He doesn’t want the throne. But will the right queen change his mind?
Prince Kalle of Laandia has never dreamed of being king. As the eldest son of King Magnus, he’s expected to take the crown someday—but he’d rather focus on perfecting his dart throw, managing his bar, and keeping romance strictly casual. A high-profile fling with a glamorous socialite? Sure. A lifetime of royal duty? Not so much.
His best friend, Edie England, sees things differently. As the castle groundskeeper’s daughter, she’s known Kalle since a disastrous driving lesson in their teens, and she believes he’d make a great king—if only he’d believe it too.
When King Magnus suggests that finding the right partner could make the burden of ruling easier, Kalle starts to wonder… Could love make the idea of wearing the crown a little less unbearable? And more importantly—who could possibly be his queen?
Royal Rising is the third book in the Love in Laandia series—a sweet, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance filled with late-night conversations, bar fights, and a perfectly timed power outage.
Holly Kerr wants everyone to have a happily ever after, full of fun banter and friends to talk about it with.
She’s a lover of water, wine, and dirty martinis, prefers beach to mountain, Star Wars over Star Trek, and really wishes she liked chocolate.
She writes fast-paced, sweet romantic comedy with the door shut, action chick lit about sassy Canadian super spies, and women’s fiction about families and small towns.
Find out more when you sign up for her newsletter, and get a taste with Cupcake Connections, a short story featuring some of her favorite characters. www.hollykerr.ca
I wanna thank netgalley for this ARC in exhange of an honest review. And I also wanna thank the author for this copy of the book:
I normally don't like best friends to lovers tropes but this one was good, congratulations for that. The book had no 3rd act breakup which was a bonus and a sweet romance to boot. It was really what I needed. Kalle and Edie had been dancing around each other for years and seeing them finally give in to their feelings was so fantastic. I loved how everyone was expecting that too and all the reactions were of finally and it's about time, it was hilarious. Kalle didn't want to be king but he knew with Edie by his side he could do it. She had always been there for him and he loved her. If he was going to do it, he would do it with her. Edie was afraid of giving in to her feelings (which was understandable) and was a little more cautious but in the end, she couldn't fight what she felt for him. I loved them together and they were the cutest
Thank you Netgalley and Three Birds Press for providing me with a copy in exchange of an honest review
I thought this would be my least favorite book from the series, since we did not know Kalle and Edie that much, and it being the third book in the series that would negatively influence me, but I got a similar feeling as when I was reading Royal Rumble (book 1), even if both books focus on different aspects (albeit they still center about a royal romance and fulfilling one's duties).
We knew about both Kalle and Edie from the previous two books, but we knew almost nothing about them. We were familiar with the bar they they both manage, and about Kalle's royal situation: he was first in line but he didn't really want to take the crown. And that was it. Which is why I assumed I would not enjoy their story as much. As mentioned, I thought this would be a negative aspect, but it wasn't. And whilst in Royal Retelling (book 2) some scenes with other characters were a bit awkward or not as interesting, I appreciated older characters popping up here and being part of the plot. It was actually really nice seeing how their stories had evolved and them interacting with Kalle or Edie.
One of my critiques for Royal Retelling was that the romance took too long, making the first part of the book a bit dragging for me as I was not quite invested despite my original thoughts, but I have to say that even if something similar happens in Royal Rising, and the romance does not happen instantly, I did not mind it this time. Like with Royal Rumble, I did not mind it, on the contrary, it was still fun because we got plenty of scenes between the two leads.
Still, it was not only the romance that kept me reading, but the relationships with all the characters (as it is normally for me). We got some that we already knew and a couple new ones, and I have to say that I did not mind and wanted to see more of them.
I imagined royal affairs would play a bit role in the story, and while there is one key factor that drives the story, it was not as focused on that as I imagined; instead, we saw more of Kalle and Edie's story and their life managing the bar.
