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Park Avenue Promise #2
My Royal Showmance
From New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake, discover The Park Avenue Promise Series...
Three young women make a pact in high school—
to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan.
My Royal Showmance
Anika Fox knows exactly where she wants to be, and it’s not on the set of a reality TV dating show. She’s working her way up at the production company she works for and she’s close to achieving some of her dreams. The big boss just wants one thing from her. She’s got a potential problem with the director of The King Takes a Bride and she wants Anika to pose as a production assistant and report back.
As the king of a tiny European country, Luca St. Marten knows the world views him as one of the pampered royalty of the world. It couldn’t be further from the truth. His country is hurting and he’s right there on the front lines with his citizens. When he’s asked to do a dating show, his counselors point out that it could bring tourism back to Ralavia. It goes against his every desire, but he agrees.
When one of the contestants drops out at the last minute, Anika finds herself replacing the potential princess. She’s sure she’ll be asked to leave the first night, but Luca keeps picking her again and again. Suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a made-for-TV fantasy, and she’s unsure what’s real and what’s simply reality TV.
Three young women make a pact in high school—
to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan.
My Royal Showmance
Anika Fox knows exactly where she wants to be, and it’s not on the set of a reality TV dating show. She’s working her way up at the production company she works for and she’s close to achieving some of her dreams. The big boss just wants one thing from her. She’s got a potential problem with the director of The King Takes a Bride and she wants Anika to pose as a production assistant and report back.
As the king of a tiny European country, Luca St. Marten knows the world views him as one of the pampered royalty of the world. It couldn’t be further from the truth. His country is hurting and he’s right there on the front lines with his citizens. When he’s asked to do a dating show, his counselors point out that it could bring tourism back to Ralavia. It goes against his every desire, but he agrees.
When one of the contestants drops out at the last minute, Anika finds herself replacing the potential princess. She’s sure she’ll be asked to leave the first night, but Luca keeps picking her again and again. Suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a made-for-TV fantasy, and she’s unsure what’s real and what’s simply reality TV.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2024
212 people are currently reading
6538 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
183 books6,386 followersNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
June 10, 2024
4 STARS
This series is not what I'm used to from Lexi but it still never fails to hit the spot. This series is a combination of sweet and steamy and with a female friend group that you'll absolutely fall in love with.
This book brings Anika Fox's story and man did I love this woman. She's career driven but not a pushover. She's not afraid to stand up for herself and she doesn't mince any words doing it. A night at a bar with her friends, she meets a stunning man who she spends the evening getting to know. But when she hopes it will end in a memorable night, he bids her farewell. So imagine the surprise of a lifetime that Anika has to find out that the endearing Luca she met at a bar is actually Luca St. Marten, the eligible royal bachelor on a brand new reality show that she's an assistant for. And to add another fun surprise to the mix, when a contestant drops out suddenly she finds herself thrust into a much different role as a contestant herself.
This was such a cute and fun story. I loved Luca's reason for doing the show was an altruistic one. He hoped the publicity will bring the much needed publicity to increase tourism in his small country. But when he sees Anika on the show, no other woman would do. There's a poignant story that runs parallel to the romance that hit on a dose of reality with a powerful punch. I loved the way it was resolved and the way it was written.
If you're looking for a sweet contemporary romance with a hero who falls hard and a fierce heroine, look no further. There's just a touch of spice to make it that much more satisfying. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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After midnight I become a raccoon with smudgy eyes and a desperate need to eat some trash. I can hear my stomach growl. It’s not cute.
This series is not what I'm used to from Lexi but it still never fails to hit the spot. This series is a combination of sweet and steamy and with a female friend group that you'll absolutely fall in love with.
This book brings Anika Fox's story and man did I love this woman. She's career driven but not a pushover. She's not afraid to stand up for herself and she doesn't mince any words doing it. A night at a bar with her friends, she meets a stunning man who she spends the evening getting to know. But when she hopes it will end in a memorable night, he bids her farewell. So imagine the surprise of a lifetime that Anika has to find out that the endearing Luca she met at a bar is actually Luca St. Marten, the eligible royal bachelor on a brand new reality show that she's an assistant for. And to add another fun surprise to the mix, when a contestant drops out suddenly she finds herself thrust into a much different role as a contestant herself.
This was such a cute and fun story. I loved Luca's reason for doing the show was an altruistic one. He hoped the publicity will bring the much needed publicity to increase tourism in his small country. But when he sees Anika on the show, no other woman would do. There's a poignant story that runs parallel to the romance that hit on a dose of reality with a powerful punch. I loved the way it was resolved and the way it was written.
If you're looking for a sweet contemporary romance with a hero who falls hard and a fierce heroine, look no further. There's just a touch of spice to make it that much more satisfying. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 6, 2024
Delightfully fun and frothy
July 19, 2024
Book Rating: 4.5/5
Audiobook Rating: 3/5
I will be honest, The Bachelor is one of the few reality shows that I'm not into, but boy did I love the concept in My Royal Showmance by Lexi Blake. This is the second book in the Park Avenue Promise series, and I love the group of female friends the series is based on. Even though I read Start Us Up almost a year ago, I had no problem jumping into this one since the series is based on individual characters. I loved our headstrong and confident but maybe too trusting FMC Anika, and I was glad to see Blake taking on the topic of sexual harassment, especially in a world with songs like Woman's World by Katy Perry and the mess that is Harvey Weinstein.
I listened to the audiobook which is what I did with the first book, and I don’t know if she was having an off day but I was not a fan of Kitty Bang’s narration as much as I was the first time around. She had such long pauses even when I was on 3x speed, and I have no idea if that was actually her issue or an editing issue, but it was not something I was happy with. Her narration was excellent at other times though, and I still loved the book despite this. If you are a fan of reality TV (especially shows like The Bachelor) and want a laugh-out-loud, empowering, and sweet read My Royal Showmance is definitely all of those things and more. I loved the touch of German thrown in and the romance was 🔥
Thank you to the publishers and Get Red PR for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Audiobook Rating: 3/5
I will be honest, The Bachelor is one of the few reality shows that I'm not into, but boy did I love the concept in My Royal Showmance by Lexi Blake. This is the second book in the Park Avenue Promise series, and I love the group of female friends the series is based on. Even though I read Start Us Up almost a year ago, I had no problem jumping into this one since the series is based on individual characters. I loved our headstrong and confident but maybe too trusting FMC Anika, and I was glad to see Blake taking on the topic of sexual harassment, especially in a world with songs like Woman's World by Katy Perry and the mess that is Harvey Weinstein.
