Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author, Nana Malone writes Sexy Feel-Good Romance and loves of all things romance and adventure.
That love started with a tattered romantic suspense she "borrowed" from her cousin. It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
this book is the continuation of Royal Playboy. here, imani and xander continue to have communication problems, and i am left confused about the whole timeline, and how old xander actually is, cause when xander goes to visit her alcoholic dad (to make him get his life together), he calls xander "imani's sugar daddy," but he can't be older than like 3o.
xander finds out raped her, and goes apeshit. xander also gets jumped by some guy elliot (who is abbie's ex-boyfriend), and goes apeshit. fun fact, xander and lex are short for alexander and alexi. how. original.
xander and imani break up for like 3 months, and then get back together after xander starts going to therapy. fast forward to present time, imani wakes up in the hospital, and is doing okay. xander calls on his whole friend circle (why were we not introduced to them sooner? like we're just supposed to assume that yeah he has all these friends who'll kill for him but there's no previous context?) and wants revenge on whoever shot at his car and made them crash.
they figure out its his cousin, cause, get this, xander is an actual prince? like his mom is the queen of a country type prince. you confused yet? cause i was led to believe that he was a photographer and had a business with his brother. in the last chapter, he doesn't end up carrying out his revenge (boo) because he sees imani waving to him from the window above and then remembers its magical pussy night and maybe post nut he will get more clarity.
the book ends with both xander and lexi abdicating the throne, and the heir becoming their cousin or something idk. oh, and the person who tried to kill them? another cousin.
CAUSE I SURE AS HELL FUCKING AM!!
for this reason, i will have to give it 1 star, because it is worse than book 1.
Note: An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Another Note: This is the Playboy Royal series. The first book is Playboy's Royal. The second and final book is Playboy's Heart. Please read in order, thanks.
Anyway let's move.
So this is the sequel to the first book, with the same characters, and storyline.
But this is the time where he has lost his princess..heh. But he will fight for her and have her again, and no one will stop him.
Even vengeance won't stop him from getting back to her.
So yeah the summary is exactly what the story is. Finding his love back and getting even with his past.
Thank god for the less sex scenes this time. More talk happened about their pasts, their issues and their fights. Nothing to excite me more than some fighting heh.
The writing was more smooth this time, characters actually had more substance to them, the side characters also got a chance to get involved (hint, the london royals heh), the romance was more tolerable, so was the cover.
And I finally get the hair color difference. So yeah great.
Plus their cute family dynamic made it more worthwhile to read.
So yeah this was definitely better, I think. Hence the extra stars.
Once again Nana Malone had me on the edge. I was desperately awaiting this book after the way she ended book one of this duet. She kills me with the cliffhangers. And as usual, she delivered what I was hoping for plus some.
While I still don't think I can pick between Xander and Lex, I definitely loved the conclusion to Xander's story just as much. His and Imani's romance was so beautiful. And of course there was the intrigue and suspense in the story that kept the pages turning as well.
I especially loved the conclusion and the unexpected choice. It leaves me with even more to look forward to then I originally thought for the future books. I'm so happy this series isn't over and I don't have to be done with all these characters. While Xander and Imani's story has been shared, I know I haven't seen the last of them either.
I absolutely love this author's writing and I cannot recommend this book enough.
Playboy's heart started with some serious action and ended with a what adventure awaits us now with these crazy group of royals.
Xander and Imani's love story is filled with such intensity, they are so hot and heavy that you need a glass of water in between chapters. What captivates you the most is their own personal journey of discovery of how strong they are once they were able to fight their demons.
I do wish that Nana would have written on when Imani got pregnant or when they were married, I would have loved to see how Xander was during those moments when he found out he would be a dad and when he finally was able to tie the knot with Imani.
Nana really made it hard to not fall in love with the Chase brothers and even though I love my Winstin Isle people I feel that the London Royals are my favorite. Now we wait and see what other royal conspiracies awaits us and I can only hope that we see more of our favorite characters as Nana continues to produce these insane stories.
Xander has done what he never wanted - hurt his beautiful Imani and pushed her away. So now it's up to him to figure out how to fix himself and how to fix things so he can get her back. The question is: how? He'll need to take a good long look at himself first and go from there.
Woo boy but this one was a doozy! Not so much physically, but emotionally and mentally. Xander was soooo messed up and didn't know how to fix things. And Imani just did her thing and didn't wait for him to hurt her more. I was so proud of her - she rocks! She's so strong and she grew a ton in Playboy's Heart.
