The Royal Runaway

Royally Kissed #3

by Kate O'Keeffe

I’m a runaway princess. He’s a Hollywood heartthrob. What could possibly go wrong?

Being a princess means living by 1200+ rules—I've counted them all in my leather-bound journal—including Rule #124: "No climbing trees" and Rule #592: "A princess must never leave the palace without security detail." So when I swap my tiara for a goth disguise and escape the palace for a grand adventure as "Amy," I'm breaking every royal protocol imaginable.

Hiding from paparazzi in a costume shop, I meet a gorgeous American stranger who's also on the run. Suddenly I'm making disastrous coffee at a pink café, sharing a lakeside mansion with "Maverick"—aka Hollywood star Ethan Roberts in disguise—and developing feelings that make my heart perform gymnastics. Which was definitely not covered in my princess rule book.

Ethan's gotten into the habit of rescuing me—from online con artists, espresso machine explosions, and even breaking Rule #124 when I climbed a tree right to the top, … and promptly got stuck. But as our friendship blooms into something wonderfully more, our carefully constructed facades begin to crack, and our new relationship hangs in the balance.

Can a runaway princess and an actor hiding from fame find their happily-ever-after, or will duty force us back to our separate spotlight lives?



In this dizzyingly romantic modern royal romcom for grown-ups, find out what happens when a Hollywood heartthrob meets a princess who wants to break all the rules... The Royal Runaway is a closed-door romance with all the sizzle but without the spice, and a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s Book 3 in the royal romance series, Royally Kissed, and can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Rom Com, Royalty, Fiction, Clean Romance, Royal Romance

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

Kate O'Keeffe is a USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author who writes exactly what she loves to read: laugh-out-loud romantic comedies with swoon-worthy heroes and gorgeous feel-good happily ever afters. She lives and loves in beautiful Hawke's Bay, New Zealand with her family and two scruffy but loveable dogs.

When she's not penning her latest story, Kate can be found hiking up hills (slowly), traveling to different countries around the globe (back when we used to be able to do that), and eating chocolate. A lot of it.

Get a free book when you sign up to Kate's newsletter at kateokeeffe.com.

Reviews

[xlinaz01 · Rating 1 out of 5]

it started off interesting, but then it lost my interest when the pair fell for each other quickly. The repetitive narrative also bore me

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Ethan & Amelia's adventurous, sweet ,caring, protective, loving, swoony happily ever after!!!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Royal Runaway was simply pure sweetness and fun! Two people who were always in the spotlight finally had the chance to take a break from the constant paparazzi and fans who were forever watching them. I liked the twist in this tale that even though both Ethan and Amelia were pretending to be Maverick and Amy, they actually were more themselves with each other than they were usually able to be with other people.

This is the third book in the Royally Kissed series, but it is the first of these books that I have read. I didn’t have any problem jumping in and enjoying this one. I thought it was fun that Ethan is actually the brother of Dan and Emmy Roberts from the Love on Thin Ice series. You don’t have to have read those books to enjoy this one either, but I like finding those connections.

I definitely enjoyed this sweet and clean romcom. There were tender and swoony moments along with a few funny situations for these characters to work through.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Melinda Hennies · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful and fun read.
Amelia escapes palace life and runs. She is all about breaking the rules. Amelia says she is going on a silent retreat, yet she finds herself in a costume shop wearing goth clothes.
Ethan is a Hollywood star, and he is burnt out. He tries to escape all the paparazzi, and he finds himself ducking into a costume shop. When he sees Amy as Goth, he decides it's a perfect disguise.
Ethan is going on train to escape and be alone for a month at his agents' home.
Ethan had no idea Amy would be on the same train.
Fate is funny as Ethan and Amy keep running into one another. When Amy states she is to meet Greg, he hopefully new guy, Ethan is there to keep an eye on Ami and the lies that Greg has told her.
Ethan again to the rescue and together they find work atvthe local bakery-coffee shop.
Ethan teaches Ami about life's simplest things.
Ami finally confesses her true identity, and Ethan also tells his. This only brings these two closer until things blow up without any warning.
Ami goes back to the palace, but she is not going to be the Amelia before she was gone for a month.
Ethan surprises Ami more than once and proves she is his everything!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed by Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

I’ve read all of the books in the Royally Kissed series, and this is my favorite addition so far! I loved Amelia’s personality and her need to push against the rules and guidelines that have been set for her for her entire life. She’s unpredictable and has a giant sense of adventure, which leads her outside of the palace gates and into a world entirely without guards and protection. It was fun to see just how outside her element she becomes, particularly when she interacts with Ethan.

Ethan is a celebrity in need of an escape, too. I thought it was great how both Amelia’s and Ethan’s needs match one another, because they’re both well-known figures trying desperately to break free from the lives they feel owned by, in an effort to gain freedom. When Amelia attempts to wash strawberries with soap (oh my word), I inwardly cringed at the thought of that! But it was the perfect reflection of someone who has no clue how to live beyond the life she’s been used to, and when Ethan does all he can to hide out from giggling fans inside the costume shop, even going so far as to dress in a manner so no one will recognize him, I could feel his desperation with that. I imagine being a celebrity isn’t easy when it comes to privacy.

Neither has let the other in on who they really are. But over time, and with opportunities that draw them together, they begin to learn more and more about each other, making it difficult for Amelia not to let down her guard even more and let Ethan know her secret. The two characters come from completely different worlds, and even though they both have similar hurdles and obstacles to overcome, can any interest survive past running away from reality?

The Royal Runaway was such a fun, engaging experience, from start to finish, making it a definite five-star read!

[Dawn aka wolfinbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rule number 1,251: A princess should escape her palace life, find herself and what truly matters to her, and fall deeply in love with her perfect match to get her happily ever after.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WOW @kateokeeffe !! Book 1, The Backup Princess, in this series (Royally Kissed) was my all time favorite but this practically knocked it out of the park! I feel that the author really gave this novel her everything. You weren’t just reading the book but transported like you were living it!!! Fantastic!

This is Amelia & Ethan’s story. Amelia is a princess who wants to break the rules and find out who she really is. Ethan is an actor from California and needs a break from the Hollywood rat race and all it entails. Both disguise themselves to hide from cameras seeking their whereabouts. Their friendship turns to something more as they reveal their true selves to each other. But when the spotlight is turned back on them will they go their separate ways or find their happily ever after? I adored this sweet, humorous, loving adventure!

Oh, and I think Kate might of hidden a camera in my kitchen or talked to my husband about my cutting challenge (bread scene)!!! 😂

Release date May 1, 2025

I received a complimentary copy of this book from author. Review is based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Royal Runaway is the third book in the Royally Kissed series. While you might have a better understanding of the royal family dynamics if you've read the previous books, I do think this could be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

Oh my goodness, this book! I have enjoyed every Kate O'Keeffe book that I have read and while I didn't think any could top the last book in this series... this one absolutely did! First of all, what a meet cute! This whole opening gave me all the Aladdin vibes... what with a princess 'escaping' the palace and all! It drew me into their story right away and I absolutely couldn't put it down from there. Ethan and Amelia had such an amazing chemistry and such a genuine affection for each other, regardless of titles. They may have come from very different worlds- her being a princess who has never worked a day in her life and him a Hollywood actor with a modest beginning, but I loved how they connected over needing to get away from their everyday lives for a bit. Her lack of experience made for some really funny moments and made her even more lovable. This story may have drawn me in right from the start, but it was the twist that I didn't expect that really took it to the next level. I can't give anything away, but trust me, this is absolutely one that you're going to want to experience for yourself! I absolutely LOVED it!

The Royal Runaway is a closed-door romance with kisses only.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of books about royalty, celebrities in disguise and hiding, sweet romance and delightful humor, you're definitely going to want to pick up this third book in the Royally Kissed series. I loved it! You can read it as a standalone or in order. I started the series by reading the second book and then this one, I need to go back and read book one because I love these books and the royal family.

Poor Princess Amelia is sick of rules. I don't blame her. With all of the rules and royal protocol, life would feel extremely stifling. I loved watching her find a way to enjoy time away from the stricture that is her life and to experience the world for a little bit. She was absolutely adorable with her wide-eyed and excited view of all the new sites and experiences she was able to have. And Ethan was such a great new friend to stay by her side and guide her along.

I love the serendipity of their meetings. It was darling. And they had me smiling and laughing. Those two were definitely needing some adventure away from all of the prying public eyes. And man, oh man, do they have it... Kind of. Hahaha! You'll have to read it to understand that comment.

It was so sweet to watch their friendship grow and strengthen, allowing them to fall in love slowly by seeing the other for who they really are underneath all of the glitter, glam and sparkle!

I'm so excited for the next book and to see what other fun Kate O'Keeffe will have in store for us in that story!!!

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses but nothing further.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute royal rom-com.. Loved it! Fun, romantic, and oh, so cute.. Adorable and huggable characters!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was book 3 in the Royally Kissed series. Technically it can be read as a standalone, but with all the references to previous characters it is best read in order. This was Amelia’s story, the 3rd of 4 royal children of the king and queen of Ledonia. Amelia is a free spirit who just wants to be herself, free from the strict rules required of royalty. I love her enthusiasm and her ability to find joy in the simple things. She is definitely naive in some ways due to being sheltered but does not let that deter her. Ethan is a sweet, down to earth actor who hates the facade of Hollywood (and a small tie-in: he’s related to Dan Roberts from The Rebound Play, a hockey multi-author series). Their meet cute was hilarious. I loved that they were able to understand and truly empathize with each other’s situation. The story was very sweet but you will need to have a little suspension of disbelief to gloss over the missing details (like where did the extra goth clothes come from because they wouldn’t wear the exact same outfit everyday for 4 weeks.) I can’t wait to read about Max next. His disguise made me laugh out loud.

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic love story. Two people hiding from their real identities collide in a small town and, through a series of unfortunate events, end up living and working together in a small cafe that is so pink it would make Barbie proud.

Amy, aka Princess Amelia of Ledonia, is fed up with her palace life; she needs adventure and to find who she really is. So she fakes a meditation retreat in India and hightails it to neighbouring Malveaux to meet with the man of her dreams, whom she met online. Greg turns out to be a conman (I would like to point out that not all online match ups are con artists, I met my wife online and we're very happy), and she is saved by Maverick, aka Ethan Roberts, famous actor from a TV series that sounds not unlike Game of Thrones. I can therefore assume his character, Rowan Thornheart, is none other than Jon Snow, so that is how I picture him. Ethan is fed up with his superficial lifestyle in the public eye and wants to escape for a while.

I loved watching these two people find their true selves whilst pretending to be someone different. The irony is that in being someone different, they show more of their own true personality, and that's who the other falls for. They are not Princess Amelia and Movie Star Ethan, but Amy and Maverick, cafe workers.

I won't spoil the plot twist, but I honestly didn't see that one coming. It was, however, brilliantly played out and added to the drama, without being over the top or unrealistic.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a princess story?

As a gal who grew up with "The Prince & Me" and "The Princess Diaries" on repeat, this romcom is a masterclass full of mischief, mishaps, and melodrama. That's no surprise when a princess runs away and adopts a disguise, right?! Just wait until our Princess Amelia meets Hollywood Hunk, Ethan, who wants to escape his own crazy life. Doesn't it already sound like a match made in heaven?

After a few surprise run-ins between the alteregos, they become temporary roommates. They are so goofy and adorable together! Settling in to "normal" lives without being recognized is not as easy as it seems since both Amelia and Ethan are pretty pampered, but also crave privacy and less intensity. I love that Ethan patiently shows Amelia many mundane tasks without judgment. Their true characters are allowed to shine when they aren't on display. This story is just pure enjoyment!

I loved the tie-in to the Love on Thin Ice series, but you don't need to read that to understand events of this story (but it adds to the incredible world building!). Royal Runaway is the third book in the Royally Kissed series, and I've loved them all!

I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully sweet royal romance. Reminiscent of The Prince and Me. This was actually my first in the Royally Kissed series and I can’t wait to read the first two.

I loved Amelia! Her joy, her innocence, and her sincerity. She’s able to laugh at herself when she has no clue how to perform normal tasks.

Ethan is such a humble and unassuming sweetheart. Tired of the constant scrutiny and lack of privacy that his Hollywood life brings. I love his connection to other Kate O’Keeffe stories/characters.

The ease between them was fantastic. The fact that they can be themselves when they’re actually hiding their identities is the sweetest. Both longing for a change. Learning about themselves.

“So what if she's really a princess, I'm an actor, and we're both escaping our regular lives? What we have is real. We're two souls who have found each other, connected in the most beautiful and pure way, with no hidden agendas, no feelings based on our positions in the world.”

The backdrop of a beautiful, quaint town is the cherry on top. I felt like I was walking the cobblestone streets along with them.

Highlights:
👑Meet-cute
👑Kitchen scene
👑Pepé le Pew
👑Mopping
👑Max
👑Chip

An endearing royal escape full of adorable hilarity, self-discovery, and magical romance.

Thank you to Kate O’Keeffe for the copy. All opinions are my own.

[Urvashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and Ethan are both pretending to be normal everyday people though they are anything but. They meet for the first time trying to escape paparazzi. And from there their lives get entwined, and they start living and working together (and falling for each other) .
This was such a fun read, absolutely loved it. Amelia and her attempt at normal everyday tasks was hilarious. Though they are in disguise, they are truly their real self with each other, and I loved how supportive and protective Ethan is of Amelia. It was an entertaining read and the twist at the end was a nice surprise. Can’t wait for Max’s story.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was a sweet romantic comedy. Book 3 in this series, we follow the younger sister Princess Ami as she break free of her royal duties. In the act of finding freedoms she stumbles upon Ethan as he is searching for a temporary escape from his heartthrob actor life in Hollywood. Ethan is down to earth, a protector, and has a sweet heart. Ami is all kinds of energetic and completely unprepared for “normal” life as she struggles to cut bread and chooses soap to wash their strawberries. As they spend time together in a coastal small town set near Europe, they get to know the real people behind their celebrity and royal personas and titles - because they have both created secret identities and are living incognito. As expected this book ends with a bang and some very unexpected moments and twists. It was a lovely read and I can’t wait for Max’s story to come and round out this royal siblings series. This is a just kisses romance.

I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 from the Royally Kissed series gives us the story of Princess Amelia and Ethan Roberts - the Hollywood hunk. A tale of secret identities, both runaways, trying to escape their real life for a bit and a meet cute straight out of a Hallmark movie! Some really cute scenes between them and some rather hilarious ones too (cue washing strawberries). Loved the deadpan banter! A stand alone but looking forward to reading of the next royal sibling, Max!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!! I seriously laughed out loud, laughed till I had tears running down, and even laughed so hard I woke my husband up! The bread scene? Very funny! The strawberries? OMG y'all, for the next several days every time I saw strawberries I'd laugh.

The Royal Runaway is the 3rd book in the Royally Kissed Series, it can be read as a stand alone, but you want to read the entire series, trust me! This is Ethan and Amelia's story.

I loved everything about this book (Thank you Kate)!! I seriously couldn't put this book down. I couldn't wait to see how it ended, but didn't want it to be over all at the same time! Both characters were great! There aren't enough good things to say about this book. If you want a feel good, laugh out loud, Royal/Actor, tight family story, this is it!!! Definitely recommend!!

[Lisa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it…
Serendipity brings together two sweet, loveable, genuinely nice people. Each are trying to temporarily slip away from their high profile, highly regimented public lives by escaping into anonymity. Princess Amelia and Hollywood star Ethan Roberts are both pretending to be normal when they are anything but… I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great addition to the Royally Kissed series! Loved Amelia and Ethan. While they couldn’t be any more different, both set out to escape their everyday lives and responsibilities . What transpires is funny and heartwarming with a surprising twist! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Prince Max!! Another well done book by Kate O’Keeffe!

[Natasha Bovee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and Ethan’s story is utterly enchanting. I love the premise of running away and creating a fake identity just to escape reality for awhile. I love that both of them do it and don’t have a clue that the other is too. They clicked so well together. Ami learning skills that most people take for granted is cute and Ethan’s reaction is equally adorable. Such a great continuation of the series and I look forward to reading Max’s story next.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can faking it lead to something real? A princess in disguise escaping the stifling box she’s grown up in, and an actor on the run from the fame that’s made his life unbearable. Will pretending to be people they’re not allow Amelia and Ethan to reveal their deepest selves to one another? This story gave me all the Disney princess magic I could hope for, mixed with a Pink Panther-level of zaniness. (No jewel heist involved.) I adored this pair. They made an incredible couple, but they each stood strong and proud on their own. Amelia with her wide-eyed innocence about everyday things most of us take for granted and jaded cynicism about political matters we’ll never have to consider. And down-to-earth Ethan who just wanted to do his job without the media circus modern society has made of celebrity. They’ve come from entirely different backgrounds, but they’ve arrived in the same place with the same goal. And it was so delightful to watch them discover that each other was part of the answer they didn’t realize they’d been seeking. Now, I can’t wait to get my hands on baby brother, Max’s, book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is it exactly what I needed, a funny, sweet romance by chance. Amelia is breaking rules and Ethan is hiding to take a break. I love that fate kept throwing them together. The perfect balance of romance, humor, and a few surprises. Can't wait to read Max's story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a royal romance and combine the princess with a TV star and you get hilarious and magical moments. Mav and Amy are so right for each other and I loved them together from the moment they met. Their disguises, their hidden identities, their celebrity status all created such a fun romance that I felt like I had a front row seat to watch. Bring on the popcorn because this is a movie that I will enjoy over and over again. Kate's writing style is engaging and I felt the chemistry between the main characters without open door scenes. There are hints of a romance for Max to come and I can't wait for it!

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! I loved Amelia & Ethan together! I thought they were so perfect for each other and loved that they were both in hiding. Loved the twist I didn’t see coming and the epilogue was the sweetest.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful rom-com with lots and lots of humour. The characters are thoroughly engaging (I loved Amelia and Ethan) and the romance is lovely. Highly recommended!.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Royally Kissed series and it does not disappoint! Princess Amelia wanting to escape her palace duties meets Ethan Roberts Hollywood actor looking for a break from the chaos of his famous life. They wind up in the perfect small town for romance and it’s just so adorable!

[Tara Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is just so sassy and I have adored her throughout the other books. I love her independence and spunk. If you haven’t read the other books no worries these can be read as a standalone. This book includes some of my favorite tropes of hidden identity and forced proximity. Add throw in royalty, Hollywood actor and a happily ever after and I just want to read this book over and over!

[Teresa Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even princesses fall for online scammers and this one has a knight in shining armor, well not exactly armor but he is a rescuer.This is a sweet friends to lovers story with a great twist that I certainly didn’t see coming.Watching this couple get there happily ever after was fun.Don’t forget to read the epilogue! Can’t wait for the next book, Kate!

#theroyalrunaway
#royallykissed
#kateokeeffe

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the story!

[Rachel Boss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m such a sucker for these kinds of books….royalty, famous actors. And I enjoyed every moment!