Once Upon Two Kingdoms

A Royal Romance #1

by Anna del C. Dye

Freedom to Choose is Paramount for any human


An arrangement made when Elizabeth was just a babe ties her to someone she has never met, never spoken to, never loved. Now she desires freedom—a way to choose her own path—her own husband. The moment Elizabeth meets Patrick she knows he is her soul mate. But when you are bound to a crown how is any choice your own?

ebook

First published February 5, 2015

About the author

Anna del C. Dye was born in Valparaiso, Chile, amongst some of the world’s most famous beaches. After meeting Rodney, a native of Idaho, in her hometown, two years later, Anna traveled to Utah on Christmas Eve and married him two weeks later. Their love story, Why Him? was published by Covenant in the book entitled Angel round about. Anna and Rodney reside in Taylorsville, Utah and are the parents of three princes and a princess. They love to camp, canoe, explore ruins and have sword fights.

Anna del C. Dye is an accomplished, multi-award winning author. Her short story “Amerine—Fairy Princess” won 2nd place in the Oquirrh Writers contest. The first book in her new YA Romance Series entitled “A Kingdom By The Sea” won 2nd place in The Absolutely Write contest. Book three of “The Silent Warrior Trilogy,” won a bronze seal in the League of Utah Writers. Shahira and the Flying Elfs won Honor in the Oquirrh first chapter contest. Emerine’s Nightmare, a pre-teens short story, won 1st place right before it was released in digital formats for the Kindle and Nook.

Anna’s works include “The Silent Warrior Trilogy,” the beginning saga of her young adult elf series. Book one, “The Elf and the Princess” book two, “Trouble in the Elf City” and book three, “Elfs in a Conquered Realm.” Her stand alone books: “Curse of the Elfs,” “A Royal Elf of Abalon”, “Shahira and the Flying Elfs” and the "Roilden Stone of Elf Mountain". Also her children’s book “Emerine’s nightmare” Her second Series called the Royal Romance started with her book "Once Upon Two Kingdoms, Kingdom by the Sea, Golden Princess, Dark Mirror Image" and now "Magnolia's Choice." She wrote two shorter novels, The Chancellor from Connier and The Other Santa a Christmas Miracle.
She also write Bilingual children's books, under the pen name of A.C. Dye. "Potty, Ponie's Picky Eaters, Bath, Washing my Teeth."

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always had a fascination with royals and used to dream about being a princess. Stories like this make me realize that it would be a lot harder than I think because often times, a princess doesn't get to choose things for herself. It would be hard to have a marriage arranged for you from birth, especially when your heart belongs to another, and this is the exact situation that Elizabeth finds herself in. I don't know if I could go through with that and Elizabeth's struggles really show.

Elizabeth is a kind young woman, but is really resistant to her parents' wishes. Patrick is a very resourceful young man and he is very likable. I loved the banter and flirting between these two. They had a little dialogue that is repetitive, with questions and answers, but it is so, so sweet and I couldn't help but smile when they went through it each time.

This story is gentle and sweet, yet there are moments of mystery and adventure. Someone is out to take over some kingdoms--who and why? I came away with a smile at the antics and events that occurred, especially with the way the villain was confronted. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good, clean romance involving a princess.

Content: very mild romance (although two characters spent a few nights together, nothing happened); no language or religious elements; mild violence (fighting, deaths--nothing at all graphic). Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Roseanne Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw that Anna had written a royal romance, I was anxious to read it. I've enjoyed her elf-inspired books, and I wanted to see what she would do with a different kind of story. I wasn't disappointed. This is a delightful, clean romance that I feel comfortable handing to my daughters. When I first started reading, I thought it was a re-telling of the Sleeping Beauty story where two royal heirs are forced into an arranged marriage, fall in love with each other without knowing who they are, and have a happily-ever after. In the beginning, it had that feel, but it quickly turned into a different story with an evil counselor designing for both thrones. The story was told well, and there was plenty of excitement. Anna must've studied some fencing, because her description of the sword battles was well done. I had a hard time putting the book down because I really had no idea how the story would go. This is a book suitable for all ages.

[Anna del C. Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite.com

Once Upon Two Kingdoms: A Royal Romance is a young adult romantic fantasy written by Anna del C. Dye. A number of years ago, the rulers of two neighboring countries, Bella Vista and Trebolett, made an agreement that their children would marry when they came of age. This would unite the two kingdoms and was considered customary practice. Royal children were expected to serve their country rather than marrying for love. Prince Patrick of Trebolett and Princess Elizabeth of Bella Vista are both infuriated when their parents finally tell them of the arrangement. Neither of them relishes the idea of marrying a stranger, and they both leave their parents in a huff. Patrick rides into the woods that he loves so well, and Princess Elizabeth takes off on her horse and gets lost. She wanders until a distant campfire's light acts as a beacon. There she meets a charming young man who offers her food and lodging for the evening, and he also shows her the stars.