For me the best part of the story is how Kalle and Edie dealt with everything changing, not only their positions but also their dynamic. They have known each other for such a long time but (don't be surprised, it's a romance book after all) they are starting to see each other in a new light. This change was interesting because they're not only friends, they also work together as managers but they live quite close, so it was fun to see these dynamics slowly be altered and how they dealt with it whilst still maintaining their frienship.
Arc Review: Overall Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tropes: - Sweet Royal Romance - No Third Act Breakup - Closed Door With Some Swoony Moments - Banter! Along with Monosyllabic Sentences - Former Professional Baseball/Hockey Player and Curler - Best Friends To Lovers - Bar Fights! - Small Town Vibes - Big Summer Storm! Power Outage! - Mr. Grumpy But She Can Handle Him - Workplace Romance (She Manages His Pub) - Awkward Proposal - Love Triangle (or maybe even a square) - He’s Next in Line to be King - They Share a Bed… Twice - She Teaches Him To Drive Stick Shift - Cat Lovers
‘Royal Rising’ is the third book in the ‘Love in Laandia’ series. I never got around to reading the first book of the series but it’s on my tbr, but I did read the second book ‘Royal Retelling’ and I think I loved both book 2 and 3 equally. This book was a sweet, no spice royal romance. This book follows our future king of Laandia, prince Kalle and Edie the daughter of the castles gardener. Kalle and Edie have been friends for years ever since Edie taught Kalle how to drive stick shift (and I liked to say how much I loved that) but now they work together at Kalle’s bar. Kalle isn’t very fond of the idea of being king unlike his uncle and cousins who have been constantly putting him down for years, but when Kalle’s father suggest that Kalle settles down and to get married before he becomes king, Kalle only has one girl in mind who he would want by his side and to be his future queen and he only wants Edie, but will Edie accept this proposal and risk losing their friendship how about you read this book and find out yourself. This book made me laugh, this book made me feel, and this book made me swoon. I enjoyed my time reading this book so thank you NetGalley for this one.
I am so deeply and irrevocably in love with this series and these characters. Kalle has appeared as ‘the strong, silent type’ in the previous books, so I was heavily invested in finally getting to know him better. I had wondered about the dynamic between him and his best friend/bar manager and hoped that they would turn out to be the pair I wanted them to be. I loved how this book dealt with their feelings of duty and family responsibility while also untangling everything they’d previously denied about their relationship. Possibly what I adored most about this story was getting to witness both Kalle and Edie coming to realize that they’ve felt a lot more for one another than friendship for a lot longer than either one was willing to admit. The only thing that I would have changed would be to see the terrible cousins properly punished for the years of awful treatment they’d dished out. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Booksprout.
If you’re going to do the friends-to-lovers trope, this is how you do it! We’re back in Laandia, and this time, Kalle—our favorite grumpy bar owner—has to decide if he wants to be king or not.
Edie and Prince Kalle have both been secretly harboring feelings for each other for 16 years… clearly, everybody knew but them!
I love these two together; they’re truly the yin to each other’s yang. Edie isn’t fazed by Kalle’s grumpiness—she allows it to roll off her—and she can handle herself, but Kalle enjoys being there when she needs him.
I loved seeing all the Erickson brothers make an appearance, and we got so much more of Lyra in this book. But also, Lyra and Spencer—my eyes are on you too! However, next up we have Royal Reluctance, which is about Bo, and I’m really excited to learn more about the man in the woods, lol.
I absolutely love the Erickson family! Kalle is a grump with a soft spot for his best friend of 16 years and it will make you swoon! Edie just gets Kalle even when the world just sees him as a grump. She is the calm to his storm and they couldn’t be more perfect for each other. I like that we got to see the kings relationship with Kalle a lot in this book. He is such a fun guy and the way he cares about his kids before all else is amazing. I feel like he has such a big impact on Kalle and without him and Edie he wouldn’t have had the change in perspective he needed.
This is a dual pov, closed door romance. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone book. But I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the others because you will love them.