I listened to the audiobook which is what I did with the first book, and I don’t know if she was having an off day but I was not a fan of Kitty Bang’s narration as much as I was the first time around. She had such long pauses even when I was on 3x speed, and I have no idea if that was actually her issue or an editing issue, but it was not something I was happy with. Her narration was excellent at other times though, and I still loved the book despite this. If you are a fan of reality TV (especially shows like The Bachelor) and want a laugh-out-loud, empowering, and sweet read My Royal Showmance is definitely all of those things and more. I loved the touch of German thrown in and the romance was 🔥
Thank you to the publishers and Get Red PR for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
July 29, 2024
For Lovers of the Bachelor/Bachelorette I strongly encourage you to pick up this romance book by Lexi Blake.
This is Book #2 in Park Avenue Promise but can totally be read as standalone.
We are introduced to Anika who is an aspiring producer/director who will do whatever it takes to get her dream project completed. Even if that is her Boss assigning her to a "Marry a King" reality show as a lowly PA to spy on the Producer for inappropriate behavior.
King Reg aka Luca has a financially struggling country and will do whatever it takes to improve the economy. Even if that's going on a reality show "Marry a Pick" to pick a future Queen.
Luca and Anika have a meet cute prior to the show starting, then things take an interesting turn when a contestant backs out and Anika is slotted in 👑💜
The story has a lot of twists and turns. It was engaging to see Anika and Luca navigate there feelings for each other and how it effected the life goals and exceptions.
👑 Single POV
💜 Bachelor/Bachelorette Vibes
👑 View into TV and Movie Production
💜 How far will you go for love
This is Book #2 in Park Avenue Promise but can totally be read as standalone.
We are introduced to Anika who is an aspiring producer/director who will do whatever it takes to get her dream project completed. Even if that is her Boss assigning her to a "Marry a King" reality show as a lowly PA to spy on the Producer for inappropriate behavior.
King Reg aka Luca has a financially struggling country and will do whatever it takes to improve the economy. Even if that's going on a reality show "Marry a Pick" to pick a future Queen.
Luca and Anika have a meet cute prior to the show starting, then things take an interesting turn when a contestant backs out and Anika is slotted in 👑💜
The story has a lot of twists and turns. It was engaging to see Anika and Luca navigate there feelings for each other and how it effected the life goals and exceptions.
👑 Single POV
💜 Bachelor/Bachelorette Vibes
👑 View into TV and Movie Production
💜 How far will you go for love
June 4, 2024
Happy Release Day!!
Read this if you like:
- The Bachelor 🌹
- Royalty romance 👑
- Found Family friendships
- TV show production
- Fast paced read
- The Selection series
My Royal Showmance is book #2 in the Park Avenue Promise series following 3 best friends in NYC. Anika is working as a production assistant on a new hit tv show that is like The Bachelor but with a king of a small European country trying to save his people. ✨ When one of the contestants drops out at the last minute, Anika has no choice but to step up in her place. After all, she'll be eliminated the first night... right...? 👀
This was such a fun, quick read! I loved the "behind the scenes" look into the world of TV production. It actually felt like I was watching this show get filmed and air! I loved the friendships that formed among (most of) the girls. The Bachelor concept was really fun, and I loved the little confessionals interview style sections throughout the book.
I do wish there was more to this story. I wish that we got to see the romance develop a bit more between Ani and Luca. If you are looking for a fast paced, quick read, this would definitely be a great option. 3.5 stars ⭐
One of my favorite things about this series is that Lexi ties in a very important topic with each book. The sa in the workplace subplot TRIGGER WARNING is so important and Lexi handled it with great care in my opinion.
Book 1, Start Us Up is one of my favorite romances of all time so I can't wait to continue this series and see Harper's story next :)
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and the author Lexi Blake for an early copy of this book! 💖
Read this if you like:
- The Bachelor 🌹
- Royalty romance 👑
- Found Family friendships
- TV show production
- Fast paced read
- The Selection series
My Royal Showmance is book #2 in the Park Avenue Promise series following 3 best friends in NYC. Anika is working as a production assistant on a new hit tv show that is like The Bachelor but with a king of a small European country trying to save his people. ✨ When one of the contestants drops out at the last minute, Anika has no choice but to step up in her place. After all, she'll be eliminated the first night... right...? 👀
This was such a fun, quick read! I loved the "behind the scenes" look into the world of TV production. It actually felt like I was watching this show get filmed and air! I loved the friendships that formed among (most of) the girls. The Bachelor concept was really fun, and I loved the little confessionals interview style sections throughout the book.
I do wish there was more to this story. I wish that we got to see the romance develop a bit more between Ani and Luca. If you are looking for a fast paced, quick read, this would definitely be a great option. 3.5 stars ⭐
One of my favorite things about this series is that Lexi ties in a very important topic with each book. The sa in the workplace subplot TRIGGER WARNING is so important and Lexi handled it with great care in my opinion.
Book 1, Start Us Up is one of my favorite romances of all time so I can't wait to continue this series and see Harper's story next :)
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and the author Lexi Blake for an early copy of this book! 💖
June 12, 2024
I won this book via Goodreads & the publisher. I was not disappointed. I loved reading Anika’s story! Such a cute romance.. can’t wait to read Harper’s next year ☺️
June 7, 2024
I have been wanting to read this series because of the covers even though I know in my heart of hearts to not judge a book by it's cover but come on who doesn't do it?? Anyways I would give this a solid 3 stars. Even though it is a standalone and can be read as a standalone, I do feel like I was missing some context from not reading book 1. Everything seemed to move very fast in these which made it a little harder for me to connect to the characters hence the three stars. I did like the idea of having this on a show like the Bachelor including the small blurbs from all of the characters about their dates. I haven't read anything like that in a book before.
Anika has been recruited by her boss to see if some rumors involving the director of an upcoming love show. It involves a king of a very small European country finding his soulmate on live tv. She is stepping down from her current position to do this and has signed an NDA so can't discuss with her friends. She decides to go out with her friends to celebrate her last night of freedom which is when she meets Luca and has the most amazing night of her life. She shows up on set the next day a little sad because she realizes that nothing could have come from Luca and ends up getting recruited to now be a show contestant since one of them called out. When she walks out of her carriage dressed up like a princess with her marching orders of get kicked off the show, she sees none other than Luca. Yes the same Luca with whom she can't stop thinking about. The same Luca who happens to also be the King of Ralavia. She is shocked! She does her part and tries to get kicked off but Luca surprises her and keeps her on. And now that they have gotten past the fact that she didn't know who he was when she met him, he proposes that she stay on and that they see where what they have goes. He is very up front with his expectations, and she lets him know that she doesn't know if it will work. But then he keeps coming to see her at night, and she realizes what kind of man he is. Can she get over what her expectations are to see if she could become a queen? Will he be able to prove he is the right man for her while on a contestant show full of other woman? And throughout this what happens if what she is investigating turns out to be true- will he believe her?
