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Jodi Ellen Malpas
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The Controversial Princess (The Smoke & Mirrors Duology Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Jodi Ellen Malpas (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,599 ratings
Her father is the King of England.

She is the Controversial Princess.

Regarded as down to earth by the press and rebellious by the King, Princess Adeline refuses to bow to the royal expectations her title carries. She knows better than anyone that the united front of the Royal Family is nothing but smoke and mirrors - lies and secrets masked by power and privilege. She wants no part of it, and she will never surrender to the King’s demand to marry a man she does not love. But despite Adeline’s determination to retain her free will, she remains deeply unfulfilled, feeling caged and suffocated.

That is until she meets Josh Jameson. Drawn in by his confidence, Adeline is soon captivated by the scandalously sexy American actor. His ability to penetrate her defences overwhelms her - his touch is pure fire, and his allure overpowering. Nothing has ever made her feel so alive in a world where she’s otherwise slowly drowning. However, while Josh may be Hollywood royalty, he’s not actual royalty, and Adeline knows the King and his advisors will do everything in their power to keep them apart.

But Josh Jameson becomes the princess’s ultimate vice.

And although she bows to no one, she bows to him.
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Smoke & Mirrors Duology
  2. Print length
    403 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 22, 2018
  6. File size
    2.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Controversial Princess is an all-consuming, scorching hot, modern royal romance with twists, turns and a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will leave you begging for more. " -- Mary Dube, USA Today


"THE CONTROVERSIAL PRINCESS by Jodi Ellen Malpas is OUT OF THIS WORLD AMAZING! I would go as far as to say this is Jodi's very best book to date. The writing, the story, the deliverance, the feeling, all just, oh my goodness I can't even begin to tell you because I don't know if I have the right words to do it justice." -- Sophie, Bookalicious Babes Blog


"The Controversial Princess provided us with the romance our hearts needed, the passion our hearts craved, with jaw dropping twists and turns that kept us guessing, and eagerly flipping the pages." --TotallyBookedBlog


"The Controversial Princess, told from Adeline's POV, is thick on plot, rich in character development with Kindle-melting sex and the perfect blend of twists and turns, shockers and villains!" --SueBee, Goodreads Reviewer


The Controversial Princess is utterly fantastic." ~ Jessica, Angie and Jessica's Steamy Reads


"...this story is scandalously fun." ~ Babel, Torre de Babel


"Y'all your Kindle is going to spontaneously combust while reading!!!! Make sure you have that fire extinguisher handy!!!! lol You have been warned . . . OMG this book was HAWT!!!!" -- Tricia, iScream Books Blog


"Jodi Ellen Malpas is single-handedly one of the most gifted and talented writers I've had the privilege to read . . . The Controversial Princess rocked me to the core..." -- Heather, QueenZany

Review

"A brave, cutting-edge romance...This is a worthwhile read."―Library Journal on The Forbidden

"Unpredictable and addictive." ―Booklist on The Forbidden

"The Forbidden proves that Jodi Ellen Malpas is not only one of the romance genre's most talented authors, but also one of the bravest. In this raw and honest portrayal of forbidden love, Jodi delivers a sexy and passionate love story with characters to root for. The Forbidden is easily my favorite read of 2017!"―Shelly Bell, author of At His Mercy

"4.5 stars. Top Pick. Readers will love this book from the very beginning! The characters are so real and flawed that fans feel as if they're alongside them. Malpas' writing is also spot-on with emotions."―RT Book Reviews on The Protector

"Every kiss, every sexy scene, every word between this pair owned a piece of my soul. I could read this book a hundred times and still react as if it was the first time. THE PROTECTOR is a top 2016 fave for me." ―Audrey Carlan, #1 bestselling author of The Calendar Girl series

"Jodi Ellen Malpas delivers a new heart-wrenching, addicting read." ―RT Book Reviews on With This Man

"There is no question, this is Jodi Ellen Malpas at her best. We really don’t have enough words nor accolades for With This Man, it had everything and more with added ghosts from the past as well as a surprising suspense. But mostly, it was about a love that proves it can conquer anything and everything placed in its way." ―TotallyBooked Blog

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07BHZ17PQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jodi Ellen Malpas
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 22, 2018
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 403 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0996781817
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ The Smoke & Mirrors Duology
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 2,599 ratings

About the author

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Jodi Ellen Malpas

Jodi Ellen Malpas

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#1 New York Times & Sunday Times Bestselling Author Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in  England, where she lives with her husband, her boys, and Theo the Doberman. She is a self-professed daydreamer and has a terrible weak spot for alpha males.

Writing powerful love stories with fierce, memorable characters is her passion - a passion that has taken her on an amazing journey into the limelight of romantic fiction. Her work is now published in more than twenty-five languages across the world.