A sweet and funny story . Kalle is the Prince and future king of Laandia and Edie the daughter of the castle garderner . Kalle and Edie have been friends for the last 16 years since they were 16 years old and she had to teach him to drive . Now they work together at his bar . Kalle never wanted to be King and it all has to do with his uncle and his cousins . When his father tells him that he has to find a woman to be his Queen the only one he wants is Edie . Will she accept and risk losing their friendship ?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of my favorite tropes - friends to more - and I'm here for it! Love Edie and Kalle (although, to be fair, he has a special talent to muck things up spectacularly)!
Royal Rising, a friends to lovers romance, is the third book in Kerr's Love in Laandia series. This book features Prince Kalle Llewellyn Anton George, the eldest son of the king of Laandia, and his best friend Edwina (Edie) England.
Edie's father worked at the palace as a groundskeeper. She therefore grew up knowing the royal family, but not really spending time with them. When she was 16, she was volunteered by her father to help Kalle learn to drive a stick shift. That day had a profound impact on Kalle, and the two became friends.
Years later, when Kalle purchased The King's Hat, his bar, he quickly brought Edie on to work there. The two continue to spend a great deal of time together. They are indeed best friends. While that line has never been crossed, there is mutual attraction.
After Kalle's brother Odin abdicates, he realizes that he will be asked to step up as heir. Kalle has never wanted to be king though, and his father is ready to respect his wishes, whatever he decides. He gives him some advice though - "If you do decide this king stuff is going to be up your alley, you're going to want to find a queen before that happens. It'll be a lot easier for you."
Kalle quickly realizes that there is only one woman he could picture standing beside him, but can he risk his friendship and possibly get it all.
I have been reading this series since the beginning, and I adore this fictitious country and the wonderful characters Kerr has developed. The entire royal family is delightful; I continue to thoroughly enjoy each installment. Kalle and Edie have a wonderful dynamic. They know one another so well, and support each other with everything life throws at them. They are a perfect pairing, if only they could both see it.
Coming next is Royal Reluctance, which will feature the last brother's love story. I'm definitely looking forward to that as Bo seems like a complex character who needs someone who can appreciate the man he is. I hope the author has one more in her as I want the princess to get her book too.
This is by far my favorite book in this series, I have always adored Edie and Kalle while reading the other books in this series. Prince Kalle is such a controversy since this series started, his brooding and scowls only intrigued me more and more. Prince Kalle has a huge decision to make in this book that will alter his future, must dig deep to figure out what he really wants in life. When I read the other books in this series and got glimpses of Kalle and Edie I've always loved their banter and secretly hoped they would end up together. Edie is such a sweet, amazing, smart and carrying woman who has secretly been in love with her best friend but shut her hear off because she is the daughter of the groundskeeper, and she believed she didn’t belong in the castle. Prince Kalle is the eldest of King Magnus ruler of Laandia, a former athlete and owner of The Kings Hat Pub with his best friend Edie who he has known his whole life and has secretly loved her since their driving lesson, now he has to make a decision that can cost him his friendship and the woman he loves. This story is heartwarming, sweet, endearing with awe moments, and amazing family, the chemistry and banter is so natural. I loved the cats. I loved the family dynamic; how close the family is and their values. I love how down to earth the royal family is portrayed, and how in sync they are especially during trying times. I love King Magnus and am soooooo happy he is okay. I also loved Bobs patience and love for the garden. Most of all I loved the updates on Odin, Camilla, Gunnar and Stella, Lyra and even Spencer. I can’t wait to read Bo’s story next. My heart and prayers go out to Holly's father. Thank you for sharing another amazing story with us. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving ARC
This was another excellent story about the Laandian Royal family. I really enjoyed it. I think it was my favourite so far. There was a lot of examining roles in a royal family, responsibility to country and family, rising to leadership, and personal wishes. That makes it sound serious, and there was some serious content, but the story was also very entertaining with fun moments and details. The best friends to love romance was so good! Edie and Kalle had such a beautiful friendship. The perfect foundation for a strong and committed romantic relationship…if they could see their way through all the aforementioned issues. I felt like we got a better understanding of King Magnus in this story. The characters were all just as engaging as they were in the previous books, but even better as we get to know them more with each book. This is book three in the series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone but the best reader experience would be to read the series in order. There were elements included in the story that involved previous death of a parent and grief, violence in the context of bar fights, drinking, and a character experiencing sudden life-threatening illness. This is a closed door romance with mild innuendo and a small amount of mild harsh language. There is a very, very mild implication of intimacy that could be interpreted another way if preferred.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Royal Rising is a charming and emotionally satisfying friends-to-lovers romance that blends royal responsibility, heartfelt connection, and slow-burn chemistry into an engaging and uplifting story. Holly Kerr delivers a warm and character driven romance filled with humor, emotional growth, and the comforting charm that makes sweet romance so enjoyable.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the relationship between Prince Kalle and Edie England. Their long-standing friendship creates a natural emotional foundation that allows the romance to unfold gradually and authentically. The history they share adds warmth and familiarity to every interaction, making their emotional connection feel believable and rewarding.
