Royally Rogue: a heartwarming Royal Christmas Romance

by Dora Hiers

A princess must give up her dream life to fulfill her duties and marry a man she doesn't even know…
Princess Katarina "Kati" Barringer Hawthorne of Matlagonia thrives in the quiet life she's carved out in Brighton Bluff, away from her emotionally detached parents and the expectations of the citizens of their tiny country. Expectations which require her to marry another royal she's never even met!

If she were marrying Reece Kerrigan, her best friend since moving to Brighton Bluff, she would have no qualms about moving back to Matlagonia. Reece is kind and considerate, a man of faith and integrity, a man she's grown to depend on. His easy-going friendship and warm smiles brighten her days, making her wish that things could be different, that she was born into a normal family, and she can't imagine a life without him. But her parents arranged her marriage decades ago, hoping to unite the two adjoining countries into one powerful force, so they would never approve of any deviations from that plan.

Chandler "Reece" Archibald-Kerrigan never intended to deceive Kati. What started as his only decent chance to get to know his bride-to-be without the trappings of kingdom responsibilities or parental meddling snowballed into a friendship that spanned years and made him fall deeper in love with the strong and beautiful Princess Katarina.

But when she receives the email from her father, demanding that she return home to fulfill her duties and marry, well, him, will the truth finally set her free from the obligation to marry? Will his faith, his friendship, and his enduring love be enough to sway her to fuse their lives and their countries? Or will his secret destroy their friendship and any hope of a forever love?

Genres: Contemporary

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

DORA HIERS believes that a person should love what they do or choose to do something else. She’s doing exactly what makes her heart sing and considers every day a gift. Besides writing, Dora adores long walks, lazy afternoons in her hammock with a great book, and evening binges of Hallmark movies. Life’s too short to be stuck in traffic, to drink bad coffee, or to read books with a sad ending. Dora and her real-life hero, a retired fire chief, call North Carolina home, but with a world full of amazing places to explore, that’s only a landing point.

Join Dora's newsletter family for regular updates of her newest releases, awesome book deals, and happy sigh excerpts of sweet, clean and/or Christian romances. https://BookHip.com/QHDTAV

Connect with Dora on her website at www.dorahiers.com

Reviews

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tangled web we weave when we first set out to deceive…

Deception always has been an effective tool of the enemy. Neither Kati nor Reece meant anything nefarious or offensive when they chose to hide their true identities. But secrets seldom remain secret and learning the truth can be painful and sometimes damaging.

Katarina, just for once, wanted to see what living a normal life would be like… a life without expectations, without demands and without royalty. Thus before her arranged marriage, she comes to America and is known as Kati…plain ol’ Kati… not Katarina and especially not Princess Katarina.

Reece just wanted to meet his future bride without all the trappings of royalty. He wasn’t trying to mislead Kati by calling himself Reece, after all it was part of his royal name. He just wanted to know the ‘real’ Katarina outside of being Princess Katarina.

See, Katrina’s and Reece’s fathers arranged their marriage while they were babies with the intent of melding two kingdoms. Now, these babies are grown and wedding vows are right around the corner… at least that’s the plan.

But what is that saying about the best laid plans of mice and men? Sometimes they have a way of backfiring. Enjoy seeing how Princess Katarina and Prince Chandler Reece Archibald-Kerrigan work through their issues.

Reece is a man of faith. Before the truth is revealed, he forms a strong, friendly relationship with Kati . He takes her to church with him where she learns to trust in the Lord and lean on Him in her desperation.

Reece and Kati both have a lot of issues building that need resolved. It was good ‘watching’ them overcome, ‘watching’ them make their own choices and not robotically follow orders .

This is a touching love story. Seeing both Reece and Kati learn to trust and not ‘lean on their own understanding’ is beautiful. It takes time, but love shines through.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Katarina "Kati" Barringer Hawthorne of Matlagonia is very much enjoying living under the radar in Brighton Bluff with her best friend, Reece Kerrigan. Little does she know that her friend, Reece, is really the man her father arranged for her to marry years ago. Prince Chandler "Reece" Archibald-Kerrigan arranged to spend time with his bride-to-be to get to know her better without their parents expectations and uncomfortable situations. He just didn't share that plan with Kati and once she finds out he hasn't been truthful with her, will she feel betrayed? Is that a risk Reece is willing to take? Will he lose this beautiful woman that he has fallen madly in love with or will their love be a forever kind of love?