I absolutely loved these two together because they fight so hard, work so hard, to hurdle every obstacle, even if the obstacle is themselves. Even though there's a lot of action and outside things going on, the core of this story is their love and their individual growth. I can't wait for more of Nana's royal romances!
Thank you Social Butterfly and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Playboy's Heart By: Nana Malone
*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆ Playboy's Heart is the second book of a duet, and it is not meant to read as a standalone. This story is about Xander and Imani and, in particular, things from the past that were traumatic and haunting still. Both have issues and baggage, but the question is whether or not they can learn to love and trust each other. It's an uphill battle with plenty of obstacles. The story seemed a little contrived, but I enjoyed it for the most part. This is an easy read with drama, romance, some spicy stuff and a few heart warming moments. The twist at the end left the story of Xander and Imani inconclusive, and I didn't love that aspect. Regardless, Nana Malone fans are sure to love this latest addition!
Amazing story! Xander and Imani have both met their match in one another. They are both very strong characters, very fierce. Compared to the first book, this one went more in depth with their feelings and thoughts. We got more insights to both of their pasts and what's driving them now. I honestly admired Imani's patience with Xander and his mood swings. Not that they are not justified, because Xander is finally getting the revenge he has been working forward for a long time. And he is such an adorable lost puppy from time to time, pinning after Imani but being too scared of his own feelings!
This book has a quick pace but I think it was perfect for all that was happening - it's packed with amazing storyline, witty conversations and some really steamy moments between those two. Nana Malone is a great writer and I really enjoyed her style in this one. She makes it very easy to just read the book quickly because you can't put it down!
Playboy's Heart can't be read without reading the first book, that's for sure! Now just to wait until the third book - because I really need to know what happens! It's been driving me mad with anxiety!
I really loved their dynamic. And I loved when they go into past hurts.
If you’re looking for a smoking hot read with unexpected depth with a couple of very serious topics thrown in, great character development and awesome dialogue... I highly recommend this book!
Playboy's Heart is the emotional, thrilling, and steamy conclusion to the Playboy Royal duet. It picks up at the event that made my heart stop at the end of the first book! Xander is finally happy that he is able to step up and help his brother Lex. Xander has so much guilt and pain stemming from his and Lex's childhood. He has built up strong walls to keep from feeling again and lives for revenge. He needs control over all things and that is a huge hurtle for he and Imani to overcome. She has a past that took her choices away and she needs to know she can make her own choices in her life. Their relationship started with a contract, so as their feelings for each other grow, it was hard to know what is real and what is an act. My heart broke for Xander as he tried to take care of Imani, pushing her further away. I loved how Imani stood her ground, wanting to be a team instead of letting Zander believe he had to do everything on his own. She wants to support Xander as he faces retribution for the plans he has implemented, but she has her own dangerous secret from her past that haunts her as well. This is probably one of my favorite story-lines in Malone's enchanting royal romances. It included all the things I love about her writing from the fast paced, thrilling story-lines, to having all the royals that we have grown to care for show up to support each other, and also her signature witty banter and wonderful steamy passion! I can't get enough of these fun, quirky, and sexy Royals and can't wait for more!
Whether by blood or by heart, there's no emotion more powerful than love. Malone manages to drive that point home with the ultimate double team. Playboy's Heart gives voice to love's power with family devotion and the temptation of romance. Xander is the heartache that I never saw coming, yet couldn't seem to put down. Two brothers could have never seemed more different, Lex was a man of action. He was in you face, before he thought things through. Xander is a quiet storm that plans ahead, before he drops the boom on you. Imani is the happy ending he never knew he wanted, until someone tried to take it away. Now all bets are off and the beast has come out to play. An intriguing romance bundled within a dangerous mystery delivers a breathtaking experience. (4.5 stars)
Xander and Imani's story is beautiful, I love Nana Malone books, these series Playboy Royal are a must read. If you love royal romance stories with more than the HEA, read it. I hope for the audiobook soon as I want it to experience it all over again. The story can be read as standalone but it will have characters from other books, so read them all to enjoy it more.
Ok so this story has ended...or has it? I still have questions that need to be answered. It seems like nothing is ever truly settled in the Winston Isles and London and New York... This is one complicated family. However, that being said, the ones that are with you are loyal to a fault. So although this book has ended, is it truly the end of the series? You never know. What I will say is questions were answered but more arose in my mind. We got to see the end of the beginning of book 1. My detective theories were sorely lacking.
I have to admit my heart bled for Xander. Although, I love Imani I have some issues with her. Sometimes you can be too proud. I understood her point of view but there are times you need help. To me, at times, she sent mixed signals. She had her own demons that she wasn’t to forthcoming about. Don’t want to give any spoilers. I realize Xander was more than a handful but she kind of knew this. In both situations it’s a case of easier said than done! What we really learn is the heart wants what the heart want. Too, there is no gain without pain.