Kalle’s reluctance toward royal duty also gives the story emotional depth beyond the romance itself. His struggle between personal freedom and responsibility creates meaningful internal conflict, while Edie’s unwavering belief in him adds emotional support and balance to the narrative. The story explores themes of self confidence, purpose, and emotional vulnerability in a way that feels sincere and relatable.
What makes Royal Rising especially appealing is its balance between sweetness, humor, and emotional heart. Romantic, uplifting, and wonderfully engaging, the novel offers readers a feel good romance filled with friendship, personal growth, and the possibility of finding love where it has quietly existed all along.
Third book in the kingdom of Laandia and this time it is the turn of the heir to the throne, Prince Kalle who avoids being like his brothers at all costs and prefers to live quietly in his apartment above his bar in the center of the town . After his younger brother adbicate the throne, Kalle feels pressure from his family and his people to step forward. The only advice he receives from his father is that he has to be sure and choose with who to take that step, someone to accompany him and that can be his partner. . With the guests from her brother's wedding still wandering around the town and the big profile influencer and top model Fennella Carrington trapped by a storm Kalle has decided to test if there is any chance of her being his queen, just when his cousin and enemy decides to do the same and starts hanging around to her best friend and partner at the bar Edie . Edie is the daughter of the castle's former ground keeper, and has been present in the most important moments of his life, but when she starts dating his cousin Kalle he begins to wonder what his life would be like without Edie by his side. . In this island town nothing is ordinary and its inhabitants, heirs of the last Vikings, are so particular that it is impossible to know what will happen next. I couldn't really put the book down, I needed to know what was happening and with each book I get more into the royal family and discover each character with new eyes and became eager to read their book . Thanks to Holly Kerr and her team for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion
It was a super cute and sweet friend to Lovers' royal romance.
Kalle is next in line for the throne, and when something happens with the king, he has to make his final decision. He also has to sort out his feelings before he loses the one person he's always wanted. His best friend Edie to his awful cousin.
Edie as well has Kalle has been harboring a long-time crush on the crowned prince since they were 16.
Edie and Kalle mesh well together. His grumpiness doesn't affect her, and she can handle him. He is less grumpy around her and has more of a lightness to him.
These two bring out the better parts of each other. Edie is a strong character and can handle herself, especially with the rowdy fisherman.
