Top Ten Tuesday: Royal Reads

 This week's topic is a genre freebie. I love books about royals, so I'm sharing some royal reads

Adult:

YA:

Want to read:

Are you fan of royal reads? Is there any you'd like to recommend?

Book Tok Review: Heir Apparently

 

This duology was amazing.

I talked about both books on TikTok:

@yabooknerdlibrarian That ending will stick with me! #royal #england #toadtrip #endoftheworld #booktok #yabook #dog @Wednesday Books ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

@yabooknerdlibrarian The second book is out and its also amazing!!!! #booktok #bookcover #royal #prince #yabooks @Wednesday Books ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Review Battle Royal

 

Sylvie competed on Operation Cake. Now, four years later, she's returning to the show as a guest judge. She's hoping the show will grant her a boost at her bakery - even if she does have to deal with Judge and Baker Dominic De Vere.

His cakes are so vanilla and boring - as his her personality. His life could use a lot more sparkles and glitter. 

When a royal engagement is announced, both bakers compete for the change to bake the royal cake. The royal, Princess Rose, isn't your typical princess. She's torn between the tradition cake and a cake that reflects her personality. As both bakers are judges and competing for the royal honors, they're spending more and more time together.

Could the become something more than enemies?

My Thoughts: There sadly is no tagline for this book, but it should be something along the lines of A Great British Baking Show type romance between two judges in an enemies to lovers story mixed with a Royal Wedding. I loved this book for so many reasons: the baking, the bakeries, enemies to lovers, Dominic's relationship with his sister, the baking show, the royals, the lost secret romance, and the banter. 

And it's the first in a new series. I can't wait for the next one!

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Library Read

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection!

Christmas Book Review: Royal Christmas Fairy Tale

Kaylie's not a huge fan of Christmas. Her family celebrates after the holidays and they don't make a big to-do over it. Her sister can't usually get time off and she's happy to volunteer to work so her co-workers with children can spend the day at home.  But changes are coming to the news station where Kaylie works. She's been hoping for her own investigative news program, but instead, she hears the network is under new ownership and her job's been eliminated. 

Stunned, she takes on a freelance assignment her previous boss volunteered her for - without knowing all the details of the story. She's sent to a small county in Europe for Christmas. When she arrives, Kaylie learns she's being hired to write a Christmas Fairy Tale for the princess who's mother died and needs to regain her Christmas spirit.

Kaylie isn't sure she's the best person for the job. She's an investigative journalist not a storyteller. To make matters worse, the princess's father isn't thrilled she's there. The family has a long terrible history with the press. But the Queen stands firm. She knows her son and her granddaughter need to be reminded of the joys of Christmas. She overrules her son, forcing him to show Kaylie their traditions. Soon, they both rediscover some joy in celebrating Christmas - and spending time with each other. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the moments between Kaylie and Princess Anna. I also loved the banter between the Prince and Kaylie - when they teased each other, when they made a mess in the kitchen, and when they are with the Princess. I loved the Princess's dog Blitzen - he was adorable. I did enjoy the moments between Princess Anna and her father. They were sweet. Of course, Christmas is hard for both of them missing their wife/mother (especially since she loved Christmas.)  I loved the painting moment between Princess Anna and Kaylie - and how that worked out. I really did enjoy the Queen and how she made everything happen for her family. She wanted a modern world and a traditional one - I think she made it work really nicely. 

A few things I didn't love because they were brought up too many times:

1. too many journalist/Prince moments. 

2. Kaylie's belief that she wasn't the right person for the Fairy Tale job.

I felt cheated that readers didn't get to read the Fairy Tale that Kaylie wrote.

But overall, I really enjoyed this story. It read like a Hallmark movie - which made me really happy. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: NetGalley 

Fun Fact: This book is written by the author of the Netflix movie The Christmas Prince

Library Recommendation: A fun Christmas romance - perfect for your collection. Hand this out to those who love Hallmark Christmas movies. 

Review: American Royals

When America won the Revolutionary War, George Washington was happy to accept the crown. Now more than two hundred and fifty years later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne.