This was a fast, easy read. I liked the characters but again didn't feel like I was able to connect with them as I would have liked to. The spice was minimal and more closed door. I am on the fence about whether I will dive into book 1 or not.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Lexi for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Anika has been recruited by her boss to see if some rumors involving the director of an upcoming love show. It involves a king of a very small European country finding his soulmate on live tv. She is stepping down from her current position to do this and has signed an NDA so can't discuss with her friends. She decides to go out with her friends to celebrate her last night of freedom which is when she meets Luca and has the most amazing night of her life. She shows up on set the next day a little sad because she realizes that nothing could have come from Luca and ends up getting recruited to now be a show contestant since one of them called out. When she walks out of her carriage dressed up like a princess with her marching orders of get kicked off the show, she sees none other than Luca. Yes the same Luca with whom she can't stop thinking about. The same Luca who happens to also be the King of Ralavia. She is shocked! She does her part and tries to get kicked off but Luca surprises her and keeps her on. And now that they have gotten past the fact that she didn't know who he was when she met him, he proposes that she stay on and that they see where what they have goes. He is very up front with his expectations, and she lets him know that she doesn't know if it will work. But then he keeps coming to see her at night, and she realizes what kind of man he is. Can she get over what her expectations are to see if she could become a queen? Will he be able to prove he is the right man for her while on a contestant show full of other woman? And throughout this what happens if what she is investigating turns out to be true- will he believe her?
This was a fast, easy read. I liked the characters but again didn't feel like I was able to connect with them as I would have liked to. The spice was minimal and more closed door. I am on the fence about whether I will dive into book 1 or not.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Lexi for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
May 30, 2024
This is the second book in a series, I didn’t read book one and I was just fine so it’s great as a standalone. I’m a reality tv addict so the premise sounded perfect for me, it’s a modern twist on a classic fairytale with a dating show backdrop. Cute right?! That’s the best way to describe this one, it’s adorable and fluffy and just fun. Lots of swoony moments with the hero being a king and the big grand gestures we know from dating shows. It also has depth too, Anika is undercover to see if the rumors about the shows director are true and the issues were handled with care and grace by the author. It was a fast paced listen that I finished in a day, really easy and fun and the narration by Kitty Bang was effortless.
June 7, 2024
DNFed this. I didn't read the premise and that's my fault - I think I got it confused with something else becuase let me tell you -- I would NOT have chosen to read something based on a dating show. (I quite literally loathe reality TV. It's so bad. All of it makes me immediately cringe.)
May 25, 2024
This was an absolute delight of a book.
If you’re looking for a book that’s like the bachelor/bachelorette….this is it.
I loved the characters and their banter.
I also really like the side characters and their friendship.
Thank you valentine pr for a copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Do not read further if you don’t want spoilers.
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I thought the author handled the hard topic with Patrick really well.
If you’re looking for a book that’s like the bachelor/bachelorette….this is it.
I loved the characters and their banter.
I also really like the side characters and their friendship.
Thank you valentine pr for a copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Do not read further if you don’t want spoilers.
.
.
.
.
.
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I thought the author handled the hard topic with Patrick really well.
May 26, 2024
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Lexi Blake and 1001 Dark Nights & Blue Box Press for the ARC of "My Royal Showmance." This delightful novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a perfect blend of romance, humor, and the unexpected twists of reality TV.
"My Royal Showmance" centers on Anika Fox, an ambitious woman determined to climb the ranks at her production company. Her latest assignment, however, is far from her usual tasks: she must go undercover as a production assistant on the reality dating show "The King Takes a Bride" to monitor potential issues with the director. Anika's path takes an even more unexpected turn when she is thrust into the role of a contestant vying for the affections of King Luca St. Marten.
Luca, the king of the small European country of Ralavia, reluctantly agrees to participate in the dating show to boost tourism for his struggling nation. What he doesn't anticipate is finding Anika, the intriguing woman he met by chance the night before, among the contestants. As Anika and Luca navigate the contrived world of reality TV, they must discern what is real and what is merely for show.
Anika's character is refreshingly relatable and endearing. Her initial reluctance and subsequent determination to succeed in the unplanned role of potential princess create a compelling and heartwarming journey. Luca's portrayal as a king who genuinely cares for his country and people adds depth to his character, making their budding romance even more engaging.
The chemistry between Anika and Luca is palpable, and their interactions are filled with wit and charm. The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked from start to finish. The secondary characters, including Anika's friends Ivy and Harper, add layers of humor and support, enriching the overall story.
"My Royal Showmance" is a delightful read that perfectly captures the essence of a modern fairy tale. Lexi Blake has crafted a story that is both entertaining and heartwarming, making it a standout in the romance genre. This was my first Lexi Blake book, but it certainly won’t be my last.
For fans of instalove and friends-to-lovers romances, this book is a gem. I highly recommend "My Royal Showmance" to anyone looking for a light-hearted, feel-good read with a touch of royal magic.
"My Royal Showmance" centers on Anika Fox, an ambitious woman determined to climb the ranks at her production company. Her latest assignment, however, is far from her usual tasks: she must go undercover as a production assistant on the reality dating show "The King Takes a Bride" to monitor potential issues with the director. Anika's path takes an even more unexpected turn when she is thrust into the role of a contestant vying for the affections of King Luca St. Marten.
Luca, the king of the small European country of Ralavia, reluctantly agrees to participate in the dating show to boost tourism for his struggling nation. What he doesn't anticipate is finding Anika, the intriguing woman he met by chance the night before, among the contestants. As Anika and Luca navigate the contrived world of reality TV, they must discern what is real and what is merely for show.
Anika's character is refreshingly relatable and endearing. Her initial reluctance and subsequent determination to succeed in the unplanned role of potential princess create a compelling and heartwarming journey. Luca's portrayal as a king who genuinely cares for his country and people adds depth to his character, making their budding romance even more engaging.
The chemistry between Anika and Luca is palpable, and their interactions are filled with wit and charm. The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked from start to finish. The secondary characters, including Anika's friends Ivy and Harper, add layers of humor and support, enriching the overall story.
"My Royal Showmance" is a delightful read that perfectly captures the essence of a modern fairy tale. Lexi Blake has crafted a story that is both entertaining and heartwarming, making it a standout in the romance genre. This was my first Lexi Blake book, but it certainly won’t be my last.
For fans of instalove and friends-to-lovers romances, this book is a gem. I highly recommend "My Royal Showmance" to anyone looking for a light-hearted, feel-good read with a touch of royal magic.
