Falling For Royalty: When Common meets Royal

by Ricardo Jorge R.F. Lopes

Richard Topaz, a college student, is forced by his friend to apply to a speed dating service, where he meets and falls head over heels with a cunning, young man, Flynn, the Prince of Graivänia. Though Richard is still in the closet and his new boyfriend is a big secret from his family, Richard must navigate life while dealing with many challenges that come his way.
What will happen when his normal life clashes with royalty?

212 pages, Paperback

Published May 9, 2023

About the author

Ricardo Lopes was born in March 25th of 1995 in one of Cape Verde' Islands, São Vicente. Soon, he would move out to Portugal, with his mother. He adapted pretty well, grew up to become a good student, excelling in languages and a passion for culture grew while he was just 6 years old.

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is written with a narrator, like a traditional once upon a time, which this story is. The language is often formal when the royalty are speaking which can make the story a bit stiff. As with fairy tales, the two MC's meet unexpectedly and within days are declaring love and meeting family. Richard has opposing sides to deal with. His late father was homophobic and would often remind Richard's mother of his native country, Nigeria and their laws on homosexuality.  Richard's mother clearly loves her son but feels obligated by family peer pressure to try to 'change' her son with bible readings and holy water. Flynn is royalty, his father is a king so their encounters are very civilised and foreign to most readers. This is a very different amd unique take on a MM romance novel and is charming. Expect insta-love, formal language and no on page intimacy. There is a slight mention of cheating, which is never mentioned again and was rather unexpected and seemed very out of character. We go through the royal formalities associated with an upcoming wedding. The end is a HFN as the young couple are just starting their married life together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.