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Cocky Hero Club
Royal Pain
The only thing harder than being a royal? Falling in love with one.
Belinda
As a political blogger living in Manhattan, I have no time to date. My few free hours are spent with best friend Soraya, and her husband Graham. Love has no place in this equation.
Then Prince Zan walks into the coffee shop. He’s confident and different from other men, making it clear from our first conversation royal lineage won’t stand in his way.
I know better than to be carried away by green eyes and soft lips.
But if that’s the case, how did I end up in his bed?
Zan
My dark past is a nightmare I can’t escape from. It was anything but easy to become a royal.
Then I met Belinda. She might be a commoner, but there’s nothing at all common about this woman. One look is all it takes. Maybe if I bring her to my homeland she’ll be under its spell too.
But the differences between our two worlds seem impossible to overcome. I refuse to ignore my duty and passion for my people, and Belinda won’t abandon her career.
The right woman or destiny? Whatever it takes, I'm determined to have both.
**
Royal Pain is another steamy edition to the Cocky Hero Club series by author Leslie Pike. Opposites attract in this royal romance of choosing between love and duty. Follow your heart by devouring this passionate love story today!
Belinda
As a political blogger living in Manhattan, I have no time to date. My few free hours are spent with best friend Soraya, and her husband Graham. Love has no place in this equation.
Then Prince Zan walks into the coffee shop. He’s confident and different from other men, making it clear from our first conversation royal lineage won’t stand in his way.
I know better than to be carried away by green eyes and soft lips.
But if that’s the case, how did I end up in his bed?
Zan
My dark past is a nightmare I can’t escape from. It was anything but easy to become a royal.
Then I met Belinda. She might be a commoner, but there’s nothing at all common about this woman. One look is all it takes. Maybe if I bring her to my homeland she’ll be under its spell too.
But the differences between our two worlds seem impossible to overcome. I refuse to ignore my duty and passion for my people, and Belinda won’t abandon her career.
The right woman or destiny? Whatever it takes, I'm determined to have both.
**
Royal Pain is another steamy edition to the Cocky Hero Club series by author Leslie Pike. Opposites attract in this royal romance of choosing between love and duty. Follow your heart by devouring this passionate love story today!
254 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
May 31, 2020
As much as I loved the premise of this story, I didn’t warm to Zan at all. I tried so hard to see past his “I can have any woman I want” attitude, but it just didn’t happen for me unfortunately, and that in turn stopped me from enjoying the story.
June 13, 2020
Royal Pain had the potential to be a gripping read, but I found it extremely difficult to get into this one. I kept trying, but I could not connect at all.
I think my big problem was that I never warmed to the characters in this one. There were some interesting elements to the story, but I found it difficult to care about them when I was unable to feel anything towards the characters. I’m sure this will work for some, but it didn’t work for me.
All in all, this one wasn’t for me.
I think my big problem was that I never warmed to the characters in this one. There were some interesting elements to the story, but I found it difficult to care about them when I was unable to feel anything towards the characters. I’m sure this will work for some, but it didn’t work for me.
All in all, this one wasn’t for me.
June 14, 2020
It took a bit to get into this story cause I wasn’t crazy about Zan but appreciated his change of attitude later on in the book. Belinda and Zan are absolute opposites but there connection is instant but there’s tons of obstacles in there way.
May 31, 2020
4* Meant To Be Stars
I enjoyed reading the story of Prince Zan and Belinda. They meet unexpectedly in a coffee shop in Manhattan and their attraction for one another is instant. The only problem is that Zan lives in another continent, Africa with his Royal family and Belinda in Manhattan where she is journalist and is content with her life. After spending a few days together, they make plans for her to visit his homeland and meet his family. When Belinda experiences the love of Africa and his family, decisions will have to be made by her as Zan’s royal duties call.
The journey of Zan and Belinda is sweet and sexy as well as some heartfelt sadness where I had a lump in my throat for Zan and his family. The secondary characters are very likeable and real.
You will fall in love with this story as it transports you from trendy Manhattan to the beautiful landscapes of Africa and the destined love between Zan and Belinda.