One of the nice things about the story is we get to meet up with old friends from other books in the royal series. I always love seeing them again. You’ll get everything you’re looking for, smiles, cheekiness, suspense, intrigue, heat, romance and hope.
He has demons. Can he outrun them? Will he ever be able to live with them? Or will they conquer him?
"Vengeance is mine" was once said and that has become Xander's motto. But will it get the better of him? He has lived his life seeking revenge and when he gets it, how will he feel? Relief, elation, satisfaction ... But now that he has Imani, his conscience gets the better of him. Is vengeance worth losing the love of your life? And yet, years later, we see the same cycle occurring.
I felt the maturity that Xander has been trying to find at the end of this book. I found the end to be very fitting, and even a little comical. I think he made the right choices based on his family and his needs, both physically and mentally. I think he actually made very good choices in his final decisions. I found it interesting who the successor ended up being. I was truly surprised. I can't wait to read more royals. They really are a fun bunch.
So this is book two of the Playboy Royal series and it was pretty good! I’ve read the first one and these aren’t standalones. You have to read book one to know what’s happening in this book.
In the first book we have the story of how Imani and Xander met. Book two deals a lot with the inner demons of Xander’s childhood and Imani’s family and her past.
Xander prepares for the downfall of Alister finally and Imani has to deal with her past too. Ryan, her ex, doesn’t let up on her. He’s determined to get her back any way possible.
The ending was a bit weird I have to say. It jumped ahead 4 years and introduced us to new characters so I’m guessing a continuation or a spin-off. Can’t wait to meet these new characters in detail!
Nana Malone has a hotline to my heart for sure. I don't how she writes the perfect romance that makes my heart race, body sing and soul owned completely every single time. Playboy's Heart is the sublime and breathtaking balance of suspense, steam and sweetness.
I don't think I loved any of her heroes like I do Xander. Oh who am I kidding? I say that every time! But I really cannot resist. Xander has that special aura that is like fire to my heart. He is arrogant, controlling and dominating. But at the same time he is broken and tainted with an unstable temper and barely controlled violent edge. Like I want to hug him and heal him and protect him. And at the same time, I want to do naughty things with him. And I fall in more love and lust with him in this story. Because how he protected and cherished and loved her. Because how he became better for love of his life. He has drowned and silenced his sufferings in debauchery but Imani had filled his dark heart with light and hope.
And Imani is the changing force. She was once the woman who was abused and broken by a man. But now she is full of fireworks and sass and strength! And this is just amazing to read how she supports Xander through his darkest days and never let him push her away. Even when Xander tried to hide his pain and secrets, she was there as a steady support. And I cannot stop talking about their chemistry! It is so intense and mesmerising. And every soft, sultry, heartaching and angsty moment tugged at my heart painfully. Add the adrenaline filled twists and turns and I had an amazing ride! And I felt totally emotional to meet Winston Isles team at the end.
Playboy's Heart by Nana Malone enticed me, captivated me and made me fall under her magical writing spell once again. Intriguing characters. Deep emotions. Sensational story line. And this is a must read romance for me.
This Royal Series got me hooked on Nana’s books. Knowing that they came in duets, I was looking forward to the conclusion of Xander and Imani’s story. The first book started off weird to me and had some spelling issues that had me hesitant about this book. However, Nana once again develops her characters so well that you can’t help but get so wrapped up into the story. I loved the playful banter between Xander and Imani and how they fed off each other. This book brought about the more serious part of their story and how they handled it. One thing Nana does well is having her characters deal with real-life issues. This book was no different. Since I received this as an ARC for an honest review, I will tell you this duet wasn’t as exciting as her other books but reading not only this series but all the others before, will make you a fan of Nana’s.
This was a well planned out conclusion to an epic duet! This author gives us SO much in this to take in, while the duet is a stand alone it is set in the same world as a number of her other stand alones and duets, and I feel like we are nearing a culmination of sorts. Everything is woven together nice and neat and I just have a feeling someone or something is right around the corner with a sharp pair of shears lol. The author packs every minute of Xander and Imani's story full of passion and well placed clues. I loved Imani's independent spirit, even if her stubbornness was a detriment at times, and Xander was a hot mess through a good portion of this duet so I was glad when he started coming around and getting his head out of his a*$. Yes they both have some self destructive tendencies, but I truly believe they are both well on the right path towards healing and growth. And the glimpse we get of the others is wonderful, like the author gave us a mini family reunion.