June 5, 2024
4.5 Undercover Stars
When Luca and Anika meet for the first time, their chemistry is so strong that you can feel it oozing through the pages. I love that they spend so much time getting to know one another, asking questions that require real thought. If you have ever wondered what happens off-camera on a Reality Show, this story will give you a little insight into all the craziness.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewMRS
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
**𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
When Luca and Anika meet for the first time, their chemistry is so strong that you can feel it oozing through the pages. I love that they spend so much time getting to know one another, asking questions that require real thought. If you have ever wondered what happens off-camera on a Reality Show, this story will give you a little insight into all the craziness.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewMRS
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links
May 30, 2024
Anika Fox is on the road to success! She knows exactly where she wants to be, and it’s not on the set of a reality TV dating show – she's got big plans and is working hard to make them come true! Anika is working her way up at the production company she works for, and she’s close to achieving her dreams!
King of a tiny European country! Luca St. Marten knows the world views him as one of the pampered royalty of the world. When he’s asked to do a dating show, his advisors point out that it could be a great way to bring tourism back to Ralavia! He may not be keen on the idea, but he agrees.
Anika is thrilled to find herself replacing the potential princess after one of the contestants drops out at the last minute! She’s certain she’ll be asked to leave the first night, but Luca picks her again and again! In the blink of an eye, she's thrown into the middle of a made-for-TV fantasy, where she's not sure what's real and what's simply reality TV!
The book made me think of when I was a teenager and watched the Ukrainian adaptation of The Bachelor. In one of the seasons, the main character was a prince! Not a king, like here, but of royal blood! Who cares about his questionable background? He's still a prince! A show is a show, and it's always great to see what happens next!
The story was incredible! It was so interesting, dynamic, funny and passionate. I have to give special thanks for Luca giving the participants daisies, not traditional roses. That really made the whole thing more special! Daisies are the best flowers in the world, hands down! I really think so!
This was my first encounter with Lexi's work, and it was absolutely fantastic!
Thanks Valentine PR for providing ARC of this book!
King of a tiny European country! Luca St. Marten knows the world views him as one of the pampered royalty of the world. When he’s asked to do a dating show, his advisors point out that it could be a great way to bring tourism back to Ralavia! He may not be keen on the idea, but he agrees.
Anika is thrilled to find herself replacing the potential princess after one of the contestants drops out at the last minute! She’s certain she’ll be asked to leave the first night, but Luca picks her again and again! In the blink of an eye, she's thrown into the middle of a made-for-TV fantasy, where she's not sure what's real and what's simply reality TV!
The book made me think of when I was a teenager and watched the Ukrainian adaptation of The Bachelor. In one of the seasons, the main character was a prince! Not a king, like here, but of royal blood! Who cares about his questionable background? He's still a prince! A show is a show, and it's always great to see what happens next!
The story was incredible! It was so interesting, dynamic, funny and passionate. I have to give special thanks for Luca giving the participants daisies, not traditional roses. That really made the whole thing more special! Daisies are the best flowers in the world, hands down! I really think so!
This was my first encounter with Lexi's work, and it was absolutely fantastic!
Thanks Valentine PR for providing ARC of this book!
June 10, 2024
My Royal Showmance is book #2 in the Park Avenue Promise series following 3 best friends in NYC. In this book we follow Anika who is working as a PA on a new hit tv show that is like The Bachelor, who star a king looking for a queen and someone help to boost his countries tourism and save his people and their businesses. So imagine her surprise when a contestant drops out and they production company basically makes her fill the spot, with a promise she will get eliminated the first night.
** Spoiler Alert** she’s doesn’t and we follow her along on the journey and watch her build friendships with the ladies all while her real life friends sneak their way on to the set.
I absolutely loved this book, Anika was really a girls girl and she loved to eat and was not shy about it lol. I liked how even though she had deep feeling for the king, she still was nice and hyped up all the other girls.
Anika was truly the star of this book and I great example for a lot of people, sticking up for Patrick even thought he wasn’t the nicest was perfect because right is right.. and wrong if wrong, although people don’t always get the consequences they deserve. The author did an amazing job and covering some very sensitive topics that affect a lot of people so thank you for that.
I rarely want to read two books about the same couple, but I do wish we got to read a little more of Anika and Luca happily ever after. I can’t wait to read book three when it releases.
** Spoiler Alert** she’s doesn’t and we follow her along on the journey and watch her build friendships with the ladies all while her real life friends sneak their way on to the set.
I absolutely loved this book, Anika was really a girls girl and she loved to eat and was not shy about it lol. I liked how even though she had deep feeling for the king, she still was nice and hyped up all the other girls.
Anika was truly the star of this book and I great example for a lot of people, sticking up for Patrick even thought he wasn’t the nicest was perfect because right is right.. and wrong if wrong, although people don’t always get the consequences they deserve. The author did an amazing job and covering some very sensitive topics that affect a lot of people so thank you for that.
I rarely want to read two books about the same couple, but I do wish we got to read a little more of Anika and Luca happily ever after. I can’t wait to read book three when it releases.
June 5, 2024
This book was so freaking fun. I can’t describe how much it was just what I needed. It’s a contemporary romance in a reality tv setting. She’s a PA, doing a job way beneath her to spy for the ceo of the company. The night before the job she accidentally meets the man who might just be the man of her dreams. Only for him to walk away without a trace.
First day on the set of the reality dating series and they are in a crunch because a contestant quit. As the PA if the dress fits, wear it. And so Anika fills in for the missing contestant under the premise the King (did I mention they were competing for the hand of a king?) will cut her and she can go back to job.
Unfortunately for her, she stumbles out of the carriage and into the arms of the man from the night before.. who turns out is in fact.. The King.
There were some definite twists in here I didn’t see coming and now I’m on my way to read Lexi Blake’s back list and anxiously await the next book in this series!
Tropes to entice you:
👑 Royal Romance
🎥 Reality Show setting
💕 Forced Proximity
👩❤️👨 Fake Dating
🤗 Found Family
First day on the set of the reality dating series and they are in a crunch because a contestant quit. As the PA if the dress fits, wear it. And so Anika fills in for the missing contestant under the premise the King (did I mention they were competing for the hand of a king?) will cut her and she can go back to job.
Unfortunately for her, she stumbles out of the carriage and into the arms of the man from the night before.. who turns out is in fact.. The King.
There were some definite twists in here I didn’t see coming and now I’m on my way to read Lexi Blake’s back list and anxiously await the next book in this series!
Tropes to entice you:
👑 Royal Romance
🎥 Reality Show setting
💕 Forced Proximity
👩❤️👨 Fake Dating
🤗 Found Family
June 11, 2024
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️
Tropes:
forced proximity 🎥
workplace 🌹
royalty 👑
This was such an unique book! I really enjoyed the writing style which made me so invested. ❤️
In this story you follow Anika Fox, she has been working on the production team at ‘Pinnacle Productions’ for five years when her boss asks her to go undercover to investigate some things about a director. That director is working on a new series and her boss wants to send Anika to work on that reality tv series. The series that he’s producing is about a prince from Ralavia looking for love. That’s where she meets the prince, Luca St. Marten, again…
I hope that you’ll give this book a chance!