I received an ARC from the author and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading the story of Prince Zan and Belinda. They meet unexpectedly in a coffee shop in Manhattan and their attraction for one another is instant. The only problem is that Zan lives in another continent, Africa with his Royal family and Belinda in Manhattan where she is journalist and is content with her life. After spending a few days together, they make plans for her to visit his homeland and meet his family. When Belinda experiences the love of Africa and his family, decisions will have to be made by her as Zan’s royal duties call.
The journey of Zan and Belinda is sweet and sexy as well as some heartfelt sadness where I had a lump in my throat for Zan and his family. The secondary characters are very likeable and real.
You will fall in love with this story as it transports you from trendy Manhattan to the beautiful landscapes of Africa and the destined love between Zan and Belinda.
I received an ARC from the author and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 14, 2020
4.5 Stars
Another new author to me and I will be more from her. This story is a true opposites attract Zan is a prince and Belinda is a journalist. It also proves that you can find love in unlikely places. These two fall hard and fast for each other but Zan has to go back to South Africa. It is a sweet, heartfelt and ultimately sad story.
Another new author to me and I will be more from her. This story is a true opposites attract Zan is a prince and Belinda is a journalist. It also proves that you can find love in unlikely places. These two fall hard and fast for each other but Zan has to go back to South Africa. It is a sweet, heartfelt and ultimately sad story.
May 26, 2020
A beautiful story of finding love when least expected. Love growing stronger even miles apart, and putting faith in destiny. It had some seriously heartbreaking moments, showing how short life can be and how you should always live life to the fullest. I loved every second of this story and highly recommend it. Be prepared to cry, laugh, and fall in love with this one.
June 14, 2020
Can’t believe this is my first read by this author. This was a great read.
This is Zan and Belindas story. Both are strong likeable characters although it did take me a while to like Zan. They are from two completely different worlds. Can love overcome all the challenges?
This is a great read that I totally enjoyed. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
This is Zan and Belindas story. Both are strong likeable characters although it did take me a while to like Zan. They are from two completely different worlds. Can love overcome all the challenges?
This is a great read that I totally enjoyed. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
June 15, 2020
Love happens where and when you least expected. That’s what kept running thru my mind when I read this story. That vibe/feeling was perfectly depicted in the journey. This is not a cliché royal romance. Yes, obviously it’s a royal and a not royal (lol) but that’s about as far as royal cliché it gets. There is a superb number of angles and layers within this story that I’m betting most of you won’t see coming but will be enthusiastic they happened. It’s quite the fabulous story in my opinion. Well done!
June 1, 2020
4.5 stars
This is definitely one of my favorites that I have read of the collection so far. There was just something about the message of the story that spoke to me. Maybe it is the unrest of what is going on in the world but I couldn't help but feel for these characters as they traversed through a pretty pivotal moment, not just personally but from a political standpoint.
Zan's cockiness at first put me off until I saw it as a mask for his own insecurities. His poignant moments with his family, especially his father, made me teary-eyed. I like the message that family comes in a plethora of ways and that family doesn't have to be blood. I wasn't sure what Belinda was doing at first. I couldn't decide if she was being sly and trying to get the scoop or if she was genuine. However, watching her experience things and then seeing them through her eyes was rewarding.
I would definitely recommend this book.
This is definitely one of my favorites that I have read of the collection so far. There was just something about the message of the story that spoke to me. Maybe it is the unrest of what is going on in the world but I couldn't help but feel for these characters as they traversed through a pretty pivotal moment, not just personally but from a political standpoint.
Zan's cockiness at first put me off until I saw it as a mask for his own insecurities. His poignant moments with his family, especially his father, made me teary-eyed. I like the message that family comes in a plethora of ways and that family doesn't have to be blood. I wasn't sure what Belinda was doing at first. I couldn't decide if she was being sly and trying to get the scoop or if she was genuine. However, watching her experience things and then seeing them through her eyes was rewarding.
I would definitely recommend this book.
June 13, 2020
Zan is a Prince who came into the royal family under the most tragic of circumstances and although they may not be related by blood they are related by love. The entire family is in NY for a visit for a reason they want to keep private until fate brings Belinda into his life.