For the first time, the heir to the throne is female. HRH Beatrice has been training her whole life to take over the crown when the time is right. She's been instilled a sense of duty above all else. As a result, she hasn't had much of a childhood. Her happiness has always been ignored as duty reigns her world. But now, she's wanting more for herself.

Her siblings, twins, have much more freedom. But the press still hounds them; looking for drama wherever they can find it. Their romantic lives, their futures, and their friendships are all up for speculation. Everyone has an opinion about the royals - can the royals life up to their expectations.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - there's So Much Drama. Each of the royals have a romance - but they all struggle with finding their happily ever after. Life isn't a fairy tale. Pressure and duty surrounds the royals. They question their friendships, their relationships with their siblings, and their purpose in the world. Just when they might find their footing, their world shifts and everything off balance again. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives. I felt terrible for the royals because of their struggles and their lifestyle. I love reading about royals, but I wouldn't want to be one. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute, but would have enjoyed a more Kiera Cass novel cover
Source: ARC from BEA 2019
Library Recommendation: Grad this one for your public libraries.

Review: Marshmallow Ghosts

A sleepover at Candy Castle has some people believing in ghosts. Princess Mini worries that this sleepover might turn into a nightmare. Can she convince her friends the tower isn't haunted?

My Thoughts: A cute story about friendship, having fun together, and being scared. I enjoyed this one. I liked how the friends supported arch other, even when they were nervous or scared. I loved the silly jokes and the sweets they ate. I love how the midnight ghost turned out. A fun story with cute illustrations that's perfect for Halloween.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grad this one for your school and public libraries.

Review: Prince on Paper

Nya didn't enjoy life in New York City, but she knows that being home will make her miserable. But she's going home for her friend's wedding. And then she's not sure where to go from there.

After a few encounters with a playboy prince, she realizes that he's not what he appears to be in the media. He's actually rather...nice. The press catch them together more than once. Johan offers her an opportunity - a fake dating situation that could benefit them both.

Nya agrees. But she can't help the growing feelings she has for him. Neither of them want love, but maybe they found it in spite of themselves...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I do love a good fake relationship book. My heart broke for Nya and all that she went through with her father. I'm glad that she was able to overcome her past. I really liked Johan and how he tried to protect his mother's legacy after her tragic death. I loved Lukas and how he and Johan struggled. I loved Lukas and Nya's talks and how she urged him to be truthful with his brother - Lukas is non-binary. Of course it was nice seeing other favorite characters pop up in these books. Another fun addition to this royal series.

Cover Thoughts: Nice!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If you don't have this series by now for your romance section, you're seriously missing out. 

On Your Radar: Truly Madly Royally (26)

Title: Truly Madly Royally 

Author: Debbie Rigaud

Publisher: Scholastic

Release Date: July 30, 2019

Why It Should Be On Your Radar:
* Summer Romance
* A Prince
* Zora's after school program
* The kids in the after school program
* Taking college classes in high school
* Taco Tuesdays
* Banter between Zora and the Prince
* Men in Black
* Being True to Yourself
* Interracial Couple
* Stolen Moments on Campus
* Meghan Markle inspired


** I adore royal romances, so this was a must read for me. And it was everything I wanted it to be.

Cover Thoughts: Amazing. Captured the feel of the book completely

Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries.

On Your Radar: Her Royal Highness (24)

Title: Her Royal Highness

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Penguin Teen

Release Date: May 7, 2019

Why it Should be on your Radar:

* Royal

* Boarding School

* Scotland

* Lesbian Romance

* Roommates

* Seeing Favorite Characters Again

* Banter

* Friendship

* Breaking the Rules

** Reviewed this book for Fresh Fiction

On Your Radar: Red, White, and Royal Blue (24)

Title: Red, White, and Royal Blue

Author:  Casey McQuiston

Publisher:  St. Martin's Griffin

Publication Date: May 4, 2019

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Prince

* First Son

* Female President

* Politics

* Witty Banter

* Gay Romance

* Sisters

* Issues with Fame

* Hate to Love romance

* Text Messages

* Heavy Topics

* Secret Relationship

BELIEVE the Hype on this book - it's that good!