It story was really special and truly not like any other book! ⭐️
Thank you to Valentine PR, Lexi Blake and the publisher for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.
Tropes:
forced proximity 🎥
workplace 🌹
royalty 👑
This was such an unique book! I really enjoyed the writing style which made me so invested. ❤️
In this story you follow Anika Fox, she has been working on the production team at ‘Pinnacle Productions’ for five years when her boss asks her to go undercover to investigate some things about a director. That director is working on a new series and her boss wants to send Anika to work on that reality tv series. The series that he’s producing is about a prince from Ralavia looking for love. That’s where she meets the prince, Luca St. Marten, again…
I hope that you’ll give this book a chance!
It story was really special and truly not like any other book! ⭐️
Thank you to Valentine PR, Lexi Blake and the publisher for providing me with this copy. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2024
4.75 Stars!!
This was such a good book! I flew through it in a day!
If you enjoy reality dating shows, then this one really is for you. But even if you are like me and don’t like them, then this is still for you as it was so good!
It has a very unique storyline. I loved all the banter. And I adored all the side characters too.
It was a very fun and easy read, but also touches on some dark sides of the entertainment industry.
Definitely recommend checking this binge-worthy read out!!💜
Thank you @valentine_pr & @authorlexiblake for this #gifted e-copy!🫶🏼
This was such a good book! I flew through it in a day!
If you enjoy reality dating shows, then this one really is for you. But even if you are like me and don’t like them, then this is still for you as it was so good!
It has a very unique storyline. I loved all the banter. And I adored all the side characters too.
It was a very fun and easy read, but also touches on some dark sides of the entertainment industry.
Definitely recommend checking this binge-worthy read out!!💜
Thank you @valentine_pr & @authorlexiblake for this #gifted e-copy!🫶🏼
July 5, 2024
I’ve been in quite a slump lately and My Royal Showmance grabbed me by the hair and yanked me out of it!
Anika is asked to be a production assistant for the filming of a reality tv show; the production company needs someone to spy on the director and look for misconduct. The night before filming starts, she meets a gorgeous guy at the bar and really dives deep with him. You can imagine her shock when she finds out on set the next day that he’s the lead of the show and she needs to fill in for one of the roles!
Shows like The Bachelor/Bachelorette, The Courtship, and Farmer Wants a Wife are such a guilty pleasure for me, and this book falls into a similar premise with a secondary underlying story about possible misconduct. I smiled every time the author made a reference or joke about these shows, keeping levity throughout the book. It was fun to see Anika slowly open her heart and Luca seemed like such a solid guy. I wouldn’t mind a side book of his bodyguard Hans though… there’s definitely a story there!
I appreciate that the book also shed some light on misconduct in the reality tv space. While I think it could have been slightly more intertwined into the full story, it was handled with taste.
Overall, My Royal Showmance was an enjoyable read. I love a book that actually evokes outward reactions from me!
Thank you to the publisher and GetRedPr for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my personal opinions only.
Anika is asked to be a production assistant for the filming of a reality tv show; the production company needs someone to spy on the director and look for misconduct. The night before filming starts, she meets a gorgeous guy at the bar and really dives deep with him. You can imagine her shock when she finds out on set the next day that he’s the lead of the show and she needs to fill in for one of the roles!
Shows like The Bachelor/Bachelorette, The Courtship, and Farmer Wants a Wife are such a guilty pleasure for me, and this book falls into a similar premise with a secondary underlying story about possible misconduct. I smiled every time the author made a reference or joke about these shows, keeping levity throughout the book. It was fun to see Anika slowly open her heart and Luca seemed like such a solid guy. I wouldn’t mind a side book of his bodyguard Hans though… there’s definitely a story there!
I appreciate that the book also shed some light on misconduct in the reality tv space. While I think it could have been slightly more intertwined into the full story, it was handled with taste.
Overall, My Royal Showmance was an enjoyable read. I love a book that actually evokes outward reactions from me!
Thank you to the publisher and GetRedPr for the opportunity to read this book. The review expresses my personal opinions only.
June 10, 2024
📖 𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐱𝐢 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞
"𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺, 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶," ��𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴. "𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦."
I have only watched reality dating shows like The Bachelor sporadically, but I always love the over the top instant love connections and the catty women. This book was so much fun because you get to see behind the scenes what it’s actually like for the women while filming shows like that. There were several moments I was cracking up at the women and their antics.
Anika and Luca’s first date was so perfectly enchanting that I was rooting for them from the beginning. When they are thrown together through the show I was along for the ride.
This book does address the topic of sexuality harassment in the workplace, so if that’s triggering for you can know in advance.
There is spice in this book and it was well done! I was worried about the possibility of emotional cheating going on since the prince is having to basically fake date all the women on the show, but it was handled really nicely!
The ending was a wild ride of emotions but it all came together in the end! I really appreciated the bond all the women formed towards the end.
If you love hallmark movies with princes and shows like The Bachelor, you need to add this fun story to your TBR today!
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
🎬 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘸
📸 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴
💕 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
🫶🏼 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘈𝘵 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵
👑 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘹 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵
♥️ 𝘏𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 & 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳
🔥 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 (2🌶️)
"𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺, 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶," ��𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴. "𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦."
I have only watched reality dating shows like The Bachelor sporadically, but I always love the over the top instant love connections and the catty women. This book was so much fun because you get to see behind the scenes what it’s actually like for the women while filming shows like that. There were several moments I was cracking up at the women and their antics.
Anika and Luca’s first date was so perfectly enchanting that I was rooting for them from the beginning. When they are thrown together through the show I was along for the ride.
This book does address the topic of sexuality harassment in the workplace, so if that’s triggering for you can know in advance.
There is spice in this book and it was well done! I was worried about the possibility of emotional cheating going on since the prince is having to basically fake date all the women on the show, but it was handled really nicely!
The ending was a wild ride of emotions but it all came together in the end! I really appreciated the bond all the women formed towards the end.
If you love hallmark movies with princes and shows like The Bachelor, you need to add this fun story to your TBR today!
𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴:
🎬 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘸
📸 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴
💕 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘺
🫶🏼 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘈𝘵 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵
👑 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘹 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵
♥️ 𝘏𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 & 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳
🔥 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘺 (2🌶️)
June 7, 2024
My Royal Showmance by Lexi Blake is a sweet blend of romance and reality TV drama that adds royal charm. I am a huge fan of dating reality TV so I knew I would love this one. Anika Fox, a determined production assistant, steps into the spotlight of a reality dating show when one of the contestants drops out. King Luca St. Marten is the leading man - only participating to boost tourism for his country.