Find out more about Jodi at www.jodiellenmalpas.co.uk

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,599 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a must-read with a great romance that features steamy love scenes, and one review describes it as the most electrifying read of the year. Customers praise the well-developed characters, particularly Adeline's strong-willed personality, and appreciate the writing style, with one noting its unique approach. The book features great twists with jaw-dropping surprises, and one customer mentions it takes them on a journey through the England monarchy. The pacing receives mixed reactions - while some say it keeps them engrossed from the first page, others find it gets slow.

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StorylineRomanceCharacter developmentWriting qualityTwistsWriting styleFamily historyPacing
137 customers mention "Storyline"137 positive0 negative

Customers love the storyline of this book, describing it as a must-read and another masterpiece, with one customer noting it was the most electrifying read of the year.

"...so you will have to read the book to find out, however this book is brilliant and is decadent, but you will see how Josh is with Adeline and his..." Read more

"...Yes that book hangover was completely worth it! Buy this book (part #1) it doesn't disappoint and #2 is releasing quickly this summer...." Read more

"...What a fabulous read!! I would also like to add that I listened to this via Audible and the narrator was SUPERB...." Read more

"I absolutely loved this book. I listened to it on audible and hung on every word...." Read more

44 customers mention "Romance"31 positive13 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, describing it as a great love/sexy time story, with one customer noting it's full of steamy moments.

"...Princess Adeline, the public adores her, she is beautiful, poised, kindhearted-and a source of contention for the King-she bows to no one!..." Read more

"...Adeline is indeed strong and determined only to marry for love, and Josh is determined to be the winner in this battle of love v. tradition...." Read more

"...The ending just gahhh....I need the next book and it's not out until August :/..." Read more

"...I loved the chase and absolutely loved the ending! The Controversial Princess is simply AMAZING!..." Read more

43 customers mention "Character development"40 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review highlighting Adeline's strong-willed personality and another noting the immediate chemistry between the characters.

"...Adeline is indeed strong and determined only to marry for love, and Josh is determined to be the winner in this battle of love v. tradition...." Read more

"...Adeline is a feisty reluctant princess who wants to find true love and her own path as opposed to the life the monarchy chooses for her...." Read more

"...much, especially with her being 30 but she still came off as a very likable person. She wasn't spoiled or snobby...." Read more

"...The immediate chemistry between the characters, Adeline’s strong-willed personality, and Josh’s steadfast pursuit drew me in and didn’t let go until..." Read more

37 customers mention "Writing quality"37 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as very well written and easy to read, with one customer noting that each word gets better and better.

"...Many thanks for writing smashing books about all of them...." Read more

"...This book was written perfectly, flowed at a perfect pace and kept me engrossed from the first page until the last...." Read more

"...well as the in depth glimpse into Adeline’s life as a royal was perfect in detailing how much of her life is dictated by her title and mandatory..." Read more

"...She wasn't spoiled or snobby. The author did a good job of showing how suppressed her life was and that she rebelled to just have some control in..." Read more

20 customers mention "Twists"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the twists in the book, describing them as jaw-dropping surprises and mysterious elements, with one customer noting the sprinkling of danger and intrigue throughout the story.

"...this book was sexy and funny and a bit mysterious with a sprinkling of danger and intrigue. My heart was absolutely racing at the end...." Read more

"...Secrecy and excitement. At the same time fear of discovery. And the ever present weight of expectations are enough to crush them...." Read more

"Unexpected. Sensational. Sinfully Sexy! "She's the one in control. She is the one calling the shots...." Read more

"...This story has it's twists and secrets that have you losing sleep as you want to keep turning the pages to the end...." Read more

13 customers mention "Writing style"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style of the book, finding it unique and sassy, with one customer noting its passionate and humorous tone.

"...In true Jodi Ellen Malpas fashion, this book was sexy and funny and a bit mysterious with a sprinkling of danger and intrigue...." Read more

"...stepped out of her comfort zone of sexy alpha males and has created a sassy, rebel and beautiful alpha female and a princess to boot, that I just..." Read more

"...The Controversial Princess is sexy, funny, mysterious and well-written. Cannot go wrong with this book or any of Malpas' books...." Read more

"...This book had all the good stuff with JEM's witty and smart writing that kept me captivated from the first page until the very end, where it left me..." Read more

6 customers mention "Family history"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's exploration of royal family history, with one customer describing it as a great journey through the English monarchy.

"Blown. Away. This book took me on a foray into the royal family...." Read more

"This book reminds me of the real royal family. After reading the dark romance books. I was expecting dark, but instead it's Luke warm kind of a mix." Read more

"...I loved how the story dealt with describing the Royals while keeping Adeline a perfect match for Josh. I didn't want this book to end." Read more

"...Another fantastic story, a royal family but it's not all crowns and tiaras, hurry up August!!!" Read more

29 customers mention "Pacing"20 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some saying it kept them engrossed from the first page, while others mention that the story gets slow and the beginning is a bit slow.

