alliewithbooks's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
missprint_'s review
5.0
Zora Emerson knows exactly who she is and she knows that she has everything she needs to make big changes in her part of the world. But even with all of her confidence, no one is more shocked than Zora by her immediate connection with Owen--the actual prince of an island off the coast of England.
Attending a prestigious summer program should give Zora all the skills she needs to grow her after school helper program to reach even more of her neighbors. But it's hard to focus on her courses when thinking about Owen is taking up so much of her attention.
When Owen invites Zora to be his date at his older brother's wedding, it's a dream come true. But it also sets Zora up for more scrutiny (and criticism) from strangers than she ever imagined. Soon Zora has to decide if dating Owen is worth the media attention--and if she can still stay true to herself while dating an actual prince in Truly Madly Royally (2019) by Debbie Rigaud.
Truly Madly Royally is a standalone contemporary perfect for anyone who can't get enough royal romances.
Zora is a no-nonsense heroine. She is a practical, passionate Black girl and she is more than ready to speak her mind when the situation calls for it. She has immense pride in her hometown in New Jersey and a lot of affection for her family--even when it looks like her brother and her best friend might be making some questionable dating decisions.
Owen has a lot more whimsy and is the perfect counterpoint for Zora as the story focuses on their courtship and builds up to the big royal wedding (which is a clear and beautiful homage to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's nuptials in 2018). Themes of civic engagement and initiating change when and where you see a need in your community are solid undercurrents throughout this frothy romance.
Truly Madly Royally is a funny, effervescent story sure to leave a smile on your face. Recommended for readers who like their romances filled with witty banter, strong friendships, and plenty of empowerment for the heroine.
Possible Pairings: Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo, Prince Charming by Rachel Hawkins, Comics Will Break Your Heart by Faith Erin Hicks, The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord, Now a Major Motion Picture by Cori McCarthy, American Royals by Katharine McGee, My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma, Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith, Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm, Pride by Ibi Zoboi
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
Attending a prestigious summer program should give Zora all the skills she needs to grow her after school helper program to reach even more of her neighbors. But it's hard to focus on her courses when thinking about Owen is taking up so much of her attention.
When Owen invites Zora to be his date at his older brother's wedding, it's a dream come true. But it also sets Zora up for more scrutiny (and criticism) from strangers than she ever imagined. Soon Zora has to decide if dating Owen is worth the media attention--and if she can still stay true to herself while dating an actual prince in Truly Madly Royally (2019) by Debbie Rigaud.
Truly Madly Royally is a standalone contemporary perfect for anyone who can't get enough royal romances.
Zora is a no-nonsense heroine. She is a practical, passionate Black girl and she is more than ready to speak her mind when the situation calls for it. She has immense pride in her hometown in New Jersey and a lot of affection for her family--even when it looks like her brother and her best friend might be making some questionable dating decisions.
Owen has a lot more whimsy and is the perfect counterpoint for Zora as the story focuses on their courtship and builds up to the big royal wedding (which is a clear and beautiful homage to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's nuptials in 2018). Themes of civic engagement and initiating change when and where you see a need in your community are solid undercurrents throughout this frothy romance.
Truly Madly Royally is a funny, effervescent story sure to leave a smile on your face. Recommended for readers who like their romances filled with witty banter, strong friendships, and plenty of empowerment for the heroine.
Possible Pairings: Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo, Prince Charming by Rachel Hawkins, Comics Will Break Your Heart by Faith Erin Hicks, The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord, Now a Major Motion Picture by Cori McCarthy, American Royals by Katharine McGee, My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma, Field Notes on Love by Jennifer E. Smith, Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm, Pride by Ibi Zoboi
*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*
becca_willie04's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
sciammi's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thoroughly enjoyable, cute, light hearted read.
ennitsud's review
4.0
this was such a cute story!! i loved zora and owen together and i really liked how simple and undramatic it was. there were some features that felt a little flat but overall an easy read :)
lauren716's review
4.0
3.5 Stars
https://laurenbodiford123.wordpress.com/2019/12/28/truly-madly-royally-review/
https://laurenbodiford123.wordpress.com/2019/12/28/truly-madly-royally-review/
liralen's review
3.0
Super cute and with a lot more depth than the cover would have you think. This is pure princess fantasy (fun fact: every time I shelve a book as 'kings and queens', I consider renaming the shelf 'princess fantasies'), but more serious topics (community engagement, race) are woven skillfully throughout the book. Also, for all that there's drama (harassment from the press, the Other Woman, Zora's father popping up at inopportune times), it's wonderfully low-key, and Zora has her head screwed on right: she doesn't mouth off to the press; she acknowledges that if another girl likes the same guy (or if the guy likes the other girl), there's nothing she can do about it and that's okay; she appreciates her father for his good points even as she is sometimes embarrassed by him.