The two find themselves drawn to one another, but hesitant to act on their true feelings. I really enjoyed the connection between Ani and Luca, and especially the behind-the-scenes look of TV production. The banter is cute and funny and I found myself giggling throughout the story. Luca is very charming and Ani is a strong character. If you're a fan of The Bachelor, I highly recommend this one!
The two find themselves drawn to one another, but hesitant to act on their true feelings. I really enjoyed the connection between Ani and Luca, and especially the behind-the-scenes look of TV production. The banter is cute and funny and I found myself giggling throughout the story. Luca is very charming and Ani is a strong character. If you're a fan of The Bachelor, I highly recommend this one!
June 10, 2024
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.This was a charming read and fun. I enjoyed Anika and the lengths her friends and moms went to to make sure she was OK (which was probably necessary considering how her first day on the job went). Luca was charming and it was hard not to like him and his reasoning for being on a dating show. You could see why Anika fell so hard for him.
This was a quick read, but it was the perfect weekend read that left you with a smile on your face.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.This was a charming read and fun. I enjoyed Anika and the lengths her friends and moms went to to make sure she was OK (which was probably necessary considering how her first day on the job went). Luca was charming and it was hard not to like him and his reasoning for being on a dating show. You could see why Anika fell so hard for him.
This was a quick read, but it was the perfect weekend read that left you with a smile on your face.
July 23, 2024
ARC VIEW - Valentine PR
Thank you to the Valentine PR team and Lexi Blake for the ARC copy. I did not read the first book in this series but I don't think it matter much. I heard the books follow different main FMC in each book. I love the premise of this story though, I'm a sucker for reality TV shows and with this being based around one is amazing. This book is getting a 4.5 star from me.
Following Anika and Luka through this experience was cute. Anika going under cover to pretty much spy on this director to being apart of the show with the other contestants. She cheered them on and hyped them up when they got a chance with the King. I loved when these two go t time together, their banter was cute and I think we could all see them falling in love from the beginning.
My all time favorite quote from this book...
"If I have to stay, so do you," he whispers. "Welcome to my hell, Persephone."
Thank you to the Valentine PR team and Lexi Blake for the ARC copy. I did not read the first book in this series but I don't think it matter much. I heard the books follow different main FMC in each book. I love the premise of this story though, I'm a sucker for reality TV shows and with this being based around one is amazing. This book is getting a 4.5 star from me.
Following Anika and Luka through this experience was cute. Anika going under cover to pretty much spy on this director to being apart of the show with the other contestants. She cheered them on and hyped them up when they got a chance with the King. I loved when these two go t time together, their banter was cute and I think we could all see them falling in love from the beginning.
My all time favorite quote from this book...
"If I have to stay, so do you," he whispers. "Welcome to my hell, Persephone."
June 12, 2024
Thank you to Valentine PR for the ARC!
I was so excited for this book - it's basically a rom-com set in a TV show like the bachelor, just that the bachelor is a king! I love reality TV shows and I love when romance novels are about TV or media in some way, so this was right up my alley.
This is the second book in a series, but I read it as a standalone and I did not feel like I was missing any important information, however if you want to read the whole series I recommend reading it in order because the couple from the first book does appear in this one as well.
When I was younger, I read and loved "The Selection", as I'm sure many others did as well. So when I saw that this book was basically the Selection, just set in our real world and as a TV show, I was hooked. The author also includes little confessions from the contestants in-between some of the chapters, so it really feels like you are watching the show while also getting lots of behind-the-scenes content.
Anika and Luca meet the night before the show and Anika starts falling for him without knowing that he is a king, let alone the king of the show she will be working on. Anika was supposed to work on the set to spy on the director, but then she gets cast as a contestant on the show to fall in love with Luca. I thought that was a really fun idea and I loved following them as they meet again and have to keep their previous meeting a secret, and as Anika gets thrown into this reality show she didn't even want to be a part of.
I really liked both of the MCs and their relationship with each other, but I wish it would have been a bit less rushed, I sometimes struggled to feel the connection between the two.
I loved meeting all the other contestants, and also seeing the difference between their personalities on and off camera. Unfortunately, at some points I felt like I even enjoyed the drama and the friendships between the contestants more than the actual romance, so I really would have wished for more development and chemistry here.
The book is not just about the romance between Luca and Anika, it also features this side-plot of Anika having to spy on the director of the show, which towards the end becomes a very big deal and I was very hooked on finding out how it ends.
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style, she really kept me hooked throughout the book and I would love to read more by her in the future! The book was very fast-paced and I went through it very quickly (despite being quite busy when I read it).
I was so excited for this book - it's basically a rom-com set in a TV show like the bachelor, just that the bachelor is a king! I love reality TV shows and I love when romance novels are about TV or media in some way, so this was right up my alley.
This is the second book in a series, but I read it as a standalone and I did not feel like I was missing any important information, however if you want to read the whole series I recommend reading it in order because the couple from the first book does appear in this one as well.
When I was younger, I read and loved "The Selection", as I'm sure many others did as well. So when I saw that this book was basically the Selection, just set in our real world and as a TV show, I was hooked. The author also includes little confessions from the contestants in-between some of the chapters, so it really feels like you are watching the show while also getting lots of behind-the-scenes content.
Anika and Luca meet the night before the show and Anika starts falling for him without knowing that he is a king, let alone the king of the show she will be working on. Anika was supposed to work on the set to spy on the director, but then she gets cast as a contestant on the show to fall in love with Luca. I thought that was a really fun idea and I loved following them as they meet again and have to keep their previous meeting a secret, and as Anika gets thrown into this reality show she didn't even want to be a part of.
I really liked both of the MCs and their relationship with each other, but I wish it would have been a bit less rushed, I sometimes struggled to feel the connection between the two.
I loved meeting all the other contestants, and also seeing the difference between their personalities on and off camera. Unfortunately, at some points I felt like I even enjoyed the drama and the friendships between the contestants more than the actual romance, so I really would have wished for more development and chemistry here.
The book is not just about the romance between Luca and Anika, it also features this side-plot of Anika having to spy on the director of the show, which towards the end becomes a very big deal and I was very hooked on finding out how it ends.
This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed her writing style, she really kept me hooked throughout the book and I would love to read more by her in the future! The book was very fast-paced and I went through it very quickly (despite being quite busy when I read it).
January 10, 2025
I try to be nice and kind to everyone around me, and if they cross me, I will bury them and no cop will look in my anime eyes and think me capable of murder.
Anika Fox knows exactly where she wants to be, and it’s not on the set of a reality TV dating show. She’s working her way up at the production company she works for and she’s close to achieving some of her dreams. The big boss just wants one thing from her. She’s got a potential problem with the director of The King Takes a Bride and she wants Anika to pose as a production assistant and report back.
