Book Review: House of Royals by Keary Taylor

House of Royals 

(House of Royals #1) 

by 

Keary Taylor 

Published June 21st 2015 

by Author Self Pub 

ARC for Review 

Summary
Every town has its history and skeletons, but Silent Bend, Mississippi’s are darker than most. Ruled from the shadows by the House—the immortal Born and their aging, enslaved Bitten—everyone knows not to go out after dark and that the police will never look into crimes involving blood.

Alivia Ryan didn’t know the man who claims to be her father through a will even existed until she inherits the Conrath plantation. Instead of the sleepy house she expects, she finds a mansion and a staff who look at her with fear in their eyes.

Ian Ward tried to kill Alivia the first time they met, and then insisted he train her to defend herself against the House, who he claims will try to manipulate and take her in for their own political reasons. And the growing attraction between them will threaten their lives—Ian is a sworn enemy of the House.

In Silent Bend, people disappear, the threat of a demented King and the legend of his resurrecting Queen hang over everyone’s heads, and proving loyalty means far more than blood. You’d better watch who you trust in this town…

A Broken House is No House at All 

I am a fan of Mrs. Taylor from her Angel series so when I saw this I had to take a stab at it! This is a story about vampires but there are some interesting twists to the traditional way we see them. I really enjoyed some parts but other parts weren't my favorite. This was a quick and entertaining read. Mrs. Taylor sets up the scene nicely in the deep south there are a lot of intense emotions throughout the town. Several questions are answered but we are presented with a new what the heck! I look forward to reading more about this sleepy little town that is about to get tossed on its head.

The Story, Alivia is normal girl with a somewhat normal life. Her mother passed away a few years ago in a tragic accident. It has been several years and she has a regular job that pays the bills but not much more than that. Suddenly one day she is approached by a lawyer telling her that is is to inherit a large estate from a father she never knew existed. Moving to the town brings her a lot of questions regarding this father she never knew. Her father had a very loyal employee who's loyalty has now transferred to Alivia. One night of exploring the town she is attacked and it is this attack that introduces her to Ian. Ian is an enemy of the house but something about Alivia draws him to want to protect her. They develop a relationship that is all but doomed, but Alivia and Ian cannot help the chemistry that crackles in the air. Alivia wants to know more and will play her cards well until she gets everything that is due to her.

The Characters, Alivia is strong and she is willing to sacrifice in order to do the right thing. I enjoy her personality because she doesn't let fear rule her life. She is determined to change things and I look forward to seeing how she will do this. Her feelings are a little confusing because as a reader I want her to fall in love with Ian but I don't see it. I'm not saying its not possible but I don't think she has admitted those feelings to herself so that doubt shines through the pages. I think this may open her up to another love but I will have to continue reading this series to find out. Ian he is Alivia's self appointed protector since he rescued her from a bitten one night. Though he knows one day these two will be enemies he cannot stay away. Alivia and Ian have a lot of similarities and I think it is those traits that really draw these two together. I believe Ian is in love with Alivia and I hope these two find a way to be together. Rath was Alivia's father's best friend who manages the estate. There is a loyal bond that is not explained but I look forward to finding out what exactly that bond entails. Rath was a key character that helps Alivia along he has a lot of secrets and there is a sense of mystery surrounding him.

The End, boy oh boy! I think I saw this coming but I wasn't sure. Get ready for a jaw dropping ending that brings with it several questions. Alivia faces those that threaten to control her and although it seems they have won she will vow to take what truly belongs to her. The stage has been set for a wonderful next book and I look forward to it. I do hope that there are more answers in the next. I recommend this for those that are fans of vampires and some mystery. Great story!

My Rating

4.0 Bakery, Phone Accident, Will, Library, Swamp, Cottage, Toxin, Grandmother, Sister, Crossbow, House, Royal, Bitten, Cruel, Party, Sacrifice, Love, King, Queen, Death, Blood filled stars!

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About the Author

Keary Taylor grew up along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains where she started creating imaginary worlds and daring characters who always fell in love. She now resides on a tiny island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their two young children. She continues to have an overactive imagination that frequently keeps her up at night. She is the author of THE EDEN TRILOGY, the FALL OF ANGELS trilogy, and WHAT I DIDN'T SAY. To learn more about Keary and her writing process, please visit www.KearyTaylor.com.