"...This book was written perfectly, flowed at a perfect pace and kept me engrossed from the first page until the last...." Read more

"...the good stuff with JEM's witty and smart writing that kept me captivated from the first page until the very end, where it left me hanging...." Read more

"Oh, Wow! While I’ll admit that the story progresses slower than I’m used to...by the end, I feel it was all worth it...." Read more

"...This is my favourite book by Jodi Ellen Malpas so far. It grabbed me from the first page and I found myself staying up late just to finish it...." Read more

Best JEM book yet!
5 out of 5 stars
Best JEM book yet!
I never thought I would love this book so much. I have read MANY of Jodi's books, but this one is definitely one of my favorites. Josh Jameson may have stole my heart away from Jesse Ward. Princess Adeline is such a strong and rebellious character. This book left me turning the pages and wanting more. My heart was racing at every turning point in the story! I mean who doesn't love a forbidden love story?!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Loraine Oliver
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome new series by Jodi Ellen Malpas.... be prepared, all bets are off....Love is in the Air!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Jodi Ellen Malpas has done it again! The perfect alpha male! Josh Jameson is a Hollywood actor-a famous one,so good looking, perfect body, a playboy. Like I said-a perfect hero!

    Meet Princess Adeline, the public adores her, she is beautiful, poised, kindhearted-and a source of contention for the King-she bows to no one! All she wants is a normal life, free of all the restraints being a princess automatically causes her to have, she is supposed to do everything her station in life and the daughter of the King and Queen ask of her.

    However they do not call her the Controversial Princess for nothing. Her older brother is the perfect one-John-did everything asked of him, married to a wife picked for him, and now 8 years later finally a royal baby is on the way. Then there is her favorite brother Eddie who adores her! He too does as he must, however Eddie and Adeline are not all stuffy, and he too does not like the thought of being a King if something happened to his brother and the King, his father. Eddie loves to party and carry on, with his sister in tow!

    The book opens and we meet the Princess getting ready for her thirtieth birthday party at the King's palace. Her mother the Queen loves all of her children, and even though she stays out of whatever the King has going for Adeline, her Mother seldom says anything.

    Into her birthday party wanders Josh Jameson, the movie star! She watches as he approaches her and as they say-all bets are off. He is handsome, exudes confidence, and he sees Adeline for the first time and it is game over for him!

    The other character I really love is Damon, who is in charge of Adeline's security, and only he truly knows what is going on with her. Over the years he has covered for her antics but he truly loves her.

    I do not want to give anything else away, so you will have to read the book to find out, however this book is brilliant and is decadent, but you will see how Josh is with Adeline and his perception of what she needs not wants is amazing. Their love shines off the pages of this book!

    Be prepared to laugh, to cry, to get angry and frustrated, but most of all fall in love with Jodi's new hero and heroine! In true Jodi fashion however, the way she ends this book will send you over and I know after reading this I will have a book hangover until Part 2 comes out in early August!

    I gave this book 5 brilliant stars!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • SweetMomNY
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read -> Princess Adeline Catherine Luisa Lockhart welcomes you...
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Every time I read another Jodi Ellen Malpas book on the day it comes out it surprises me. Each time I think there is no way any other book could be this good, then she releases another that knocks me off my chair. The best part of this book is how I got to read it during the crazy weeks of TV coverage of Prince Harry's wedding. Prince Harry and Meghan did it all with class. Yes his American Hollywood actress wife went up against those 5 or more "Must Rules to Date a Royal" let alone have a royal wedding. Prince Harry loved & married her anyways. God and we so love him for it. Cheering both of them for weeks was great. They didn't disappoint either as I sat in N.Y. watching and wishing them years of nothing but good luck & Love.
    This authors book didn't disappoint either! One royal princess falling madly in love at her 30th birthday to an American worldwide known Hollywood actor. Gasp! She's a renegade princess sneaking off drinking, affairs and all round causing her guard Damon mush stress. Bodyguard Damon is married and has been at her side for most her life. You quickly find he is the only person who cares about her well being & true happiness. Damon has been there through all the outbursts, scandals and one night stands. A lesson of how a royal princess navigates through a terrible family, tyrant cruel father, a brother in military, brother the heir & his wife constant scorn plus every other dysfunctional royal member in the extended family. Did I mention the Princess with a explosive attraction to a very hot knickers dropping American actor? This sexy American actor is smitten with his Princess in every way. You won't put this book down. I read it straight through the second it hit my Kindle paperwhite. Yes that book hangover was completely worth it! Buy this book (part #1) it doesn't disappoint and #2 is releasing quickly this summer. Hurry you don't want to keep Princess Adeline Catherine Luisa Lockhart waiting!

