A review by africreole
The Prince's Bride: Beginning Forever by J.J. McAvoy

5.0

Geesh, the drama in royal life!

The life of the Monterey Monarchy was full of drama, scandal, and scheming. That Morning Eagle Newspaper got on my last nerve with the lying. Poor Odette had her hands full trying to learn the protocols of the palace. Galahad was the heir and the spare that wound up being the unexpected king of Ersovia. His past life as the playboy prince was really coming back to bite him in the arse. But, what he had was his woman, his wife, his bevilën. Odette too was learning her role as his Queen. She was the only person that kept him centered and treated him like a normal person, and not the king. She did not let him get away with anything. They had to deal with an evil grandmother, an evil prime minister, and a stalking ex and crazy half-sister. But one thing they could rely on was each other and their love. They had personal guards and secretaries surrounding them that were loyal to them. I just loved Iskander and Wolfgang. Iskander was the straight-laced by the books guard and Wolfgang was the failed guard who ended up being the royal secretary that believed that there were times when rules and protocol had to be broken. Odette's mother Wilhemina had their backs too. Don't mess with her only child. She was a force to be reckoned with. Yvonne and her daughter found out the hard way.

I just absolutely loved this series. It was very well done. The way that J.J. McAvoy worded this story shows her excellent talent for spinning a story. I did not want it to end. I could feel the emotions of Odette and Gale dealing with their problems. I wanted to burn down the newspaper and beat up the prime minister. That's just how emotionally invested I was in this story. A reader's emotional investment in a story shows how gifted the writer is. I could read more about any future adventures of the Monterey Royals. Hint hint. This is an excellent book that I highly recommend. I see why it made Facebook BWSL's Top 2021 book list.

NOTE: This book was read in conjunction with listening with Audible.com. The narrators Shane West and Wesleighly Siobhan really made the story come to life. They were excellent. I could listen to Shane West all day. He has ruined me for any other male narrators.