✨️ Clean Romance ✨️ Friends to Lovers ✨️ Royal Romance ✨️ Small Island Town ✨️ Great Family Bond ✨️ Animal Lovers ✨️ Animal Companions ✨️ Grumpy/Sunshine ✨️ Bar fights
This romance has an entertaining friends-to-lovers trope, with extremely likeable characters. Prince Kalle is the oldest son of King Magnus of Laandia, a small coastal kingdom where everyone seems to know everyone else. A former athlete, Kalle now owns a bar in Laandia (“The King’s Hat”). Edie’s father was the royal family’s groundskeeper. After helping Kalle learn to drive a stick shift, Edie and Kalle eventually became BFFs. Now they work together at Kalle’s bar although their lives seem to be approaching a crossroad. Kalle considers his fitness to be a King, while Edie wonders if a beautiful socialite who has been visiting the castle will be Kalle's Queen. Will Kalle and Edie break out of their friend zone? I loved their well-written dual points of view as this story unfolds. Edie and Kalle’s growth, relationship and emotions felt very genuine, and I was rooting for both characters to find a HEA together. This was a satisfying and well-written romance story! I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The third book in the Love in Laandia series follows Kalle, King Magnus's firstborn son, and his best friend Edie England, the previous groundskeeper's daughter, who met when they were kids and have seemingly been in love for years. Everyone around them sees it, yet they don't. Friends for over 16 years, this story follows the two as they finally fall in love.
I enjoyed this book, and if you're looking for something light and fun about two best friends finally falling in love, then you will too! Also really liked that it was duel POV. However, I had a few issues with it. I hadn't read the first two Love in Laandia books, so the backstory was a little confusing at times despite the quick explanations. Additionally, there were some grammatical errors throughout the book that took away from the overall experience. I also really wanted the book to be longer so we could see them happy or have an epilogue maybe of their wedding day, just something more.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the author/ publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Royal Tetelling is book 3 in the Love in Laandia series and I absolutely adored it! This friends to lovers story is about Kalle, the next in line for King of Laandia, and Edie, his best friend and the manager of his bar. When there is a crisis Kalle has to make tough decisions and the one he wants by his side is Edie. Is there more to the relationship than friendship? Edie is strong and independent and can take care of herself and is a very likable character. It was fun to watch Kalle and Edie figure out their life’s and relationship. The writing of this series quickly immerses me in the lives of the characters and keeps me reading. Characters from the other books play a role in this book which adds depth to the story. They feel like friends and I want to hang out with them or read more about them. This book can be read as a standalone, but once you read it you will want to read the rest in the series. If you like your romances sweet I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to the author for providing a copy for my honest review.
This book is perfect and divine , the author has done more than just fine with her writing in this one. Love these Royal romances …Prince Kalle , eldest son of King Magnus who however in good health needs to establish his heir while still himself… Kalle is a good time guy, enjoys his sports and is happy staying single. Edie is the daughter of the Castle’s Gardner ,they’ve hung about together for the past sixteen years. The King’s Hat , Kalle’s bar is run by his best friend Edie and if of a sudden, she’s the only woman for him ….Pity she’s started dating his cousin Mathias ….or is it . Read on to discover and man and his lover , romance and give love a chance. Brilliantly written , I’m smitten by the way they finally come together and suit each other like a comfy pair of slippers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Prince Kalle has had a best friend, Edie, for most of their lives. Her father worked at the castle so they were together a lot. Everyone seems to know they belong together but the two haven't gone past being friends before now. With all their history, the storyline takes natural turns as they move forward in their relationship. Loved the characters, their personalities, their families and sassy interactions. Such down to earth families and friends, but they also stick up for each other. The time she threw some guys out of the bar, she found she had major backup. Feelings and emotions are tested when the family gets a scare. Loved the ending so much and can't wait to read more about the country and its people.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a slow burn, friends to lovers, prince falls for a commoner book. It is sloooooooow burn, got to 82% finished before they had their first kiss. Also that moment seemed very out of place, as his father had just almost died, and they go back to the castle to make out? The storyline itself could have been better. It seemed like the author wanted to add more "meat" to the story, but just ended up going too many places and made it kinda confusing. Getting engaged after 1 date seems excessive. I get they've known each other forever, but really, it seems like we just needed to wrap things up quickly for the happy ending. I wasn't really a fan of this book, but it may appeal to others more than it did to me. Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and the author for giving me a chance to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Royal Rising by Holly Kerr is a charming royal romance that follows Prince Kalle, a reluctant heir, and his best friend Edie as they navigate their evolving feelings. Kalle prefers running his bar over ruling a kingdom, but Edie believes he’s meant to be king. As Kalle considers finding a queen, he realizes Edie is the one he truly wants by his side. Their slow-burn, friends-to-lovers journey is sweet, engaging, and full of heartfelt moments. Kerr’s writing is light, witty, and emotionally resonant without relying on unnecessary drama. A delightful, feel-good romance perfect for fans of royalty and happily-ever-afters.