This book hit me with ALL the feels. Xander is much more complex than I ever thought and his journey throughout this story was so emotional.
I was completely hooked. The roller coaster of emotions this story takes you through will leave you drained. That’s how good this book is. Even though the story mostly centers on Xander, it was good to see Imani take charge and get some things settled in her life as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Two broken souls, which was touched on in the first book, but holy it was so much deeper than that. Xander is such a broken lost little boy, and Imani is almost the same. Both with a tragic past, but together they heal each other. Trying to navigate this new relationship that started as a semi lie. You can't help but fall in love with them.
Hot, Hot, Hot! Imani and Xander are steaming hot! I love them as a couple. Who knew that someone could get through to Xander. Imani is perfect for him. And he ends up being perfect for her. The first part of this duet left us hanging and the second is just as intense. I loved how the two of them worked for each other and helped each other heal the pain of their pasts. While I loved the story from the past giving us Imani and Xander's story, I am so looking forward to more of the story that is taking place in the current time. I can hardly wait for the next book! I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second part of the story of Xander & Imani. Xander just could not get rid of his anger from his childhood, especially with his almost brother, Alistair. Xander is in a very dark place. He likes to fix things for himself on his own and he determined to fix things for Imani without giving her choices or fixing things on her own. This is a whirlwind of a story, to say the least. Many things, good and bad, happen. It is a great ending to a royal story, and I enjoyed it immensely. Can't wait for the next book by Nana Malone.
This is the conclusion to Xander and Imani's story...it's so freaking intense and a story that I couldn't put down!!! I love the way the story kept moving and kept me wanting more!!! Xander and Imani are perfect for each other and as usual Nana Malone doesn't disappoint when it comes to the Winston Royal's!!!
Absolutely loved this book and this duet. Loved reading about Xander and Imani and seeing who the culprit was and loved seeing Alexi and Abbie and all the wonderful characters from the Winston Isles. BRAVO Nana once again for delivering another awesome duet.
**Warning: this text may contain spoilers** What an ending! Imani & Xander are playing house. There is a lot going on since they met, Xander is out revenge , but they are falling in love with each other but not telling the other, Abby's ex come after Lexi but he get Xander instead, Xander wants revenge on somebody in is past that keep popping up Imani ex wants her back even though he raped her, but the ending was so good. I just want to read more about all of them!
This is such a roller coaster of a read. Full of suspense and surprises, not to mention revenge and sizzling chemistry between Xander and Imani. There is still unfinished business at the end of this duet, I'm on tenterhooks now waiting for the next one to arrive! Fantastic read.
this book is the second book in Xander and Imani story on how they meet and what happens between them and others people and at the end of the book it will surprise you big time
Nana Malone takes us on a wild ride with self doubt, angst, fear and twists and turns but she also brings friends, family and love to shine the light for coming out the other side and getting the things you most desire in life...family and love. I enjoyed this book!!!💞💞
Xander and Imani. I was on pins and needles to see how their story ended. The first book starts out in present day. Xander has taken on the responsibility to succeed his mom on the throne. Just a few minutes later he and pregnant wife, Imani are headed home and there are gunshots. Imani is shot. The rest of book 1 and most of book 2 goes back to the time they met, their story of how they became a couple. They are both broken. Xander lost his dad at a young age and when his mother became engaged to his future step-father, the man abused him and his brother, Lex. They ended up pushing him down the stairs during one of his drunken attempts at the boys and he died. His son was an older teenager at the time and not only did anything to help the boys, but actually helped hold the boys during some of their assaults. Xander spent most of his adult life plotting and carrying out his revenge on the almost step-brother. Amani met Xander while researching a role as an escort. The escort she interviewed was a standing escort for hire to Xander. He hired her as a friend and they never had sex. One night the escort couldn't make her appointment and called Imani to stand in since he never had sex with her anyway. Imani needed the money to help out her alcoholic father and younger sister so she took the job. She and Xander had an instant chemistry connection and this began their relationship. Imani had a long-term boyfriend when she was younger and he took her virginity by force - rape. Because if this plus her issues with her dad, she had trust issues and also didn't like to depend on anyone. The story unfolds as they try to heal and have a health relationship. Nana Malone does a wonderful job with this story and as usual, leaves the door open for another great story to continue.
This is part two of Xander and Imani's duet and it did not disappoint. Their pasts have formed the people they are today. It was great to see Xander begin to open up for Imani, but will their love be enough to slay his demons? Nana Malone has a way of writing characters that you connect with and have a vested interest in their HEA's even as she slowly teases us there. The cameo from Team Winston Isles made my heart happy.