Hi y’all!

I hope you are staying warm and feeling good. We’ve had a lot of fun at our house lately and are looking forward to some adventures later this year.

Today I am excited to review Emma St. Clair’s Royally Rearranged. This stand alone novel is such a fun story and I loved the ending!

Book Summary: “There WILL be a royal wedding. The only question–who will be my groom?

An arranged marriage isn’t the worst fate for a princess like me. Especially because I’ve been in love with my intended groom since we were children. But when my prince shows up with an American girlfriend instead of an engagement ring, all arrangements are off. The clock is nearing midnight–I won’t turn into a pumpkin, but if I’m not wed by summer’s end, I’ll forfeit my kingdom.

Just your typical royal dilemma.

Out of sheer desperation, I make a deal with a devilish duke. Rafe de Silva is the prince’s rival and has a plan so ridiculous it just might work. One moment, Rafe seems to relish making the prince jealous. And the next… he’s making me question everything with his words, his touch, and his ability to melt my Ice Princess persona. I’m not always given the luxury of choice, but now I have a huge one to make. I only hope I don’t lose my crown, my heart, or myself in the process…

Royally Rearranged is a sizzling, swoony, closed-door romantic comedy.”

Serafina is a fantastic protagonist. I loved getting inside her head and understanding why she makes certain choices. She works so hard for her country and values her education. I was impressed by her goals for the monarchy and how she wanted her education to enhance her abilities to lead. She is an impressive role model. I also admired her her strength and willingness to fight for what she believes in. As she comes to understand what love is and how love feels, I loved seeing some of her walls come down. Especially when it comes to Rafe.

Rafe is a complex, fascinating character. I loved how kind and thoughtful he was to Seraf. Even that nickname was so endearing! He has an awareness of her needs and is able to do small things that help her. I loved seeing how he cares for her. Some of my favorite chapters were the ones that took us inside his head to see the internal struggles he was working through. So interesting to hear his history and how he responded to tragedy and to his uncle’s abuse. I appreciated the openness about his mental health and his healing.

I absolutely loved their slow burning romance. It was building throughout the novel and I loved the tension that grows with every scene. Taking engagement pictures in the gardens. Bringing her food when she hasn’t eaten all day. Listening to her plans for the future. That incredibly swoon worthy kiss in a hidden alcove. Dancing at the celebratory ball. There was so much to love about this story! The things he does for her. The way she begins to understand what love is. And how they build each other up in the best ways. A million little moments lead to a fantastic ending that celebrates the power of love and the importance of truth. A fantastic climax!

I loved this novel!! I am a big fan of the British royal family and enjoyed the Princess Diaries series as a teenager. This is a fun addition to that genre with the royal setting and responsibilities as backdrop to this love story. Such a fun royal romance.

What are some of your favorite royal novels?
Favorite contemporary love stories?