Belinda has created quite the reputation for herself for being honest yet ethical when it comes to the people she interviews for her blog. She recognized Zan from their first meeting and he offers her an interview with his family and from then on their lives and their hearts were entwined.
There is no denying the love between them but between the fact that she has a life in NY while he lives in Africa and the changes within Zan’s family their journey isn’t without its challenges.
Belinda has created quite the reputation for herself for being honest yet ethical when it comes to the people she interviews for her blog. She recognized Zan from their first meeting and he offers her an interview with his family and from then on their lives and their hearts were entwined.
There is no denying the love between them but between the fact that she has a life in NY while he lives in Africa and the changes within Zan’s family their journey isn’t without its challenges.
August 14, 2020
Royal Pain is a sweet and emotional Royal Romance in the Cocky Hero world. This is the story of Belinda and Zan who are from totally different worlds but their attraction is instant, and chemistry is sizzling. I love how honest they were from the start with each other. It helped them face how different their lives were, and what it would take to bring their lives together. There were many twists and obstacles in their way and I was completely captivated in how it all unfolded.
Narrators Savannah Peachwood, and Teddy Hamilton did a great job bringing this story to life. They portrayed both Belinda and Zan with all their strengths and vulnerabilities so beautifully that I was easily lost in their performance.
Narrators Savannah Peachwood, and Teddy Hamilton did a great job bringing this story to life. They portrayed both Belinda and Zan with all their strengths and vulnerabilities so beautifully that I was easily lost in their performance.
June 14, 2020
You can never go wrong with a novel by Leslie Pike! I loved reading Royal Pain, a Cocky Hero Novel, about opposites attracting. Zan is a prince and committed to his country and people. Political blogger Belinda is focused on her career and is happy right now. When they meet, their chemistry is instant, but there is so much between them. As they spend time together, they begin to fall. Could they find common ground? Royal Pain by Leslie Pike is a sweet story about finding love when you least expect it that was emotional and full of surprises.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading.
August 11, 2020
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
3/5 stars
Royal Pain by Leslie Pike, is a dual point of view royal romance novel that is apart of the cocky hero bookclub by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. This new to me author delved into the lives of Prince Zan and Belinda an American Journalist. This book was an insta love romance that was a whirlwind. The story was well developed, however, I found that the beginning was slow and then there was a rush towards the end. The main characters were cute but left me wanting. Overall, I enjoyed the book but wouldn’t pick it up again.
Enjoy Everyday,
Ebook Enthusiast. :)
3/5 stars
Royal Pain by Leslie Pike, is a dual point of view royal romance novel that is apart of the cocky hero bookclub by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. This new to me author delved into the lives of Prince Zan and Belinda an American Journalist. This book was an insta love romance that was a whirlwind. The story was well developed, however, I found that the beginning was slow and then there was a rush towards the end. The main characters were cute but left me wanting. Overall, I enjoyed the book but wouldn’t pick it up again.
Enjoy Everyday,
Ebook Enthusiast. :)
September 19, 2020
4 stars!
AUDIOBOOK
Belinda and Prince Zan absolutely captured my heart. From their first encounter I was hooked on their story and romance. Belinda is a journalist and writer. She is also Soraya’s best friend (from Stuck-Up Suit) she is smart and sweet and knows her own mind. Zan is the Prince. He lives in Africa with his royal family and they live 7,000 miles apart. During Zan’s visit to New York the romance between he and Belinda was a whirlwind. Insta-love and non stop sweet gestures and moments. The two have their obstacles ahead with the distance between them but the I loved it and devoured their story in one sitting. Leslie Pike wrote a beautiful story about falling in love in the least likely of places. The characters couldn’t be more opposite but they worked and complimented each other well. I enjoyed this addition to the Cocky Hero World and I look forward to the next story.
Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood are fantastic narrators. The emotion and passion in their voices shine through in their performance.
