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393 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2016
“If you can’t accept that, then say my name right now and we will step back and renegotiate our relationship. But if you are willing to submit to the fact that I will move fucking heaven and earth to keep you from harm, then say yes, Sir.”
“You belong to yourself and you belong to me, and I don’t fucking care that it seems to be a contradiction because we both know it isn’t.”
“The secret he keeps, the lies he tells.”
This was supposed to be my fairy tale, with me as the princess and Ash as the prince, but there’s a third person here, a person we both want and who wants both of us.
“We know what happens when two people fall in love. It’s happened between each of us. We have to find out what happens when three people fall in love. All together, all at once.”
Wow....Just Wow. I have 5 words for this book: Enchanting. Spellbinding. Seductive. Wicked. Forbidden
This is a tightly spun love-story but much more than this we get an intelligent story, told with a crisp and smart narrative. This book pulsated with passion and, sweet lawd, the ever-present scent of the forbidden.
Honestly, I don't know how to categorize American Queen Is it: Erotica?! Political thriller?! Second chance love? Ora love trianglelove circle? I found it was none of these, yet all of it.
Let's meet the Primary Characters
Greer
Maxen 'Ash'
Embry
Abilene - Greer's Cousin
Merlin - Wizard or Fixer?
Told from Greer's (our female protagonist) perspective, American Queen spans 18 years with Simone cleverly transitioning past and present. Greer's voice is intelligent- bold even- and at many instances, I wished to simply crawl inside her mind. I liked her a lot and was rooting for her all through!
Simone quickly takes us through the early years as we meet 7 yr old Greer Galloway, who believes Merlin cursed her with these words:
“Greer, one kiss from you would swing this world from friendship to anger. From peace to war.”
She can't help but heed Merlin's words not really believing yet unable to disbelieve. So, no kisses for Greer until the age of 16 when she meets 26-yr-old Ash, who gives her her first kiss. Four years later she meets Embry, who gives her the second kiss, and so much more. At 16, she fell in love with Ash and at 20, Embry claims half of her heart.
Did I forget to mention that Embry and Ash are best friends? Yes.
Eventually, all 3 reunite in D.C. and this is where the story actually gains momentum. At this stage Greer, at 25, is a lecturer at Georgetown U., Ash is the President of the United States with Embry as Vice-President.
Nothing could have ever prepared them for the tangled web that ensues.
Ash loves Greer, Greer loves Ash, Embry loves Greer. But could Greer be in love with Embry as well? The love and the longing between these 3 will leave you breathless, hot, and heartbroken. But remember, nothing is at it seems and Merlin's words should not be disregarded. Meanwhile, there are others intent on causing havoc, willing to destroy anyone who gets in their way even if it means getting rid of one part of this trio.....I so can't wait for book 2!
“Keep your kisses to yourself when the time comes”.
“You’ll cut yourself if you’re not careful”
For the third time tonight, I walked right into another person.
“Fuck,” I swore, already swerving to push past him and reach the door.
“My favorite word,” said a smoothly pleasant voice, and that voice was hypnotic in its charm.
“Yes, of course,” I tell him. “I’ll go anywhere you want me to.”
The fairy tale, gone up in flames.
I am gone up in flames too…