bookishnicole's review against another edition
2.0
This was a cute fluffy read. Adored the community good works.
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
Find my original review on my blog: https://wp.me/p8jcuj-27T
Zora started a successful nonprofit, Walk Me Home, and this summer she is taking special college courses to help her learn how to continue its success. She travels from her beloved home in Appleton, NJ every morning, to her prestigious university in NYC. Zora is having trouble finding her groove, because all of her classmates are over-the-top privileged teens. The first connection she makes is with Owen, the most privileged of the bunch, who is a prince. The two accidentally swap phones and quickly find themselves falling for each other. While being tied to a famous celeb is not in Zora's plans, Owen is level-headed in a way that she can't help but be drawn to. Will the two make it through the media storm and parent meet ups, to keep their relationship alive?
I loved the fact that Zora had a successful nonprofit. I found this layer of the story to be the most interesting and well-developed. I think that Owen and the romance between the two main characters was not as developed. In fact, I don't feel like I know the prince at all. I think this book could have done with 100 more pages to further flesh out the relationship, but it did follow the traditional girl falling for prince storyline. This novel is appropriate for tweens because nothing too risky happens and the reading level and voice are approachable for younger readers.
Zora started a successful nonprofit, Walk Me Home, and this summer she is taking special college courses to help her learn how to continue its success. She travels from her beloved home in Appleton, NJ every morning, to her prestigious university in NYC. Zora is having trouble finding her groove, because all of her classmates are over-the-top privileged teens. The first connection she makes is with Owen, the most privileged of the bunch, who is a prince. The two accidentally swap phones and quickly find themselves falling for each other. While being tied to a famous celeb is not in Zora's plans, Owen is level-headed in a way that she can't help but be drawn to. Will the two make it through the media storm and parent meet ups, to keep their relationship alive?
I loved the fact that Zora had a successful nonprofit. I found this layer of the story to be the most interesting and well-developed. I think that Owen and the romance between the two main characters was not as developed. In fact, I don't feel like I know the prince at all. I think this book could have done with 100 more pages to further flesh out the relationship, but it did follow the traditional girl falling for prince storyline. This novel is appropriate for tweens because nothing too risky happens and the reading level and voice are approachable for younger readers.
briannarengland's review against another edition
2.0
This is definitely meant for a younger YA audience. The writing was too simple and the dialogue was awkward. Everything ended up being convenient and perfect.
lilrongal's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book so, so so much!
Zora is inspirational and adorable, and Owen is amazing.
What I loved about this book was that it wasn't too angsty (we all know YA can get pretty dang angsty). It was a love story, but with a prince who was considerate, thoughtful, and had the most adorable crush, and a girl who wore natural hair and was unapologetically black, whose family and friends loved her fiercely, and who was making a difference in her community.
This book will be perfect for pre-teen Black girls who are desiring to see themselves in a fluffy, fun book. More rom-coms starring girls of color, please and thank you!
Zora is inspirational and adorable, and Owen is amazing.
What I loved about this book was that it wasn't too angsty (we all know YA can get pretty dang angsty). It was a love story, but with a prince who was considerate, thoughtful, and had the most adorable crush, and a girl who wore natural hair and was unapologetically black, whose family and friends loved her fiercely, and who was making a difference in her community.
This book will be perfect for pre-teen Black girls who are desiring to see themselves in a fluffy, fun book. More rom-coms starring girls of color, please and thank you!
camillawashere's review against another edition
3.0
this was really cute. it was average, but thats okay because i was happy to read about a black girl main character living a normal, average life without some crazy, out of this world tragedy coming in and messing everything up. the romance was cheesy & cliche (just what i needed atm) and i would have 100% loved loved loved this if i was in the 8th grade. a really, fun, quick read. and i’m excited to read more books about black girls being normal :)
alliewithbooks's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.