AUDIOBOOK
Belinda and Prince Zan absolutely captured my heart. From their first encounter I was hooked on their story and romance. Belinda is a journalist and writer. She is also Soraya’s best friend (from Stuck-Up Suit) she is smart and sweet and knows her own mind. Zan is the Prince. He lives in Africa with his royal family and they live 7,000 miles apart. During Zan’s visit to New York the romance between he and Belinda was a whirlwind. Insta-love and non stop sweet gestures and moments. The two have their obstacles ahead with the distance between them but the I loved it and devoured their story in one sitting. Leslie Pike wrote a beautiful story about falling in love in the least likely of places. The characters couldn’t be more opposite but they worked and complimented each other well. I enjoyed this addition to the Cocky Hero World and I look forward to the next story.
Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood are fantastic narrators. The emotion and passion in their voices shine through in their performance.
June 14, 2020
Royal Pain by Leslie Pike is the story of Zan and Belinda. This book is a part of the Cocky Hero Club Series but can be a standalone book. Belinda is a busy blogger / journalist who doesn't have much free time. Zan is a real Prince who lives in another country but when these two meet they feel the pull to each other. But being so different and not even living in the same country makes things hard for these two. Enjoyed this book.
June 29, 2020
One of my favorite stories out of all the ones I've read so far! I wasn't a fan of Zan's cockiness at first till I recognized it was facade he was showing the world and the reasons why he acted like that. Seeing him with his family was really sweet, especially the scenes with his dad. Wasn't exactly sure how I felt about Belinda, were her machinations for all the right reasons or the wrong ones?
June 15, 2020
Belinda and Zan's story was a nice take on royal romance. I love Belinda's career of being a political blogger. And Zan seems like your typical arrogant, cocky royal who expects every woman to fall at his feet. The way their story unfolded was very entertaining. I recommend giving it a read!
June 18, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect but the characters were interesting and the plot was fantastic. I was surprised by the amount of emotion that this book evoked in me and I loved it.
June 14, 2020
Belinda and Zan are swoony, sweet and sexy!
I loved the easy and fun chemistry they have.
I adored the descriptions of the locations in the story, they added a beautiful vibe to they story.
The location was kind of like another character in the book. So magical!
It’s a dreamy love story with some big hurdles that aren’t an every day thing.
The secondary characters are amazing.
This story has a lot of heart, humor and spice!
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I loved the easy and fun chemistry they have.
I adored the descriptions of the locations in the story, they added a beautiful vibe to they story.
The location was kind of like another character in the book. So magical!
It’s a dreamy love story with some big hurdles that aren’t an every day thing.
The secondary characters are amazing.
This story has a lot of heart, humor and spice!
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
June 12, 2020
This was an opposites attract/royal/insta-lust romance.
Zan is a member of the royal family of Mozia. Belinda is a journalist. They meet in a coffee shop. She goes there to write and he goes there to escape. He sees her and wants to bed her. He is very arrogant and used to woman falling all over him. So bedding Belinda should be no problem, right? She doesn't recognize him initially because he is wearing a disguise. He makes his presence known when a man tries to come on to her and she rebukes his advances. The man then gets verbally abusive. Of course, Zan steps in, she thanks him, and he is instantly recognized by her. They have a conversation and it sets life-changing events into motion.
The story has a lot of potential but I had a hard time getting through it. It didn't seem believable and the story didn't flow for me. The characters were difficult to connect with as well. Zan has a great back story but I just couldn't warm up to him. He was overly confident and arrogant. Overall, this was not for me but I encourage you to form your own opinion.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
Zan is a member of the royal family of Mozia. Belinda is a journalist. They meet in a coffee shop. She goes there to write and he goes there to escape. He sees her and wants to bed her. He is very arrogant and used to woman falling all over him. So bedding Belinda should be no problem, right? She doesn't recognize him initially because he is wearing a disguise. He makes his presence known when a man tries to come on to her and she rebukes his advances. The man then gets verbally abusive. Of course, Zan steps in, she thanks him, and he is instantly recognized by her. They have a conversation and it sets life-changing events into motion.
The story has a lot of potential but I had a hard time getting through it. It didn't seem believable and the story didn't flow for me. The characters were difficult to connect with as well. Zan has a great back story but I just couldn't warm up to him. He was overly confident and arrogant. Overall, this was not for me but I encourage you to form your own opinion.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
November 20, 2021
This is a book about love, about miles separating you and coming from different lifestyles but knowing what’s important. There were some moments that were gut wrenching. Lots of sexy times. Leslie has never wrote anything similar to this book. It’s amazing read and you must pick it up NOW!!