Edie le dejo las cosas muy fáciles a Kalle, debió dejarlo sufrir un poco y hacer que se esforzará para conquistarla.
No diré nada del pasado de playboy de él porque Edie fue quien siempre lo alejó.
No me gustó el protagonismo que se le dió a Fenella en este y en el anterior libro, en lugar de caer bien y hacer que quiera leer su libro me provoca no querer volver a saber de ella.
¿Qué pasó con Kate y Jackson
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
As someone who is doubtful of the friends to lovers trope I have to admit that this one surprised me. The information I got made me want to read and the content itself sealed the deal for me. It was a sweet story with likable characters and so entertaining. It was beautiful well written and the dual povs were truly appreciated to completely see this story unfold. The relationship and the development felt real, genuine and meaningful. I was so rooting for them and their happy ending.
If you like the trope and a sweet and well written book this one is for you!
This is such a cute cosy read. I fell in love with Kalle all over again. Best friend to lovers is always a fave of mine, they both want each other but are too stubborn and scared to make the first move! Edie is worried about her 16 year friendship with Kalle ending and Kalle is worried that being king with scare her off. Oh did I forget to say if they get together she would become the future queen (talk about pressure).
I was lucky enough to get an ARC by Holly Kerr and I honestly think everyone should put this on their TBR.
Edie and Prince Kalle have been best friends for years but he doesn’t start to consider them being anything more until she starts dating his cousin and his father brings up getting married before succeeding to the throne, the one he wasn’t sure he wanted and his underhanded uncle and cousin are right there with barbed words to try to convince him to give it up. Kalle bumbles his romance with Edie until he realizes that he’s loved her for a long time he just has to convince her of his feelings after being in the friend zone for so long.
I loved reading this sweet story. Prince Kalle of Laandia and Edie the daughter of the castle gardener have been best friends for 16 years. There relationship has always been ‘just friends’. Kalle has a talk with his dad about the future of the kingdom and he starts seeing Edie in a different light. Finally a story that doesn’t involve the fight and breaking up then getting back together. I found myself unable to put the book down once I started reading it. I kept expecting the worse and was pleasantly surprised.
This review is voluntary. Thank you Holly Kerr for the book.
Royal Rising is book 3 in the Love in Laandia royal romance series by Holly Kerr. This is Prince Kallea, heir to the throne and Edie, daughter of the castle's former ground keeper's story and I loved every page! The banter and the friendship between them and her love for him is so real, how did he not realize this until it was almost too late? It is sweet and so satisfying when they get together. I can't wait to read more about this wonderful mysterious kingdom!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great continuation of the Royals of Laandia series. Kalle and Edie's journey to their HEA was foreseen by everyone but them, and following the many obstacles that they put in their own way to get there was both sweet and frustrating at the same time for everyone who has become invested in this wonderfully wacky kingdom brought to Ms. Kerr's loyal readers. I wish that this series would continue on indefinitely, I love it that much!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kalle and Erin’s friends to lovers story was honestly my favourite of the series so far. Odin abdicating the throne was not at all expected considering it’s something that everyone wanted him to do but it created room for Kalle to evaluate himself as well as his relationship with Erin so he could ensure he would stand as King with a proper Queen beside him. It’s an easy read and a quick one. I like how so far in each book, you’re being further intertwined into the world of Battle Harbour and it’s lovely ambiance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This whole series is DARLING. Truly so cute & fun & magical! I love that it feels like a fairytale but is set in real life - it combines reality with the imaginative & is so fun. I love that the books are clean & wholesome, but still showcase slow-burn romance & head-over-heels love. Holly’s writing is fun & flirty & just refreshing! Thank you to Holly for my copy in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to for what’s next!