    Thank you Jodi! I haven't a single clue how you keep straight control of your characters. How do you handle all them running rampant (some dangeous with scissors) in your head? Many thanks for writing smashing books about all of them. Books that take me away from real life for a few moments to enjoy each character you send my way. <- That right there is called an American reader -> complete Malpas fan of your writing "Buttering You Up" to hope you give us book #3 one day......
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  • Carol LaGatta
    4.0 out of 5 stars Twists, Turns, Romance, Sizzle and More!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Princess Adeline is celebrating her 30th birthday, the celebration, a garden party at the palace is nothing more than a chore for her. Spending time with her cousin Matilda, the Duchess of York is the only thing relieving the tedium. That is until she spots Josh Jameson, American Actor and Sex Symbol heading their way.

    Much happens at this garden party as Adeline sneaks off to a maze on the property to meet with Josh. Also the announcement of her brother John, the Heir Apparent, wife's pregnancy, takes the shine off her party.

    Plenty of subterfuge as the princess and the actor have several secret rendezvous. It's also the nature of these encounters I have a bit of a problem with. I'm no stranger to kinks in a book, but there were elements here I felt should have had more of an explicit consent rather than an implied one.

    This book was supposedly set in today's world and that also made it a bit difficult for me. The English Monarchy and Aristocracy is well known and even with the landmark name changes and a totally different Monarchy I kept looking for the familiar.

    I love the characters especially Damon and Bates, Adeline and Josh's bodyguards respectively. What their charges put them through really is above and beyond.

    Adeline is indeed strong and determined only to marry for love, and Josh is determined to be the winner in this battle of love v. tradition. The twists and turns in this book particularly at the end had me buying the second book in this duology.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amanda Drummond
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
    Reviewed in Australia on July 18, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Wow, what a ride! This book is an epic story of a headstrong yet beautifully fragile Princess Adeline, and the enigmatic, sexy And oh so deliciously possessive Hollywood heartthrob Josh. Filled with banter, an intense chemistry and twists you won’t see coming, you will not be able to put this book down! Ending with one hell of a cliffhanger, It will leave you itching to start book 2 as soon as possible!
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  • AngelinaT
    5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!
    Reviewed in Canada on June 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I knew I would love this book because to me every book Jodi Ellen Malpas writes is absolutely brilliant and you can't put down. This was such a jaw-dropper at the end (totally surprised me) .I immediately purchased book two as I couldn't wait a minute!!! Awesome!!! Thank you Jodi!!!!!
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  • Luisa Bauer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Her American boy
    Reviewed in Germany on March 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Liebe auf den ersten Blick. Es gibt sie noch.
    Dieses Buch ist von Anfang bis Ende eine Droge, von der man nicht genug bekommen kann.
    Tolle Charaktere und eine noch vollkommenere Beziehung. Der 2. Teil ist noch besser.
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  • T Law
    5.0 out of 5 stars Top-notch tale.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Superb! First let me just say that our beloved Jodi can write 'posh' extremely well. Witnessing my very own 'jolly hockey stick' friends, quite frankly I thought I was sat in the room with them at times. Tally-ho, you scoundrel, righto, yar, yar, in a jiffy, old chap, pompous windbag, good-oh, must dash, the dirty rat, and my favourite, bugger it!

    The frustrated, feisty, unhappy, cigarette smoking, champer swigging, oppressed, elegant Spanish beauty that is Princess Adeline, is helpless to all that is Josh Jameson American actor, dominant, tall, dark, buff with and I quote 'a smile that can blow your knickers off', are the perfect fit in all ways. Steamy, sexual, playful and coupling made of dreams.

    Prisons can come in different forms. Adeline's prison manifested in both her suffocating title and intimidating palace walls, clearly unapparent to the general populous. Every aspect of her life detailed, managed, criticised, groomed. I felt a 'go-girl' moment when it became clear that conforming wasn't an option... ever! And Josh the cowboy come actor, adored world-wide held in his own prison of fame.

    Marvellous supporting characters, there are plenty, and all could have their own stories. I'm sure many would love to sing Take That with Damon, security officer, ex MI6 and buff, in a car pool. And drink champers and get squiffy with Matilda. Matilda and the Argentine polo whizz... hmmm! Now there's a tale to be told.

    With impeccable visualization, it is a story of Princess Adeline's subjugation under the rule of an outdated monarcy, extremely well told, highly entertaining, page-turner, with a top-notch cliffy. Bring on book 2 in this gripping duology.
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  • 2loccos
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing! Jodi has done it again
    Reviewed in Canada on May 25, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Amazing! Jodi has done it again. This book had me from the minute I started reading. I can't wait for what comes next!
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