June 3, 2020
3.5
I've read books by this author and I've always loved her writing and how her story flows through her books. This is a real opposites attract romance and proves that you can find love in unexpected places even between two completely different people.
Belinda is a journalist, a political blogger and she lives in Manhattan and she loves her life and where she is at in this moment and what she has created for herself. That is until that day in the coffee shop when she sees a man that is going to change her life and open her eyes in more ways than one.
Zan is a prince and he is a real cocky, arrogant good time guy. He feels the instant attraction too and when he sees this beautiful woman he is never going to be the same. The problem that they both have after spending some time together is that he lives on another country and they will have to be put to the test if there relationship is going to survive. Zan has to attend to hos royal duties in Africa and when they are apart the love grow stronger and stronger.
These two characters connected straight away and the attraction between them both is hot. Zan comes across as this cocky guy but deep down he's different. They spend time together and there chemistry is so strong and the journey that they go on for love, the author wrote beautifully.
This author writes great but I feel that this time the story wasn't really for me and I just couldn't connect with the characters and this story line. This book does have drama, love hope and is a sweet story.
This book is another great addition in the Cocky Hero Club Series and I cant to read the next book installment in this series. Thank you to the author and the publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book. ARC provided in exchange for a complimentary honest voluntary review. This sweet romance book is expected to be released on the 14th June 2020.
I've read books by this author and I've always loved her writing and how her story flows through her books. This is a real opposites attract romance and proves that you can find love in unexpected places even between two completely different people.
Belinda is a journalist, a political blogger and she lives in Manhattan and she loves her life and where she is at in this moment and what she has created for herself. That is until that day in the coffee shop when she sees a man that is going to change her life and open her eyes in more ways than one.
Zan is a prince and he is a real cocky, arrogant good time guy. He feels the instant attraction too and when he sees this beautiful woman he is never going to be the same. The problem that they both have after spending some time together is that he lives on another country and they will have to be put to the test if there relationship is going to survive. Zan has to attend to hos royal duties in Africa and when they are apart the love grow stronger and stronger.
These two characters connected straight away and the attraction between them both is hot. Zan comes across as this cocky guy but deep down he's different. They spend time together and there chemistry is so strong and the journey that they go on for love, the author wrote beautifully.
This author writes great but I feel that this time the story wasn't really for me and I just couldn't connect with the characters and this story line. This book does have drama, love hope and is a sweet story.
This book is another great addition in the Cocky Hero Club Series and I cant to read the next book installment in this series. Thank you to the author and the publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book. ARC provided in exchange for a complimentary honest voluntary review. This sweet romance book is expected to be released on the 14th June 2020.
June 14, 2020
This story is nothing that I thought it would be. Of course, it’s a royal trope, with a lot of romance, a cocky prince and a sassy lady. But as you keep reading it’s so much more. First of all, the royal family is from Africa, I’ve never read anything like that, it’s was so different and engaging. It made me want to visit there. Then, the story is charged with spiritual and emotional situations, and don’t even start with the amount of twists I didn’t see coming.
I’m going to be honest, I couldn’t connect with Prince Zan in the first few chapters, but then when he went to dinner with Belinda in NYC and told her his childhood story. I was heartbroken for him and I wanted to cry, scream and kiss him as much as Belinda wanted! Also how he was adopted by the royal family, it only made me more in awe with all of them, King Mansa, Queen Ayana and Princes Tarik and Kwai.
Zan and Belinda love story is one for the ages, is steamy, with romance, a lot of emotional connection, they’re portrait as soulmates for life and I didn’t doubt one second. I loved how she supported him throughout all of the twists that was through at him and his family. But I love even more how he applied everything he learned from his parents, the magic, dreams, the spiritual guidance and the famous phrase: when you know you know.
The twists kept me on my toes and brought so much tension, angst and the meaning of love (you’ll only understand when you read). This is definitely a book you should if you love royal trope, but also if you enjoy this cocky world, you have some glimpse of Soraya and Graham.
