Sunday, October 25, 2020

Royals of Arbon Academy - Tate James & Jaymin Eve

Ruminations of an Insomniac..

This one’s been a long time coming. I wanted to read The Princess Ballot, before it was even released because I had seen a teaser of it in the back of another book. But knowing it was a 3 part story, from Tate James and Jaymin Eve, I held off until the series was complete. You see, I have fallen victim to their epic, wtaf-just-happened cliffhangers before. And with this story, I knew I would need to read it straight through.

Rife with intricacies and page turning details, this trilogy was amazing. From the first page to the last, the story moved. Painting pictures of vivid characters and breathtaking settings in my mind, Tate and Jaymin held me captive. I was enchanted by the charming balance of innocence, bite and strength in Violet, and intrigued by the juxtaposition of her leading men. Tall, dark & scary vs dark honey, in both hue and sweetness, how does a girl pick a favourite?

“If you think I’m about to pat you on the back, like the rest of your sycophants, you have another think coming… You’re not Robinson Crusoe.” Violet Spencer

Roll the trio together with a robust cast of secondary characters, some intense twists, a few secrets, and some truly page turning NA content, this trilogy literally has it all. And no one could have written Violet’s story quite like these two co-authors. Suffice to say, it’s a badass story, wrapped up in a royal purple bow.

Rating:

Book Boyfriend: 9/10 (both 😉) 
Flow: 9/10
Plot: 9/10 

Overall: 9/10

Currently available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited).

Synopsis:

You have been chosen.
Those four words change Violet Spencer’s whole life, when against staggering odds, she's selected in the "princess ballot."
Arbon Academy is affectionately known as the school for Royals. Only the rich, powerful, or heir to a throne gain entry ... except for the one scholarship student accepted every five years. It's a worldwide lottery, and one that Violet entered without giving it any serious thought.
But the media got it wrong and Arbon Academy is much more than a simple college for future leaders.
It’s a dark world of politics, intrigue, and dangerous guys who will stop at nothing to get their own way. Despite her best efforts at remaining off the radar, Violet finds herself a pawn between two of the most powerful monarchies in the world.
Prince Rafe of the Switzerlands and Prince Alex of the Australasias are bitter enemies both on the soccer field and in the political arena. Monarchies rule the world now, and every waking breath is a competition for the princes.
Control the ball.
Control the world.
Control Violet.
Whether it's through love or hate, someone will ultimately win.

*This is book one in a dark college romance. It includes a-hole princes, nasty princesses, and one chick who will take none of their sh!t, all the while doing her best to make it out alive. HEA guaranteed. Eventually. 17+.

She's my last chance. 

Those four words echo in Violet Spencer’s mind, tugging at her curiosity even as rage builds within her.
Arbon Academy was supposed to be a bright new start. An opportunity for greatness, and something an orphan girl could only dream of. For a while there, it seemed to be exactly that. 
But Violet's bright future is suddenly looking dim. Arbon Academy and Prince Alex are nothing but a facade. A trap.
In a sinister world of ballgowns and backstabbing, of perfumes and politics, of indulgent parties and illegal sword fights, Violet now faces the biggest challenge of all. Recovering her shattered heart from the prince who crushed it. 
Supported by her new friends, Violet wants to make Alex feel the pain of his betrayal. Prince Rafe wants nothing more than to help make that happen, but things aren't always so straightforward. 
Don't break tradition.
Don't let them know you know. 
Don't lose your heart... again.
These rules will keep Violet alive. But at what cost?


They're waiting for you.

Those four words should have been a warning. They should have filled Violet with dread. But she was so focused on Rafe's disappearance, she forgot.
The resistance was supposed to be fighting for a better world. A group of freedom fighters formed during the Monarch War, pushing back against laws that would see everyone enslaved. For a while there, they gave hope.
But with power comes corruption. The Society has been quietly amassing the strength and backing to become a real threat, and not everyone wants to use that power for good.
In a world torn apart by the death of monarchs, new leaders rise. Violet dives headfirst into the viper's nest with one singular goal: rescue the stolen prince who possesses half her heart.
With the unwavering support of Jordan at her side, Violet knows she can face whatever the resistance throws at them. Even if she was the intended target all along.
Keep your friends close.
Keep your enemies closer.
Never forget the betrayals of the past.
The end of an era is here.