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

A royal romance like no other!

It was the perfect balance of suspense, romance, humor, and surprises. It will keep you guessing till the end.

Ricki saves Elpidios and finds herself an Emperor

Ricki is the last of the 4 circus girls who grew up together. She was adopted by the owners of the circus, and finds out at the end who her parents were. Ref to character from SES book on Magic, New Mexico. The Alliance's arrival on Earth is referenced: see SES 4 Alliance books, starting with Hunter's Claim. Jarman and his ship in this book make an appearance in Dagger's Hope from that series. Cook does a decent job with narration.

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.

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.

A re listen

I have read this book in the past and had to get it once I saw it was part of the romance package. I love this entire series and would listen to it again. The narrator is awesome with pitch and accents!

Ristéard

Well done, another great story, tying the Alliance Series into this series. Just can’t get enough, loving the characters, and the narrator brings them to life. Can’t wait for Jarmen’s story, and the red crystal ship

Great

Ristéard was attracted to Rikki but she wasn't interested. He went home and read more about a prophecy. In the prophecy there was a picture of a woman who looked like Rikki who was to be the one to save Ristéard's planet and his people. So he went to Kassis and captured Rikki.
This book is very exciting! They go on an adventure into the past and the planet. There is also a betrayal that takes place against the pair. This author is amazing! The narrator is awesome too!

Love these Books!

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

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!