Review: Kill the Queen

* First in a new series *

Lady Everleigh learned the hard way never to trust anyone royal. She's been living in the palace ever since her parents died. While everyone has some form a magic, Lady Everleigh's hidden her secret immunity to magic - which helps her escape the palace.

Afterwards, she's forced to hide; she goes to the gladiator troupe that's been making headlines. The woman who leads it is a former palace guard. There she lies low until she can plot her next move.

But the Queen's leading the country towards unnecessary war and Lady Everleigh is the only person who might have a chance at stopping her - if she reveals her true identity

My Thoughts: I adored this book, I didn't want it to end. I loved Jennifer Estep's YA series Mythos Academy. When I saw this cover, I knew I had to read it. And it was just as amazing as I suspected. I loved the characters - both fierce and vulnerable. I loved the banter between them. I loved watching the friendships grow. I loved Lady Everleigh finding her footing and her place. But I also love how she stepped up when she was needed. I can't wait to read the next installment of this series!

Cover Thoughts: Loved it - it's perfect and magical!
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this for your adult fantasy collection 

Romance Review: A Duke by Default

* Book 2 in the Reluctant Royals series *

Portia's hit rock bottom - she knows that she's got to pull herself together. So she creates a list of new rules - no drinking and no men. She also accepts an internship in Scotland. Of course her parents think it's just another scheme, but she's excited about the possibilities. Even after she meets her boss - the sexy grouchy sword maker who doesn't want her around. She's not about to let him stop new Portia from rocking her internship - especially when she discovers information that could change his life.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved how Portia started paying attention to herself and her needs - even as she got sucked into more drama. I liked how started to understand the chemistry of her brain and used tips to help her. I love how she empathized and supported people. I admired how she took over her internship - even when Tav was being a jerk. I like how he came around and realized he as being a jerk. I also loved his interaction with kids and how he supported the community and gave back. I loved learning about swords. I enjoyed watching Tav attempt to navigate through society and learn all the rules. A great slow burn romance that leaves me waiting for the next book!

Cover Thoughts: Adore it

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have for public library romance collections

Blog Tour: Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding

About the Book:

The date is set and arrangements are being made for royal amateur sleuth Georgie Rannoch’s wedding! At last, she will wed the incredibly charming, always mystifying Darcy O’Mara. With a dress in the works and a royal wedding party ready to waltz her down the aisle, Georgie’s next affair is finding a place to live with her betrothed after the big day.

But alas—house-hunting is harder than it seems! After visiting a series of less-than-glamorous lodgings, Georgie’s luck finally turns around when she’s invited by a close family friend to live in his grand estate in the English countryside. Georgie expects a life of luxury and elegance, but is met with a very different reality…

At Eynsleigh Manor, Georgie finds a gaggle of incompetent servants and a run-down estate. And when she wakes up in the middle of the night to find a gas tap running in her bedroom, Georgie suspects something rotten is afoot…will she have the chance to walk down the aisle, or will death get in the way of her happy ever after?

About the Author: 

Rhys Bowen is the New York Times Bestselling Author of the Royal Spyness Series, Molly Murphy Mysteries, and Constable Evans. She has won the Agatha Best Novel Award and has been nominated for the Edgar Best Novel. Rhys’s titles have received rave reviews around the globe.

My Review: This is book number 12 in the series and I've enjoyed reading them all. I loved this one for the wedding talk, especially the conversations about the dresses - and the princesses. I loved the moments between Lady Georgiana and her grandfather, he's a favorite character of mine. I also love Queenie; she's come into her own later in the series and I appreciate her.  I enjoyed learning more about Eynsleigh Manor - both the good and the bad. Of course I enjoyed the moments with the Queen and Fig. I can't wait to read what happens next!

If you haven't read these book, you're in for a treat.

Graphic Novel Review: Prince and the Dressmaker

Prince Sebastian has a secret and he's not willing to share it. There are days when he likes being a prince and there are days when he likes dressing in dresses. When he spies a dress created by Frances, he tracks her downs and offers her a job as his personal seamstress. 

Frances can't believe her good fortune; she loves creating and designing dresses. 