As the king of a tiny European country, Luca St. Marten knows the world views him as one of the pampered royalty of the world. When he’s asked to do a dating show, his counselors point out that it could bring tourism back to Ralavia. It goes against his every desire, but he agrees.
When one of the contestants drops out at the last minute, Anika finds herself replacing the potential princess. She’s sure she’ll be asked to leave the first night, but Luca keeps picking her again and again. Suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a made-for-TV fantasy, and she’s unsure what’s real and what’s simply reality TV.
I’m apparently in desperate need of stress relief, and I don’t do things like go to the gym. I’m more of a read a romance novel girl. The dirtier the better, and I do not apologize.
It goes to show you should never judge a book by its cover because I will readily admit I put off reading this so long because the cover set kind of a hokey vibe...and I wasn't really in the mood for it until I wanted something light. But man. This deserves so much better!
"You’re Ani. You’re a sparkly sweet unicorn who sometimes uses her horn to skewer the bad guys."
I do not hand out 5 stars easily. In fact, it is incredibly hard to get a 5 star out of me. Especially in these instances where you know there is going to be a drama scene that creates tension in the relationship before the eventual HEA. So many are manufactured and don't make sense...but this one...this one was SO GOOD. LITERALLY SO GOOD!
"You are an incorrigible brat."
"I thought I was a treasure."
And it wasn't just Anika and Luc. It was the besties. It was the other girls that became friends along the way. It was the SCANDAL behind the scenes. It was the comeuppance moment. It was EVERYTHING.
Recommended for all romance readers. Every one of you.
June 10, 2024
BLOG | INSTAGRAM
✔️reality TV show
✔️royalty romance
✔️ forced proximity
✔️wholesome friendships
✔️cinderella story
This was a fun read and read it in a couple of hours. If you like the normal American girl loves royal from a tiny European country thing, you'll probably love this book.
I loved how Anika and Luca met and how they clicked so well. I loved how strong Anika was in such a toxic environment and how she decided to fight for what was right. Luca was wonderful I really liked him. But one of my favourite things about this book was the beautiful friendships. Anika's friends were the best, the new friends she made in the TV show were fun as well, and Anika's mom and Tonya's friendship was so wholesome.
Even though it was a fun story, there were a couple of things I didn't enjoy as I hoped. For the first half of the book the FMC was such a pick-me girl / I'm-not-like-the-other-girls and I don't enjoy that at all. But also, she wasn't consistent. She criticised certain things and then proceeded to act in the same way. In the second part of the book she was better and I actually liked how she acted on many occasions.
I really liked the MMC as I mentioned, but I feel like he lacked depth. I feel like I didn't even get to know him. Also, I didn't really feel like I read a love story. It almost fell like a subplot. The whole falling in love part wasn't really there, it was pretty much insta-love.
But even though these things didn't work for me, I know many people will love this book.
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and Lexi Blake for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
✔️reality TV show
✔️royalty romance
✔️ forced proximity
✔️wholesome friendships
✔️cinderella story
This was a fun read and read it in a couple of hours. If you like the normal American girl loves royal from a tiny European country thing, you'll probably love this book.
I loved how Anika and Luca met and how they clicked so well. I loved how strong Anika was in such a toxic environment and how she decided to fight for what was right. Luca was wonderful I really liked him. But one of my favourite things about this book was the beautiful friendships. Anika's friends were the best, the new friends she made in the TV show were fun as well, and Anika's mom and Tonya's friendship was so wholesome.
Even though it was a fun story, there were a couple of things I didn't enjoy as I hoped. For the first half of the book the FMC was such a pick-me girl / I'm-not-like-the-other-girls and I don't enjoy that at all. But also, she wasn't consistent. She criticised certain things and then proceeded to act in the same way. In the second part of the book she was better and I actually liked how she acted on many occasions.
I really liked the MMC as I mentioned, but I feel like he lacked depth. I feel like I didn't even get to know him. Also, I didn't really feel like I read a love story. It almost fell like a subplot. The whole falling in love part wasn't really there, it was pretty much insta-love.
But even though these things didn't work for me, I know many people will love this book.
Thank you so much to Valentine PR and Lexi Blake for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 14, 2024
5 stars
"After midnight I become a raccoon with smudgy eyes and a desperate need to eat some trash."
"Take off the clothes, Anika. If you like them, take them off now before I rip them off you."
"I'm likely going to lose my tiny apartment and I'll be back at my mom's, but there are worse things that can happen. She could live in Jersey, for example."
Wow. Wow wow wow. I went into this thinking it was going to be a sweet, romcom Princess Diaries style. while it was exactly that, it also hits hard with the morals and the hard-hitting questions.
First things first, I did not read book 1 and it in no way hindered my experience with this story. It does make me want to go back and read it because the friendship that Anika, Ivy, and Harper is a special one that I think all women can relate to in some level. It's the #GirlSquad we all deserve. The "confessionals" that are sprinkled into this book were so much fun! I loathe these reality dating shows, so the fact that it "pulled the curtain back" on the whole thing and showed it for the sham that they are made me happy. (I'm horrible and I know it lol)
Anika going from people-pleasing, fade in the background, PA to contestant on a trash "reality" dating show is just comical enough to start with. Add in the dashing man she had met randomly the night before as the King and "prize" of said show adds another layer. The other contestants round out the fun and just add to previously mentioned #GirlSquad goals.
Luca is....quite honestly, perfect. He takes his role as King seriously and cares for his people while also realizing for the first time in his life that there's more to life that he's greatly missed out on. He falls hard, he's altruistic and has the best of intentions, cares fiercely, and understand that in order to win the game, sometimes the king needs to sacrifice his queen.
This story also deals with workplace harassment, #MeToo (think Weinstein), and will break your heart or trigger those who might be sensitive to this topic.
Thank you, Lexi Blake and Valentine PR for this ARC.
"After midnight I become a raccoon with smudgy eyes and a desperate need to eat some trash."
"Take off the clothes, Anika. If you like them, take them off now before I rip them off you."
"I'm likely going to lose my tiny apartment and I'll be back at my mom's, but there are worse things that can happen. She could live in Jersey, for example."
Wow. Wow wow wow. I went into this thinking it was going to be a sweet, romcom Princess Diaries style. while it was exactly that, it also hits hard with the morals and the hard-hitting questions.
First things first, I did not read book 1 and it in no way hindered my experience with this story. It does make me want to go back and read it because the friendship that Anika, Ivy, and Harper is a special one that I think all women can relate to in some level. It's the #GirlSquad we all deserve. The "confessionals" that are sprinkled into this book were so much fun! I loathe these reality dating shows, so the fact that it "pulled the curtain back" on the whole thing and showed it for the sham that they are made me happy. (I'm horrible and I know it lol)
Anika going from people-pleasing, fade in the background, PA to contestant on a trash "reality" dating show is just comical enough to start with. Add in the dashing man she had met randomly the night before as the King and "prize" of said show adds another layer. The other contestants round out the fun and just add to previously mentioned #GirlSquad goals.