I really enjoyed reading this story. It was sweet, clean and had all the wonderful "feels". Ms. Hiers is a wonderful story teller. She is able to draw you in and make you feel like you are actually friends with the characters she creates.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet, clean story with a happy ending.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short clean, Christian novella about two royal individuals who have left their countries in order to experience a life free of royal duties. Kati chose a small town in the USA.
Unbeknownst to her, her new boss in the nonprofit organization she will begin working for, is none other than the prince she’s been arranged to marry.
Reece is aware of Kati’s identity and in the years he’s been working with Kati, she not only became his best friend, but also the woman he’s fallen in love with.
What happens when the wedding is set up by the parents, to take place in three months?
What happens when Reece’s true identity is revealed? Will Kati feel betrayed?
This story is faith oriented and perfect for an afternoon of leisure.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Katarina "Kati" Barringer Hawthorne of Matlagonia has been summoned home to prepare for her arranged wedding to Prince Chandler “Reece” Archibald-Kerrigan, whom she’s never met. The wedding she wants no part of. She’s been happy living in the United States and working for a non-profit that is near and dear to her heart and is also attracted to her boss, Reece, who has also become her best friend. She could see herself marrying Reece. But when she finally makes the connection and realizes Reece is her intended, she gets a little upset and feels betrayed. Can Reece calm her down and get her to marry him?

A fun, quick, clean read full of faith, new friendships, new beginnings, and a HEA,

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Doris Bernethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a clean, sweet story about an arranged marriage between royals by their parents. Both Reece and Kati wanted to experience life in small town America without the constraints of their official status. Reece knows who Kati is and wants to see what she is like before the marriage and hires her to work for him. She, however, does not know who he is, and both are falling in love with each other, until Kati accidentally finds out Reece's true identify. Feeling utterly betrayed, Kati takes off, and Reece follows, hoping to win her trust and hand in marriage by her own choice as their arranged wedding date is quickly approaching. Will Kati be able to see past their circumstances and realize that Reece is exactly the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with?

I received an ARC of this book; the opinions expressed above are my own.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Royally Rogue, a sweet Christian Christmas royal romance, 2 royals are hiding their true identities in America - living as "normal" people. Reece followed Kati so he could get to know his bride to be, but she does not know who he is. They have become best friends and co-workers. Reece is in love with Kati. This well written book starts with Kati receiving the letter that summon her home to fulfill her part in the marriage arranged when she and Reece were infants. Ms. Hiers wonderful characters have to deal with Kati dreading marrying a stranger and Reece worrying about how Kati will when she learns of his deception. These characters have a lot to work through, but once they lean on God for his perfect timing, all works out beautifully. Once I began reading I could not stop but I was sorry to reach the end.

[Shebb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet faith-filled Christmas royalty romance

I didn't read the blurb of this story, just dived in, and enjoyed everything that unfolded. I hoped Reece was the future monarch Kati was set to marry (seemed a perfect set up... which it was!), so once I discovered what was going on, then it was a matter of how Kati dealt with this news. 🫣

I liked Kati and Reece. I totally understood why they hid their titles for so long and really couldn't think of when it might've ever been a good time to tell the other person who they were. 🤷‍♀️

This is like a sweet Christian "Hallmark" story with Christmas activities/scenes, some relational ups and downs, and several hurdles the hero and heroine learn to jump together.

NB I received an ARC of this novel.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kati is Princess Katarina. She's been in the US for 4 years working at a non-profit that helps the elderly. She receives an email from her father that it's time to come home. She'll be getting married in 3 months. Kati didn't really have a life. She wanted to make friends for herself, not because she was a princess. She has fallen in love with Reese - her boss at the non-profit. Now she has to go home and marry someone she has never met. Reese is the prince that she is to marry. He, too, wanted to meet Kati. His parents were warm and loving and wanted him to marry for love. He loves Kati and is excited to be getting married. Sweet, sweet book on Reese encouraging Kati to be herself and not worry that once they get married, he'll control her. She will still get to do the things that she loves.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I would have never read this book if it wasn’t for the author. I knew that if Dora Hiers wrote it, I would enjoy it and I was right. I’m just not a fan of stories about royalty. Why those are unrealistic to me, and I enjoy stories about billionaires, I can’t say. Just a quirk. However that said, I loved this story. I can’t imagine knowing from age three who I would have to marry. Kati/Katarina never gave thought to not marrying Prince Chandler Reece Archibald-Kerrigan, but she just wanted to buy some time to be herself. She never envisioned falling in love with Reece Kerrigan. The author gives us romance, humor, a few surprises, and a message of faith. I enjoyed this book and look forward to her next royal story.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely twist on an arranged marriage. I like Reece’s heart from the beginning, that he sought for her love without all the ceremony. I was thrilled when Kati finally saw through her doubts to see the real Reece and the future that could be theirs.

I enjoyed the story. Don’t want to spoil anything for readers, but this definitely a sweet story to sink into for a little time away from the stress of life: clean, wholesome, and very faith-filled. Their faith in God is their refuge.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book-royalty aspect, arranged marriage with a twist, and a beautiful romance. This one surprised me from the beginning. There are lots of lovely moments of generosity, friendships, and every woman's dream of finding her true love.

Kati & Reece's trust in God and their faith are amazing. In parts of the book, I felt a heartwarming closeness, as if I knew them. I highly recommend you give this one a try. It will leave you with a feeling of joy, remind you of God's promises, and bring a smile to your face, long after you turn the last page.

