authoraspen
When Sofia, the spirited daughter of a newly remarried queen, is thrust into a modern royal life, she finds herself betrothed to Hugo, a brilliant but guarded prince with a past full of secrets. What begins as a politically arranged marriage quickly spirals into a battlefield of misunderstandings, pride, and unspoken desires.
From high school rivals to a globally televised wedding, Sofia and Hugo navigate the pressures of public scrutiny, family expectations, and the constant threat of political sabotage. Enemies in public, yet yearning for connection in private, their relationship teeters on the edge of trust and betrayal.
Their world becomes even more dangerous with the arrival of Elise, Hugo's cunning ex-fiancée, whose obsession with power puts Sofia directly in harm's way. Kidnappings, hidden motives, and the ghosts of past trauma push both Sofia and Hugo to their limits, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and the raw truth of their hearts.
Amid the chaos, friendships blossom into romance-James and Vivian, Amber and Desmond-and even as battles rage within and outside the palace walls, Sofia and Hugo must decide whether their love is a risk worth taking... or a crown worth losing.
A sweeping story of political intrigue, slow-burn romance, heartbreak, and redemption, Crown & Reins explores what it truly means to lead, to love, and to fight for the person you cannot live without.