Soon the two become great friends. But Sebastian's secret is hard to keep when Frances has the opportunity to meet her role model. Keeping the Prince's secret means keeping her identity a secret as well.

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel; I didn't want it to end. I loved the art work. I loved the fashion. I loved the friendship between Frances and Sebastian. I felt bad for both of them dealing with this secret and trying to live in the palace. I loved Sebastian's parents. Believe the hype about this graphic novel because it's true!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable.

Source: my Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for all public libraries!

Review: Royals

* First in a new series *

Daisy's sister is getting married - to a Prince! Suddenly her world is turned upside down by the press hounding her. After one incident, her family decides to travel to Scotland to manage the damage. Daisy's not thrilled with giving up her summer, but she doesn't have much of a choice.

Across the pond, she meets the royal entourage, including her soon to be brother-in-law. Prince Sebastian thinks he's all that, plus a bag of chips. But Daisy isn't interested in him or sharing his spotlight. Too bad the press doesn't understand; they try making the younger siblings a match.

With press looking at her, Daisy needs a crash course in royal etiquette. Miles, a friend of Prince Sebastian, gets stuck with the job. Neither him nor Daisy enjoy each other's company, but for the moment, they are stuck with each other. The order comes from the Queen herself!

My Thoughts: Oh, I LOVED this book. I loved Daisy trying to muddle through all the rules and regulations. I loved her banter with everyone - her sass and her snark were amazing. I loved her parents - her talking when nervous mother and her former rock star father. They added even more humor to the story.

I loved how Daisy didn't take to the tradition but she did try for her sister.  

Sometimes like this:

When you're supposed to be more like:

Basically, this book is fantastic and I loved every moment of it. Except I want the second book like yesterday! It's the perfect summer read and perfect for those anxious for the upcoming royal wedding. Grab it - you won't be disappointed. 

Cover Thoughts: CUTE
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public and high school libraries!

Blog Tour: Royal Crush

Title: ROYAL CRUSH

Author: Meg Cabot

Pub. Date: August 1, 2017

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Pages: 192

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads

Being the newest princess of Genovia is WAY more complicated than she expected, but Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison is getting used to it. She gets to live in an actual palace with two fabulous poodles, a pet iguana, her very own pony, and, best of all, a loving family to help her figure things out!

And right now Olivia, having finally admitted that she likes Prince Khalil as more than just a friend, could REALLY use some advice. What is a princess supposed to do once she's found a prince she likes? With her half-sister Mia busy enjoying her honeymoon, Olivia turns to Grandmere for help.

The third book in the middle-grade Princess Diaries spin-off series, written and illustrated by New York Times-bestselling author Meg Cabot.

 My Thoughts: I really adored this book, as I did the previous two books.  Cute illustrations too! I love seeing characters from the Princess Diaries books. I love how similar Olivia is to Mia and also how different she is. They both want everyone to like them. I like how Olivia also has a nemesis  and how she deals with her.  I like her interactions with Prince Khalil. I liked the bet she made with her best friend regarding Mia's baby names (even if it didn't work out the way she expected). I adored Grandmere as a chaperone, especially the Tupac scene. I loved the pop culture references. Olivia has a good heart and she wants to spread kindness, which is admirable. Excited to see what happens to her next!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!

Source: book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Get this one for your library! 

 

About Meg:

Meg Cabot is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of books for both adults and tweens/teens. There have been over 25 million copies of Meg’s nearly 80 published books sold in 38 countries. Her last name rhymes with habit, as in “her books can be habit forming.” She currently lives in Key West, Florida with her husband and various cats.

Website | Twitter |Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr | Pinterest | Instagram

Follow the Tour:

Week One:

7/24/2017- YA Book Nerd- Review

7/25/2017- Bibliobakes- Review

7/26/2017- Margie's Must Reads- Review

7/27/2017- Never Too Many To Read- Review

7/28/2017- The Autumn Bookshelf- Review

Week Two:

7/31/2017- Little Miss Drama Queen- Review

8/1/2017- The Book Nut- Review

8/2/2017- Becky on Books- Review

8/3/2017- Pervy Ladies Books- Review

8/4/2017- YA Books Central- Spotlight

 Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of ROYAL CRUSH, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway