Ristéard’s Unwilling Empress

Lords of Kassis, Book 4

By: S. E. Smith

Narrated by: Samantha Cook

Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of science fiction, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance brings another action-, adventure-, and suspense-filled story to transport listeners out of this world.

Ristéard Roald is the powerful and deadly ruler of Elpidios, a planet that is slowly dying without the Blood Stones needed to absorb the radiation gradually destroying its stratosphere. He has sworn to do whatever it takes to protect his world and his people, but time is running out.

Hope comes from an unexpected source, the Kassis. They have found a way to replicate the Blood Stones needed to save his world, but his first dealings with a traitorous Kassisan has left a deep distrust for the species.

Ricki Bailey is used to dealing with diplomats and handling complex situations. After all, as the daughter of the owners of Cirque de Magik, the most spectacular circus to the stars, she is used to organizing their trips to foreign countries. Her life changes when her mother and father decide to take the circus to the real stars, and to another star system!

If she thought learning new laws and customs was going to be a challenge, it was nothing compared to the sudden interest she was getting from a huge blue male known as the Grand Ruler! Ricki discovers words that she didn't even realize were in her vocabulary, most of them not in the least polite.

She decides the best way to deal with the arrogant male is to treat him like she did when encountering difficult Consuls during the circus' travels on Earth; stay cool, calm, and professional, and only deal with the facts necessary to complete whatever business transaction was required.

Ristéard is stunned when a strange, alien female, foretold in the ancient tablets as being the great empress who will save his world, appears. He is even more astonished when she refuses his attentions! With the life of his planet at stake - not to mention his own peace of mind and body - he will do whatever is necessary to ensure the female stays by his side.

Yet, there are forces working against him and Ricki, powerful forces that do not want him to be successful. Dangers and traitors among his own council threaten not only him, but her. It will take all of Ristéard's resources, and a few unexpected allies, to complete the dangerous journey ahead of them.

Can he keep his unwilling empress safe from those that would destroy her? Better yet, can he save his world when there are those that would destroy it for the treasure of precious Blood Stones hidden somewhere beneath its surface?

©2016 Susan E. Smith (P)2016 Blackstone Audio

Must Add

This is the fourth book and I have to say this is my favorite one out of the series. Such a good love story with lots of action secrets uncovered. I am looking forward to the next book, but until then, I will relisten to the series over again.

I have to say S.E. Smith is one of my top authors.

women gives power to man she hates?

This story was ridiculous! I have enjoyed the S.E. Smith stories across multiple series, but this won was near shameful in the laziness of the romance development. We have all seen then i don't like you but I am attracted to you stories before but this one didn't even try. The Heroin was kidnapped, literally to save his world, and after only one nut shot she is doing what ever he wants and allowing him whatever access to her body that he wants. She may not verbally admit to her attraction, but if you are kidnapped, it should take more than one forced kiss before doing anything the your kidnapper wants. Yes she is a good person and wants to help his world, but that doesn't mean doing anything else because he said so. No trust has been earned why would you accept that your kidnapper a known womanizer, who keeps "claiming" you as his, is trust worthy. Being attracted to someone doesn't make them a good person, and again KIDNAPPING and claiming does say good guy either.

Risteard and Ricki

Everything that S E Smith, (author), and David Brenin, (narrator), pair up on is great. This is no exception. I make sure that I have everything that they do together. Keep it up.

I quite enjoyed this book

yes I did enjoy reading the book. And no I didn't have any trouble finishing the book. When Ricky took down the emperor. The narrator was very good. It did not feel like she was putting me to sleep, so I quite enjoyed the book.

NICE STORY - GREAT DETAIL

Would you listen to Ristéard’s Unwilling Empress again? Why?

Ah, yes - already have. I find that I can focus on more if I listen to it multiply times. I have listened to the earlier stores - River - Starr & Jo's stories several times each.

What did you like best about this story?

I like how Riste'ard's feelings changed so much after being with Ricki for a while. I liked how he understood "love" when he felt it. It was funny that he expected Ricki to mutter it right back at him after he said he loved her.

What about Samantha Cook’s performance did you like?

Samantha does a wonderful job. Moves right along doesn't slow down at all. I love it when the narrator doesn't have slow up times in the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Well yes, but not what you are probably thinking. I loved the part where Ricki had fainted and when she came to, her little mother is saying "I will take care of her, how many fingers am I holding up"? It was a so "mother" moment. Loved it.

Any additional comments?

Loved the story.....can't wait until SE Smith gives me Jarmin & Jayne's story. (Ah, Susan, I am waiting.)

Loved it

Fantastic series. Ristèard learned quick, don't mess with human women! Ricki puts her skills to work! The anxious and the unwilling meet half way!

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Finale!

This is a great wrap up book to the series. It tidies everything up nicely! But I feel there can be more. But you'll definitely love this book!

A really fascinating story.

The story was very fascinating both because of the adventure and the romance. I was really 😔 sad to come to the end. It had some interesting types of aliens.

Love these Books!

Great Books! I can't wait for Jarmin & Jane's book!
Please Please!
Oh! As well as Ajaska's story too!

Excellent

This was a wonderful story. Very well presented and read. I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to listen to more.

Risteard's Unwilling Empress

Excellent story love it it was an impressive 4th book, I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Another great reading

S E Smith does it again . This is another great story in the continuing Lords of Kassis storyline