Luca is....quite honestly, perfect. He takes his role as King seriously and cares for his people while also realizing for the first time in his life that there's more to life that he's greatly missed out on. He falls hard, he's altruistic and has the best of intentions, cares fiercely, and understand that in order to win the game, sometimes the king needs to sacrifice his queen.
This story also deals with workplace harassment, #MeToo (think Weinstein), and will break your heart or trigger those who might be sensitive to this topic.
Thank you, Lexi Blake and Valentine PR for this ARC.
June 5, 2024
Another great Lexi Blake book. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one. I don’t watch reality tv, especially dating shows, but I never should have questioned it. Lexi had me truly enthralled in this story.
Anika, a production assistant for a big movie company, is sent in to work on a new reality dating show, to more or less spy on the director. By being in the right place, at the right time (although Anika would think it was more wrong place, wrong time), she gets thrown into the show when someone backs out at the last minute. Unbeknownst to all of them, Anika had met the king before. Luca goes against what the show wants and keeps Anika, and all of a sudden she’s thrown into being on tv.
The most important people in Anika’s life are all determined to look out for her. She is lucky to have two best friends who will do anything for her. I love Ivy and Harper. Meeting Anika’s moms was great too. I love how Lexi is bringing in all these important maternal figures in this series. There’s going to be quite a mom crew by the time this series is over.
My favorite quote: ‘I don’t need a crown to be queen’ - thank you Anika for this one. It’s too true for all us women.
I really hope there’s going to be more to this series than just Ivy, Anika & Harper. There’s so many great side characters so far.
Thank you Valentine PR for my ARC of this book.
Anika, a production assistant for a big movie company, is sent in to work on a new reality dating show, to more or less spy on the director. By being in the right place, at the right time (although Anika would think it was more wrong place, wrong time), she gets thrown into the show when someone backs out at the last minute. Unbeknownst to all of them, Anika had met the king before. Luca goes against what the show wants and keeps Anika, and all of a sudden she’s thrown into being on tv.
The most important people in Anika’s life are all determined to look out for her. She is lucky to have two best friends who will do anything for her. I love Ivy and Harper. Meeting Anika’s moms was great too. I love how Lexi is bringing in all these important maternal figures in this series. There’s going to be quite a mom crew by the time this series is over.
My favorite quote: ‘I don’t need a crown to be queen’ - thank you Anika for this one. It’s too true for all us women.
I really hope there’s going to be more to this series than just Ivy, Anika & Harper. There’s so many great side characters so far.
Thank you Valentine PR for my ARC of this book.
May 25, 2024
As I am a huge fan of Lexi's books I was excited to read this book as I am also a Bachelor/Bachelorette fan!
Anika has been asked by her boss to go undercover and take a step down in her job and pose as a production assistant for a new reality show The King Takes A Bride. She wants her to find out if the director Joe, is harassing women on the sets he works on. Only because she is her boss and offers to help with forwarding her career, she agrees. That night she is out with her friends and spots an incredibly handsome man sitting at the bar by himself. Her friend steps in and introduces them and they end up spending the entire night together talking and getting to know each other. She is very attracted to him, but at the end of the night she does not even get a kiss. Luca the one who got away as he was just there to hang out for one night. The next day one of the brides to be bails and now they need a last minute replacement, and Anika gets stuck being the replacement. Then she meets the King, Luca her hottie from last night!
This was a great behind the scenes look at reality television. Great romance story and surprises that Lexi is famous for will have you tearing through the pages!
Anika has been asked by her boss to go undercover and take a step down in her job and pose as a production assistant for a new reality show The King Takes A Bride. She wants her to find out if the director Joe, is harassing women on the sets he works on. Only because she is her boss and offers to help with forwarding her career, she agrees. That night she is out with her friends and spots an incredibly handsome man sitting at the bar by himself. Her friend steps in and introduces them and they end up spending the entire night together talking and getting to know each other. She is very attracted to him, but at the end of the night she does not even get a kiss. Luca the one who got away as he was just there to hang out for one night. The next day one of the brides to be bails and now they need a last minute replacement, and Anika gets stuck being the replacement. Then she meets the King, Luca her hottie from last night!
This was a great behind the scenes look at reality television. Great romance story and surprises that Lexi is famous for will have you tearing through the pages!
June 17, 2024
My Royal Showmance (Park Avenue Promise #2) by Lexi Blake
4 stars
M/F romance
Triggers: Sexual Harassment
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Anika is a fantastic character. From the very beginning you saw how honest and real she was. She works hard, loves hard and is loyal. I loved her mind set about her job, family, friends and life in general.
Luca had amazing reasons for wanting to do this show. He wants his people to succeed and thrive. It’s a curve ball for him when he realizes that his heart could truly get caught in the web of love.
These two together and fun, witty and lovable. You won’t be disappointed in their story. I think the only thing I wished for was more on the protagonists. I wanted to see them squirm.
4 stars
M/F romance
Triggers: Sexual Harassment
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Anika is a fantastic character. From the very beginning you saw how honest and real she was. She works hard, loves hard and is loyal. I loved her mind set about her job, family, friends and life in general.
Luca had amazing reasons for wanting to do this show. He wants his people to succeed and thrive. It’s a curve ball for him when he realizes that his heart could truly get caught in the web of love.
These two together and fun, witty and lovable. You won’t be disappointed in their story. I think the only thing I wished for was more on the protagonists. I wanted to see them squirm.
June 24, 2024
When Anika is told by her boss she has to go on a reality dating show, that is the last thing she wants to do. She feels she has paid her dues. Anika would be a spy on the show, so she can report back to her boos. The director of “The King Takes a Bride” has his own problems.
The potential for this show to bring tourism back to their country is essential. Can Luca get through the reality dating show? Anika ends up being a contestant, which puts them both in a predicament. Anika is ready to leave the show, BUT Luca keeps asking her to stay? What is his motive? Is he falling for Anika?
A cute rom-com. Thank you GetRedPR and author Blake for this gifted copy. I enjoyed Starts Us Up which was the first in this Park Avenue Promise series.
The potential for this show to bring tourism back to their country is essential. Can Luca get through the reality dating show? Anika ends up being a contestant, which puts them both in a predicament. Anika is ready to leave the show, BUT Luca keeps asking her to stay? What is his motive? Is he falling for Anika?
A cute rom-com. Thank you GetRedPR and author Blake for this gifted copy. I enjoyed Starts Us Up which was the first in this Park Avenue Promise series.
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