I’m going to be honest, I couldn’t connect with Prince Zan in the first few chapters, but then when he went to dinner with Belinda in NYC and told her his childhood story. I was heartbroken for him and I wanted to cry, scream and kiss him as much as Belinda wanted! Also how he was adopted by the royal family, it only made me more in awe with all of them, King Mansa, Queen Ayana and Princes Tarik and Kwai.
Zan and Belinda love story is one for the ages, is steamy, with romance, a lot of emotional connection, they’re portrait as soulmates for life and I didn’t doubt one second. I loved how she supported him throughout all of the twists that was through at him and his family. But I love even more how he applied everything he learned from his parents, the magic, dreams, the spiritual guidance and the famous phrase: when you know you know.
The twists kept me on my toes and brought so much tension, angst and the meaning of love (you’ll only understand when you read). This is definitely a book you should if you love royal trope, but also if you enjoy this cocky world, you have some glimpse of Soraya and Graham.
June 9, 2020
3.5*
Royal Pain has a completely different feel from the other Cocky Hero Club books - which shows he versatility of the writers and the stories in this 'Club'.
The story is a good one dealing with true life political issues but using a romance to delve into this more. My reason for 3.5* is I just felt that at the start of the book Zen was more arrogant than Cocky. Of course he is a Prince from a principality country just of of South Africa so is used to woman throwing themselves at him. And as the story of his younger life unfolds (he is adopted) you sort of get an understanding of why on the outside he portrays himself the way he does.
Zen and his family are in the US for a short visit - they are keeping under wraps the real reason for the visit. Belinda is a freelance journalist who does most of her work from a small coffee shop and that is where this romance begins.
The two full hard and fast for each other and the chemistry between the two is really good but Zen's life is back in Mozian helping his father and brothers run their small country that has it fair share of poverty and terrorists. Belinda is given a unique opportunity to visit Zen in his own environment and see South Africa and it's wonders through the eyes of man who as a boy was born into a country of war!
When tragedy strikes Mozian will Belinda stand beside Zen or will she once again return home!
Royal Pain has a completely different feel from the other Cocky Hero Club books - which shows he versatility of the writers and the stories in this 'Club'.
The story is a good one dealing with true life political issues but using a romance to delve into this more. My reason for 3.5* is I just felt that at the start of the book Zen was more arrogant than Cocky. Of course he is a Prince from a principality country just of of South Africa so is used to woman throwing themselves at him. And as the story of his younger life unfolds (he is adopted) you sort of get an understanding of why on the outside he portrays himself the way he does.
Zen and his family are in the US for a short visit - they are keeping under wraps the real reason for the visit. Belinda is a freelance journalist who does most of her work from a small coffee shop and that is where this romance begins.
The two full hard and fast for each other and the chemistry between the two is really good but Zen's life is back in Mozian helping his father and brothers run their small country that has it fair share of poverty and terrorists. Belinda is given a unique opportunity to visit Zen in his own environment and see South Africa and it's wonders through the eyes of man who as a boy was born into a country of war!
When tragedy strikes Mozian will Belinda stand beside Zen or will she once again return home!
July 28, 2020
Royal Pain
A Hero Club Novel
By: Leslie Pike, Hero Club
Narrated by: Savannah Peachwood, Teddy Hamilton
I found Leslie Pike a couple of months ago and each book I listen to, I like even more! This one has a roller coaster of emotions, but the romance is heartfelt and passion filled. Zan and Belinda meet in a coffee shop and their attraction is instant. The chemistry is explosive, and though at first Zan has some attitude, he does mellow a bit. With some history, it's interesting how life plays out for Zan, and how lucky he is to have found Belinda. But now with circumstances as they are, will they be able to remain a couple or are their lives just too different to meld together? Pike keeps the interest up with a story that is not only about love and passion, but family and life altering circumstances. We are on a road of emotions, caught by surprise and can't even fathom the pain and decisions that need to be made. Tears of grief, sadness and joy all will fall as you listen to this gem. It's a book you don't' want to miss.
Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood are fabulous as Zan and Belinda. Each has such distinct voices and I love the nuances they use to get their emotions across. Hamilton has a wonderfully warm tone to his voice, it's melodic and easy to listen to. Peachwood is amazing, finding a muse and creating the voice perfect for her. She is fantastic as Belinda. Together they made an entertaining listen.
A Hero Club Novel
By: Leslie Pike, Hero Club
Narrated by: Savannah Peachwood, Teddy Hamilton
I found Leslie Pike a couple of months ago and each book I listen to, I like even more! This one has a roller coaster of emotions, but the romance is heartfelt and passion filled. Zan and Belinda meet in a coffee shop and their attraction is instant. The chemistry is explosive, and though at first Zan has some attitude, he does mellow a bit. With some history, it's interesting how life plays out for Zan, and how lucky he is to have found Belinda. But now with circumstances as they are, will they be able to remain a couple or are their lives just too different to meld together? Pike keeps the interest up with a story that is not only about love and passion, but family and life altering circumstances. We are on a road of emotions, caught by surprise and can't even fathom the pain and decisions that need to be made. Tears of grief, sadness and joy all will fall as you listen to this gem. It's a book you don't' want to miss.
Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood are fabulous as Zan and Belinda. Each has such distinct voices and I love the nuances they use to get their emotions across. Hamilton has a wonderfully warm tone to his voice, it's melodic and easy to listen to. Peachwood is amazing, finding a muse and creating the voice perfect for her. She is fantastic as Belinda. Together they made an entertaining listen.
June 15, 2020
Royal Pain by Leslie Pike is a contemporary, royal romance told in first person dual, POV.
Zan is an African prince and Belinda is a political blogger. They meet at a coffee shop and form an instant connection. It doesn't take long for feelings to develop, but they come from two very different worlds.
Can their relationship last? Or is it destined to be temporary? What will happen when Belinda has to choose between career and love? What will happen when Zan is forced to choose between love and duty? Read to find out.
I enjoyed Royal Pain, but it's not my favorite from this author. The story had some steamy moments and some touching ones too. The characters had great chemistry with each other, but for some reason I didn't quite connect with them as much as I would have liked. I've been trying to put my finger on it, and I think the story lacked sufficient conflict. The characters didn't struggle over getting together, and once they were together, they didn't have to fight any battles. They were faced with a tough decision that was resolved fairly easily. I think that if they had a larger obstacle to overcome, I would have connected with them more as I rooted for them to win. Even so, it was a pleasant story overall.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Zan is an African prince and Belinda is a political blogger. They meet at a coffee shop and form an instant connection. It doesn't take long for feelings to develop, but they come from two very different worlds.
Can their relationship last? Or is it destined to be temporary? What will happen when Belinda has to choose between career and love? What will happen when Zan is forced to choose between love and duty? Read to find out.
I enjoyed Royal Pain, but it's not my favorite from this author. The story had some steamy moments and some touching ones too. The characters had great chemistry with each other, but for some reason I didn't quite connect with them as much as I would have liked. I've been trying to put my finger on it, and I think the story lacked sufficient conflict. The characters didn't struggle over getting together, and once they were together, they didn't have to fight any battles. They were faced with a tough decision that was resolved fairly easily. I think that if they had a larger obstacle to overcome, I would have connected with them more as I rooted for them to win. Even so, it was a pleasant story overall.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
June 15, 2020
4.25 stars
This is the first book I have read by the author and it is an interesting, opposites attract romance. Zan is an African prince who comes to New York with his family and winds up seeing a woman in a coffee shop. There is something about her that he just cannot seem to let go of. Belinda is a political journalist. She has a blog and is captivated by the sexy man she sees as she is drinking her coffee and starting to do some work. Little does she realize how much of a chance encounter in a coffee shop is going to throw her world into a tailspin. Zan is doing everything he can to keep the real truth from coming out as to why his family is in New York but is connecting with a journalist a smart idea? Regardless, the two begin spending time together but Zan’s home is in Mozia and running his country with his father and brothers. When tragedy strikes, will Belinda stand by her man or return home? From the get go, the characters connect and their attraction is hot but there was a slight disconnect with them while I was reading. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