Zora's also heavily involved in her community. She's taking a summer pre-college course at a respected (fictional) university, but when the day ends, she's back to thinking about how she can make a difference to the people around her. There are plenty of YA heroines trying to Make a Difference, of course, but I love that a lot of Zora's actions (bringing hair products she doesn't need to a low-income family with several daughters, for example) are just ingrained in her rather than being Big Statements. Better, she's part of the community she's helping rather than coming in from outside and trying to 'fix' things. I love that when Owen (the prince) steps in to help, it's also not in a Big Gesture way: sure, he could probably throw money at things, but instead he, which is a lot sweeter and less relationship-minefield-y. I love that the drama is generally really understated, shying away from the cliché.
The end doesn't entirely work for me. The book builds up to a trip to Owen's (fictional) country, but in the process it drifts away somewhat from the community-organising angle, and...more than that, I think the end just felt more rushed/predictable than the rest of the book. There isn't really a chance to explore Zora's status as an outsider or for them to consider whether they really want a long-term relationship.
Still...wouldn't a sequel here be fun? Like, send Zora to a study-abroad programme in Landerel her junior year of college. Have their relationship get more serious, and have Zora wrestle with what a serious relationship would mean—with the fact that she'd never not be in the public eye again, and that Owen's Landerel commitments would probably end up taking precedence over her New Jersey commitments.
Zora's also heavily involved in her community. She's taking a summer pre-college course at a respected (fictional) university, but when the day ends, she's back to thinking about how she can make a difference to the people around her. There are plenty of YA heroines trying to Make a Difference, of course, but I love that a lot of Zora's actions (bringing hair products she doesn't need to a low-income family with several daughters, for example) are just ingrained in her rather than being Big Statements. Better, she's part of the community she's helping rather than coming in from outside and trying to 'fix' things. I love that when Owen (the prince) steps in to help, it's also not in a Big Gesture way: sure, he could probably throw money at things, but instead he
Spoiler
steps up to be a dunk-tank victimThe end doesn't entirely work for me. The book builds up to a trip to Owen's (fictional) country, but in the process it drifts away somewhat from the community-organising angle, and...more than that, I think the end just felt more rushed/predictable than the rest of the book. There isn't really a chance to explore Zora's status as an outsider or for them to consider whether they really want a long-term relationship.
Spoiler
Owen tells her that he's going to the fancy fictional university near her home instead of to a university in his own country, and while he says it's for his own reasons rather than for the sake of the relationship...well. I saw it coming from miles away (from the moment Owen says he conveniently has 'the option of starting college here in the fall, but I'll be attending back home' (loc. 158) the first time they meet, in fact), but I needed more conversations about that throughout the book to believe the sudden change in plans.Still...wouldn't a sequel here be fun? Like, send Zora to a study-abroad programme in Landerel her junior year of college. Have their relationship get more serious, and have Zora wrestle with what a serious relationship would mean—with the fact that she'd never not be in the public eye again, and that Owen's Landerel commitments would probably end up taking precedence over her New Jersey commitments.
ashton_reads_'s review
4.0
3.75/5 stars
This is such a cute, light-hearted read!! So adorable!!
Personally, I love any kind of story with royals, even contemporary romance! That trope is one of my absolute favorites - who doesn’t want an actual Prince Charming to stumble upon and fall in love with?? I know I wouldn’t mind it…
So with that being said, Truly Madly Royally hits the mark. It’s easygoing, fluffy, and swoon-worthy. Prince Owen is especially charming and (possibly too?) perfect!! His dynamic with the main character, Zora, is precious. The book doesn’t dodge any racial issues as well, addressing some struggles Zora especially faces as a young Black woman in her newfound spotlight.
Overall, this was such an adorable, easy romance to fall in love with!! I do think it could’ve been more drawn out to create more depth, but I think it was just fine as it was. If you’re looking for a cute, fluffy royal read for the summer, look no further :))
If you enjoyed this review, you can follow me here on Goodreads and on my Twitter/Bookstagram @ashton_reads! Love you!
This is such a cute, light-hearted read!! So adorable!!
Personally, I love any kind of story with royals, even contemporary romance! That trope is one of my absolute favorites - who doesn’t want an actual Prince Charming to stumble upon and fall in love with?? I know I wouldn’t mind it…
So with that being said, Truly Madly Royally hits the mark. It’s easygoing, fluffy, and swoon-worthy. Prince Owen is especially charming and (possibly too?) perfect!! His dynamic with the main character, Zora, is precious. The book doesn’t dodge any racial issues as well, addressing some struggles Zora especially faces as a young Black woman in her newfound spotlight.
Overall, this was such an adorable, easy romance to fall in love with!! I do think it could’ve been more drawn out to create more depth, but I think it was just fine as it was. If you’re looking for a cute, fluffy royal read for the summer, look no further :))
If you enjoyed this review, you can follow me here on Goodreads and on my Twitter/Bookstagram @ashton_reads! Love you!