Book Review: The Royal by Susan Stoker
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Looking for a military, Cinderella fairytale retelling? Susan Stoker has you covered with The Royal!
After reading The Protector, I immediately went back into my Kindle Unlimited account and downloaded The Royal by Susan Stoker. (I was low key upset that only the first 2 books of this series are published–the next 2 are coming out soon in 2024!)
Susan Stoker again leaves no emotions out and draws you right into the world she creates. The best part is that Susan Stoker writes a thorough plot that can be quickly read.
The Royal is a modern fairytale retelling of Cinderella that creates a captivating story, mixing suspense, romance, and heartwarming characters.
This book unfolds in Stoker’s captivating world of military and protective heroes, where justice and love come together.
I read this story on Kindle Unlimited and am so excited to share my honest opinion.
Former military man and member of a royal family Callum Redmon can’t deny his sense of responsibility. So when his cousin’s latest love interest claims to have a stalker, Cal reluctantly meets with the young woman and her mother. He wants to write off the situation as a complete farce—if only his feelings for another member of the household could be as easily dismissed.
Since her father’s death seventeen years ago, Juniper Rose has been at the cruel beck and call of her stepmother and stepsister. Her fantasies of escape mean leaving behind her father’s beloved home, but enough is enough: when Cal offers her a way out sooner rather than later, June takes the leap.
Cal’s home in Maine with his military brothers seems like the safest place to start fresh. But as Cal and June’s fairy-tale romance blossoms into something real, they find that the dangers stalking them may have been real all along.
Summary: The Royal by Susan Stoker
Callum Redmon is one of four friends in the military group in Susan Stoker’s Game of Chance series.
Cal is the prince of Liechtenstein, thus well known all over the world. When he was captured with his friends as prisoners of war in their last mission, Cal received the brunt of the torture just for who he was.
With horrific scars all over his body, Cal has no desire to fall in love or even get in bed with a woman.
Juniper, preferably known as June, is our modern Cinderella. After her father passes away, June’s stepmother tricked her into signing away her inheritance and the house she grew up in.
Now June cooks, cleans, and waits hand and foot on her stepmother and stepsister Clara.
When Clara claims that she has a stalker, Cal is called in to be her bodyguard and protect her. As Cal arrives and sees June taking out the trash and basking in the sunshine, Cal feels the first stirrings of interest and desire.
The more they learn about each other, the more they fall for each other. But June’s evil stepmother has other nefarious plans that can ruin Cal and June’s chance at love.
My Thoughts: The Royal by Susan Stoker
The book’s writing style and pace are really great. It’s another breezy read from Susan Stoker that pulls you into the story effortlessly, so you can easily follow along. I enjoy modern fairytale retellings and this was no exception!
Although Cal is a prince, he doesn’t like to flash his bank account or status. Because of his numerous scars, Cal prefers a quiet night in which he doesn’t have to interact with other people.
I felt for Cal: the torture he endured left not only physical scars but emotional and mental ones as well. It was hard for him to see himself beyond his scars.
June just wants a break from her demanding and terrible stepmother and stepsister. She’s been squirreling away money and plans to leave soon, but doesn’t want her dead father to be disappointed in her.
June is the most grounded and loyal female lead in the series to date. Accepting Cal’s offer and going with him feels like she’s breaking out of her shell, experiencing the world with newfound freedom.
Cal and June are really caught up in their own thoughts, making it hard for them to trust the love they have for each other.
I so enjoyed watching them embrace their true selves and become totally present in their love story.
Final Thoughts: The Protector by Susan Stoker
Another hit from Susan Stoker! The Royal by Susan Stoker definitely deserves a solid 5-star rating! This book gave me the feels and made my eyes water up!
If you’re into themes like fairytale retellings, close proximity, strangers becoming lovers, romantic suspense, and a touch of military background, I say go for this charming read.
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