This is the first book I have read by the author and it is an interesting, opposites attract romance. Zan is an African prince who comes to New York with his family and winds up seeing a woman in a coffee shop. There is something about her that he just cannot seem to let go of. Belinda is a political journalist. She has a blog and is captivated by the sexy man she sees as she is drinking her coffee and starting to do some work. Little does she realize how much of a chance encounter in a coffee shop is going to throw her world into a tailspin. Zan is doing everything he can to keep the real truth from coming out as to why his family is in New York but is connecting with a journalist a smart idea? Regardless, the two begin spending time together but Zan’s home is in Mozia and running his country with his father and brothers. When tragedy strikes, will Belinda stand by her man or return home? From the get go, the characters connect and their attraction is hot but there was a slight disconnect with them while I was reading. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
June 15, 2020
I always tend to love a good royal romance, with all their complications that go hand & hand with them so they're kind of a weakness. Belinda is a successful blogger who believes she has no time for romance. Well, that is until Prince Zan started coming into her favorite coffee shop. He has been kind of stalking her since the first moment he laid eyes on her though so he definitely noticed her before she noticed him. I hurt for him once it came to light how he got to be a royal, and yet, I had some reservations about him because of his attitude towards women. I'm not saying I didn't finally fall for him, just saying that it was hard at first. Obviously, he & Belinda get on well, but there's this whole complication of her being a commoner who isn't ready to give up her blog in the US to head to where he lives. It brings on a push & pull which almost had me throwing my kindle against a wall. So, hit those one click buttons to find out how you'll feel about it! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 16, 2020
Why is the cover of a white guy?
I have to take away stars because what is otherwise a good story became not so good because of the cover model. All descriptions of Zan state he has coppery skin, black hair, green eyes, and is from a Zulu tribe! The cover model in no way looks like the character is described, thereby being very distracting and disappointing to me. I reread several chapters to see if I was missing something, but nope. The other thing I found distracting were the names of native Africans, and of natural features. Yes, this is a work of fiction but the kingdom is named for an island off Sicily's coast, the African river is misspelled, and several characters had names of Asian descent (Kwai is Burmese, Tarik is Arabic, Anaya is Japanese, the river is spelled Mzimvubu). I believe writers should commit fully to the culture when setting a story in a specific country. Is a white cover model a way to attract a specific demographic the author thinks wouldn't have read her book of an African\ethnic looking man was used instead?
I have to take away stars because what is otherwise a good story became not so good because of the cover model. All descriptions of Zan state he has coppery skin, black hair, green eyes, and is from a Zulu tribe! The cover model in no way looks like the character is described, thereby being very distracting and disappointing to me. I reread several chapters to see if I was missing something, but nope. The other thing I found distracting were the names of native Africans, and of natural features. Yes, this is a work of fiction but the kingdom is named for an island off Sicily's coast, the African river is misspelled, and several characters had names of Asian descent (Kwai is Burmese, Tarik is Arabic, Anaya is Japanese, the river is spelled Mzimvubu). I believe writers should commit fully to the culture when setting a story in a specific country. Is a white cover model a way to attract a specific demographic the author thinks wouldn't have read her book of an African\ethnic looking man was used instead?
June 22, 2020
Opposites attract in this insta-lust romance with a royal twist. Zan’s a member of the Mozia royal family whereas Belinda’s a journalist, the pair meet in a coffee shop, she goes there to write and he goes to escape. He’s a rather arrogant man, used to woman falling all over him and when he sees Belinda he wants to bed her. Initially he wears a disguise and Belinda doesn’t recognise him but when a man becomes abusive towards her after she knocks him back Zen makes himself known she then recognises him as she thanks him, the conversation that follows sets events in motion.which changes their lives together.
I will be honest I did struggle to get into this story, I couldn’t connect with the characters and overall the storyline seemed far fetched. Royal Pain wasn’t for me however that doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it, I’d urge you as a reader to form your own opinion.
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.
I will be honest I did struggle to get into this story, I couldn’t connect with the characters and overall the storyline seemed far fetched. Royal Pain wasn’t for me however that doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it, I’d urge you as a reader to form your own opinion.
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓷 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.
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