will with him and their family, Liz is determined to find another way out of her family’s troubles. Then Spencer happens. Yep, THAT Spencer. Her first love. Her now enemy, the man she hates. But is still attracted to. Damn, what’s a royal to do?
Well, in Liz and Spencer’s case – have a rollicking good time as they race the Vespa Isles trying to decide if enemies can become lovers and engage in a little marriage of convenience, all while figuring out how to fix her family’s royal problems. Their chemistry is super hot, the action is rolling, and the whole story is fun and sexy. Can’t ask for more in a good royal love story.
Wannabe Heir by Kim Karr takes us back to The Royals series with the story of Liz and Spencer. Liz’s father owes a huge debt and wants his daughter to cover that debt. But the cost will be too high for her. She would need to marry a man who wants to rule it all when all she wants is love. Spencer, her first love, has something to say about this and will do anything to protect her, even if she hates him now.
Liz and Spencer have history and things did not end well. Liz was left heartbroken. But now she needs help and Spencer may be the one to help her. But can she forgive him? Liz was smart, beautiful and determined. Spencer has regrets and wants to help Liz. Now they need to deal with secrets, old hurts and feelings. Is this their second chance or is it too late already?
Read and reviewed for Reviews From the Heart.
Happy reading!
I have been waiting on the truth and the story behind Phillip. Kim did not disappoint me and delivered a knock out blow with this story. Anger was a strong feeling I carried for many chapters. Trust me you will too. Then came love, respect, and tears…. oh so many tears.
Anger returned and then celebration. I yelled YES through the last 5 chapters maybe six. Just know Princess Elizabeth did not back down. She had a back of steal and came through with her Wannabe Prince by her side.
I’d almost forgotten about ‘The Royals’ series by Kim Karr, it’s been so long since the first two came out. Wannabe Heir is the third of these books and worth the wait to read it. This is Liz and Spencer’s tale, and being a ‘royal’ one you might be forgiven for thinking it’s going to be a fairytale… but no. This is modern royals with all the trappings of that life. Except for one thing.
Marriage.
Liz’s father, that imbecile, mad for cash monarch needs her to marry for money. She’s far from keen. When a blast from her past appears to help, she even less happy. A decade ago, Prince Spencer Lexington of Catalina was the apple of the then sixteen-year-old, Princess Elizabeth Taylor Laurent but he left under a cloud of acrimony and took Liz’s heart with him.
Now, she doesn’t love him, quite the opposite, in fact. She hates him. This was a fun, lovers-to-enemies-to-frenemies-to-lovers-to-frenemies-to-HEA.
This was a complicated story, filled with all the machinations you could imagine if this was for real, lol. But, Liz and Spencer were adorable, and I couldn’t help wanting them to win out over all the rest. I especially detested Liz’s parents. God, they were just… awful, despicable people.
Still, it was a good story and worth the wait. Hope book 4 arrives sooner than this one did.
Ok first of all…how gorgeous is this cover?? Hello SEXY
It’s been a while since I’ve last read Kim Karr’s book and this one was a quick, funny with a bit of a mystery that requires a lot of trust between MC’s in order to come victorious on the other side. It was fun to read about the push and pull between MC’s as they maneuver through their complex history in order to defeat the enemy and finally reach the HEA that escaped them so many years ago.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
* A review copy was provided by the author *
Wannabe Heir was another enjoyable addition to Kim Kate’s Unknown Royals series.
This is the third book in this series but can be read as a standalone. It’s told in Dual POV but we do get more of Liz’s POV than Spencer’s. I thought the flow and pace of the story was great. Although I do have to admit I was confused reading this story. I think that is my own issue because Kim does a great job filling in gaps and making sure the reader knows who everyone is in this story/series.
Wannabe Heir has everything I look for in a romance novel. There was steam, swoon worthy moments and just enough drama to keep you turning the pages. I LOVED how this storyline played out. This was an enemies to lovers story but also a second chance romance. I normally am not a huge fan of enemies to lovers, but for some reason this one worked for me. I loved the characters and this storyline.
In this story we follow the story of Princess Elizabeth (Liz) Laurent and Spencer Lexington. Liz is a royal and currently the only single royal on her side of the family. 10 years ago she thought she found the man of her dreams, but when it ends in heartbreak, she isn’t so sold on love anymore. Now 10 years later, she has just ended another 2 year relationship and is determined to find love someday….that is until her parents step in and make a decision that will change her life in a not so good way. Spencer Lexington is the adopted son of of the Catalina royals. He is also the lost love of Liz. So when their worlds collide again, things don’t go so smoothly. Can Spencer change her mind about him?? What happens when secrets are revealed?? Will these two ever get their HEA??
If you are a fan of a royal romance story, a second chance romance or an enemies to lovers story, then you will want to read this book. If you are a fan of Kim Karr’s books, you won’t want to miss her latest gem. If you have never read a book by Kim, then this is the perfect place to start this amazing journey.
I know I look forward to the next book in this series. I can’t wait to see what else Kim has in store of the Vespa Isles royals!!!
4.5 stars
The stories of the Vespa Isles royals continue with Elizabeth Taylor Laurent of Eastwood and Spencer Lexington of Catalina.
Liz is a royal, but also a popular author. She is the only single cousin left on her side and just got out of a romance with another royal. She seems to be looking for something she just can’t seem to find. She is sassy, smart, and outspoken. But even she does not know what to say when she finds out about plans her parents have made for her that would change her life completely…and not in a good way.
Spencer is her dark prince, old crush, first love, and the boy who broke her heart ten years ago. He is the brooding, lost boy, gambler, and risk-taker. And his family and isle are having their own issues currently. She has not forgiven him and is sure she hates him. He knows he has made mistakes, but has his own reasons and secrets.
When their worlds collide again, secrets will be revealed. Old wounds will be reopened. Truths will come out. And a whole new set of challenges will emerge. Maybe they don’t have to fight each other at all. They still have that draw to each other, fun banter, and scorching chemistry. But even all these years later, there are still plenty of challenges. It is just a matter if they will fight for each other and if they can find a way to fight for their countries and have a positive outcome. There is danger, suspense, manipulation, and some twists. This story is about more than just one couple and one homeland, choices can cause a ripple effect.
This is a sexy, witty, second-chance, hate-love royal romance. It brings back the other couples and enemies from previous books but can be read as a stand-alone. The author provides helpful background information in the beginning for reference. I enjoyed getting the dual points of view of the main characters as well as royal reporting articles. It makes you feel like you are following the scandals and news of the royals.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review