REVIEW: Crowne Jewel by C.D. Reiss

 

Our Mini Review:

I bought Crowne Jewel because it's the next in the series and I was curious about which sibling would be taken down by love. Turns out it was Lyric falling in love with an ex, Anton, who broke her heart, now works for her dad, and ends up being her body guard when she starts being threatened. As you'd expect, they both still care for each other and while they try to deny it, and then try to treat their 'new' thing as a casual sex thing, there's no way that that's going to be the end of it. So, while Anton is trying to figure out who is behind the stalking, and Lyric is doing her best to ignore Anton's demands for her safety, the constant undercurrent is how much they don't want to, but can't help caring for each other. The start of this one was a little confusing for me but once I found my bearings, I flew through the pages, as I typically do with any C.D. Reiss novel and while it's probably not my favorite, it was still entertaining. 

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SYNOPSIS:

Protect me at all costs.

That’s the mission my father placed on Anton Markov—my new bodyguard. Shield me from a ruthless, faceless stalker. The menace hijacked my online presence, levied chilling threats my way, and promised to unleash a barrage of damage to me personally and professionally.

There’s one problem with Anton.

It’s simple. I despise him.

He stole everything years ago—my heart, dreams, and dignity. With a four-line farewell note stuck to my kitchen table, he broke my heart and almost my spirit.

But it seems Anton has his own collection of grievances over what happened in New York, and he’s not willing to let them go.

It’s complicated. He hates me.

As my stalker escalates his threats, Anton and I are thrust closer together. His smoldering good looks, irresistible charm, and unwavering dedication to my safety blur the line between lovers and enemies.

He claims that he can't protect me if he falls in love with me. With the danger closing in, we’re about to put that theory to the test.

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Crowne Jewel is a standalone with a hot protector, wounded soldier, an ex you never thought you'd get over.
The story includes non-binary besties, a past abortion that no one feels guilty about, and a hundred right ways to act with an independent woman.
The danger to Lyric is real and manifests in stalking, ugly threats, and descriptions of violence that may take some readers out of the story.
Oh, also role-play shenanigans, a guy who stands up for her when she's speaking, and two people who bring each other sandwiches in case they're hungry.