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eisbecherovka's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
niemue's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
emilylovesbooks94's review against another edition
5.0
I thought Callum and Oliver's story was captivating, romantic, and unique, just like the men I watched fall in love despite knowing it was forbidden. Callum started off this book in the unenviable position of having his entire life dissected by the press after a massive scandal led him to becoming the next in line for the British throne. It was difficult to see how discouraged and defeated Callum was feeling when everything he did in the UK ended in disaster and countless friends and acquaintances kept coming forward with tell-alls about him as a child. For a while, I genuinely wasn't sure if he would make it through the media scrutiny without falling apart, but that's when Oliver reached out a lifeline and gave Callum a safe space to talk and vent without fear of being betrayed. Their late night text sessions and video calls were the single bright spot in some of Callum's worst days, and as he slowly gained confidence in himself and his value to the royal family, their more serious chats gave way to silly jokes and random facts and getting to know each other on a soul-deep level. I'm not sure either of them realized how quickly their feelings would turn from platonic to romantic, but as they opened up more and more and shared the things closest to their hearts with each other, love took root.
I was completely captivated by the depth of their connection, but their positions in the royal family and Parliament made an actual relationship impossible for them. Callum and Oliver made a serious effort to walk away and not give into temptation, but their love could only be held back for so long before it drew them together and didn't let go. The only thing that bothered me during that section of the story was the way Callum seemed to not grasp the severity of their situation at all, when it was the one thing Oliver wrestled with daily. I wanted to be swept away in the romance and passion of their secret fling, but when Callum started telling people and then acted surprised that it blew up into a major situation, I was frustrated with him. It didn't seem fair that one of them would be forced to give up their position for the other, and the angsty back and forth made me feel like there would never be a satisfying resolution. All of that ended up being temporarily eclipsed by a plot to take Callum out and Oliver's brave rescue attempt, but when the dust settled and Callum and Oliver realized their love was more important than any job title, I was still a tiny bit disappointed by the way one of them had to give up everything for the other. In the end, I came around when I saw how happily they settled into life together, but a part of me still wishes there had been more compromise.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
I was completely captivated by the depth of their connection, but their positions in the royal family and Parliament made an actual relationship impossible for them. Callum and Oliver made a serious effort to walk away and not give into temptation, but their love could only be held back for so long before it drew them together and didn't let go. The only thing that bothered me during that section of the story was the way Callum seemed to not grasp the severity of their situation at all, when it was the one thing Oliver wrestled with daily. I wanted to be swept away in the romance and passion of their secret fling, but when Callum started telling people and then acted surprised that it blew up into a major situation, I was frustrated with him. It didn't seem fair that one of them would be forced to give up their position for the other, and the angsty back and forth made me feel like there would never be a satisfying resolution. All of that ended up being temporarily eclipsed by a plot to take Callum out and Oliver's brave rescue attempt, but when the dust settled and Callum and Oliver realized their love was more important than any job title, I was still a tiny bit disappointed by the way one of them had to give up everything for the other. In the end, I came around when I saw how happily they settled into life together, but a part of me still wishes there had been more compromise.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
lightsnack's review against another edition
This book is a quick and easy read. It’s fun like a Hallmark Christmas movie. But also like a Hallmark Christmas movie, it isn’t very well written.
Many words and phrases are over used (“bloody hell” was used four times in one chapter….no British person I’ve ever met actually says it that much if ever) or repeated constantly. Some plot points are unbelievable, and not fun enough to make up for it (the Prime Minister and the heir to the British throne showing up at some random persons house because they said something mean on the internet, in hopes it would intimidate him into shutting up??). And the romance wasn’t quite believable enough to me…I didn’t really believe that they were as in love as they kept insisting they were. But all of this is, of course, personal taste and others may not agree.
But the book was still fun. Very much in the vein of “The Princess Diaries”. Recommend for a light and easy read.
Many words and phrases are over used (“bloody hell” was used four times in one chapter….no British person I’ve ever met actually says it that much if ever) or repeated constantly. Some plot points are unbelievable, and not fun enough to make up for it (the Prime Minister and the heir to the British throne showing up at some random persons house because they said something mean on the internet, in hopes it would intimidate him into shutting up??). And the romance wasn’t quite believable enough to me…I didn’t really believe that they were as in love as they kept insisting they were. But all of this is, of course, personal taste and others may not agree.
But the book was still fun. Very much in the vein of “The Princess Diaries”. Recommend for a light and easy read.
rocalisa's review against another edition
Had it from KU, but decided I'm no longer interested.
jess_theinkspell's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
marisny's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
nicktelesco's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
indiekay's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
Thank you GRR for the ARC
Sinse watching the Red, White and Royal Blue movie I've been in a president/royalty romance kind of mood, so I was really excited to get my hands on this ARC! I really liked the concept, I found the writing style really engaging, and the characters likeable. The lead-up to the climax was really suspenseful (a romance book where the "we just can't be together!" actually has real life, oh shit they actually CAN'T be together, believability), and the twist was unexpected.
It's not a perfect read for me - it felt like a slow-burn for a while, but I think the "I love yous" came too soon in the story, and Cullum's bisexual awakening and their age difference could have had a LITTLE more screen time. But, overall I had a great time reading this. Jax Calder is a new-to-me author but I'll definitely check out more of her work.
Thank you GRR for the ARC
Sinse watching the Red, White and Royal Blue movie I've been in a president/royalty romance kind of mood, so I was really excited to get my hands on this ARC! I really liked the concept, I found the writing style really engaging, and the characters likeable. The lead-up to the climax was really suspenseful (a romance book where the "we just can't be together!" actually has real life, oh shit they actually CAN'T be together, believability), and the twist was unexpected.
It's not a perfect read for me - it felt like a slow-burn for a while, but I think the "I love yous" came too soon in the story, and Cullum's bisexual awakening and their age difference could have had a LITTLE more screen time. But, overall I had a great time reading this. Jax Calder is a new-to-me author but I'll definitely check out more of her work.
barbora17kas's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75