I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royally Rogue

This is a short story but absolutely one of the best tales featuring “royals”. The book also is faith based which in my opinion is a plus. Imagine being promised to marry another from birth when you have never even met. That was what Princess Katarina and Prince Chandler were destined to do. Katarina had permission to live abroad for a season before marriage so she moved to Brighten Bluff. Prince Chandler approached his father about the issue of his not knowing his bride to be. He requested locating Katerina with the purpose of getting to know her better. I recommend you read the book for more of their story.

[Adpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good royalty story. This one was delightful: the princess knows she has a contracted marriage she must fulfill, but how can she leave her best friend of the last few years behind when she has to return to her home country in preparation for the wedding to a potential royal groom that she has never met?
This is a sweet book I am sure you will enjoy.
I was provided with an advanced copy of the book, and I give this honest review voluntarily.
P.S. I love the beautiful cover of the book, too!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Princess from Matlagonia, Katarina Barringer has been promised to Prince Chandler Archibald-Kerrigan from Echolatia whom she has never met. She moved to Brighton Bluff four years ago and now has received word she is to marry in a couple months. Not knowing that Reece, her best friend since moving is her intended, she is heartbroken as she loves Reece and doesn’t want to say goodbye to him. A great story watching their hearts unfold as well as how generous and giving they both are. I loved this sweet story.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kati is devastated when her father informs her that she is to be married in three months to a stranger. She has fallen in love with Reece, her boss and best friend. What lengths will she go to in order to avoid an arranged marriage? Will Reece’s secret bring them together or drive them apart forever?

This is a very well-written short story with lovable characters. It contains Christian principles such as trusting God, prayer, advice from scripture
.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

That was a lovely story. Angst between the couple was low, but not within Princess Katarina.
While Prince Chandler, Reece, had been raised in a loving home with involved parents, Kati's parents barely acknowledged her.

We don't see them meet or get to know each other. We jump into their story at a difficult time and watch how they navigate it and move forward.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Royally Rogue” (Royally Christmas, Book 1) by Dora Hiers
Sometimes an ‘I wish’ Happens
Yes, I loved this story. A bit of whimsy because we love fiction when it takes a dream and makes the impossible possible and feels like it could be reality. This is a sweet contemporary romance with a touch of real world combined with a touch of ‘It Could Happen’ resulting, for me, in chuckles, lots of smiles, and a few tears, too. Happy Reading ! !

[Amanda Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reece and Kati are best friends. Kati has to return home to marry a prince in an arrange marriage from when she was a little girl. Except Kati fell for her best friend. I really enjoyed this book and learning to put your trust in the Lord and his plan for you and your life. I love all the books that Dora Hiers has written. This book didn't disappoint. I would highly recommend this story, and any book by Dora.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reece and Kati appeared to be 'normal' people but were actually royalty - with the catch that Reece knew who she was but she had no idea who he was. Kati was dreading her upcoming royal marriage and no wonder after seeing the separate lives her parents lived. I loved the contrast Reece's upbringing was and how Kati had to learn to trust in his character and to trust God through all the confusion. A nice quick clean read. I received an ARC but this review is my own.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance based in faith.  Kati had fallen in love with Reece, her boss, but she had to follow through with a marriage her father, king of Matlagonia had arranged thirty years ago with the king of Echolatia.  It was fun to read to find out what would happen to Kati and her faith as she prepared to return to her country after spending four rogue years in Brighton Bluff, North Carolina.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the wonderful magicallove story by Dora, The relationship between Kati & Reece is pure gold. It was a delight to feel included in their journey. Love the plot, great setting and strong intense interesting characters. I just couldn’t put it down, I highly recommend this book. Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually into Royal anything. But the relationship between Kati and Reese is the main focus of this story not all the Royal trappings. They are an absolutely wonderful couple that face unusual challenges. Their interactions and faith in God really makes this a must read story.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kati and Reece are best of best friends. When Kati gets some difficult news she takes off to wrap her head areound it. Reece is very worried. Yet, Reece holds a secret of his own that could change everything Kati is feeling. If only she would return. Super cute, arranged marriage (maybe) romance!

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Royally Rogue by Dora Hiers is a well-written, clean royal romance based on Christian principles. A sweet story about how a prince and princess find true love. The story is well constructed and has realistic characters that you get to know well. A pleasant book to read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book you will read about a planned marriage between two kings. Kati
goes to America to getaway from her demanding parents. Reece goes there to and starts a nonprofit organization and hires Kati. Watching these two become friends and more will have you on the edge of your seat.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, enchanting and captivating. Such a quandary when so much in on the line. A couple who are afraid of their future and take a break from the responsibilities. Very tastefully written by a gifted author.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a princes, Kati’s future never included marrying her best friend Reece, even if this has been always her dream. But Reece is hiding a secret that can break them. Can faith, friendship, forgiveness and true love give them the future they deserve? Great

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually read romances with royalty in them but I am so glad I read this one. This story grabbed me from the first page and was perfect for an afternoon read. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this unusual romance between Reece and Katie. Their fathers, both kings of small countries, had arranged their marriage when they were toddlers. The characters are likeable. I recommend this book as a clean and inspiration book. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another beautifully written story by the author. If you enjoy a clean, faith-based romance, then you'll definitely want to read this book.

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.