Anna del C. Dye's romantic fantasy, Once Upon Two Kingdoms: A Royal Romance, is a marvelous comedy of errors. Patrick and Elizabeth's romance is the stuff that dreams are made of, even if they don't realize the dreaded royal marriage is to each other. Their first nights in the woods are beautifully described and very moving. Del C. Dye creates a magical mood as the two share the wonders of the forest at night, complete with a canopy of stars. Once Upon Two Kingdoms: A Royal Romance is also an inspired coming of age tale as the two young royals are thrust into mature roles suddenly and unexpectedly. The author tells her story in a wry and slightly humorous tone that fits the plot perfectly. Her writing is smooth and easy, and the story just reaches out and grabs the reader. Once Upon Two Kingdoms: A Royal Romance delivers the magic and promise that is all too often missing in epic fantasy, and it does so brilliantly. It's most highly recommended.

[Anna del C. Dye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon Two Kingdoms is the first book in my Royal Romance series. It is clean and a YA Medieval Romance. All the books in this series are stand-alone.

Once Upon Two Kingdoms is the story of a prince and a princess who are promised to each other by their fathers and how they take it when they find out. They spend a year trying to undo that pact, which will make them unhappy forever. This develop in the midst of some very intriguing happenings between the two kingdoms which always points a finger at the other.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doomed arrangements

This is a sweet, clean, romance about a betrothed royal couple, who while fighting the inevitable, fall in love with strangers. Add into the mix a sinister plot to cause a war between these kingdoms and who's only hope may be to follow through with the marriage and you have a nice story. Just a bit on the sappy side but fun.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Princess Swan feel to the story, two heirs to the throne are part of an arranged marriage. Elizabeth refuses to accept the plan she has no control over. But often, love is stronger than denial. The story is plot-driven with delicately-put dialogue throughout.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.

[Susan Tietjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think was an adorable book for older girls. It's traditional Sleeping Beauty in flavor and very clean. I'll enjoy sharing it with my granddaughters.

[Karlie Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon Two Kingdoms is an interesting tale, set in a more medieval period. Since there are references to parentage in French, I'm assuming it's in Europe, or a place similar. Two individuals are promised to each other in marriage when their fathers get the idea into their heads, despite the sorrow of their wives.

Eighteen-odd years later, they unexpectedly meet, but don't realize they are destined to marry each other. Neither wants to marry someone they've never met, but, with the circumstances as they are, they do end up having feelings for each other.

Then things start to get really crazy. A king is murdered. A queen dies. Lies are spread, and intrigue abounds as a mastermind tries to put the two kingdoms at odds with each other. Obviously there is someone else out there who doesn't think the two lovebirds should end up together, betrothal or not.

But as any good teenage, suddenly turned monarch will do, they continue to thwart the evil plans of this murderous traitor. Of course, they don't seem to realize this, though both are planning for war, against each other. Sadly, neither knows that the very countries they are planning to destroy belong to the person they love most. And neither has the courage to tell the other who they really are!

Well, I won't give too much away, but I will give this about the story:

As far as characterization goes, I think that Ms. Dye portrays a typical pair of teenage lovers who hate their lot in life, but are eager to go their own way. I do think that Elizabeth does show a lot of the same qualities equated to blonds in modern jokes, rather silly and irresponsible, but then, so does Patrick. Circumstances do make them grow up a bit, but they are never too mature for childish antics, even if it goes against the grain of their character.

The world Ms. Dye has creates is a beautiful world, though I wouldn't mind more description about the insides of the castles. I was pleased at how some of the elements of each country definitely came into play i the story.

Over all, not a bad romance, a bit slow paced for my taste, but will likely please a lot of the younger audiences, especially fans of star-crossed lovers who can't seem to every quite cross the right paths.

[Diane Jortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was approached to read Upon Two Kingdoms by Anna Del C. Dye I was delighted. I was ready for a break from reality. I found just that as this light medieval romance is a fun read for all ages. In the first few chapters I thought I knew where the story was going, but the plot twists surprised me. Lovely, innocent Princess Elizabeth faces Del brought the kingdoms and the citizens to life in such a way that a reader keeps turning the pages, wanting everything to work out, but not knowing it it will. The story of how they meet and the examination of pride and prejudice causing unnecessary trials, is worth the read. The young clean love story is pure, but so real, it brought back memories of being so young and so in love. Where Princess Elizabeth is just a teen, and she acts it – silly, impulsive and determined, her Prince Patrick exhibits a bit more maturity, but is himself headstrong and is determined to be a free man, despite the responsibilities on his broad shoulders. Dye captures these attitudes, and the bedding romance well, but she doen’t stop there as she examines the importance of friendship and duty and freedom.
The one thing I found missing was that they could have been a little more rounded. The response of the Princess to her tragedy was bit more muted than I expected, but it is perhaps a true reflection of how many young people are resilient in the face of trials. The delightful illustrations and illuminated initials by Carlos Cruz transfer well into the ebook and add to the reading experience. They made me feel even closer to the protagonist and part of an earlier time.
In any case, I enjoyed reading Once Upon Two Kingdoms: it is a fast, felicitous, fantasy.

[Melanie Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a delightful read that captured my attention from beginning to end. Elizabeth is a beautiful, young women with a strong will, and an even stronger sense of understanding and duty. I love that she doesn't sigh and bemoan her life but takes charge and makes decisions.

Patrick is an intriguing character. It's hard not to fall in love with him as you read how he relates to Elizabeth. I loved how he was a gentleman, but it didn't take away from her independence. There were times, however, that I wanted to strangle them both.

The story is set in the midst of two neighboring kingdoms who are friendly. But when the Kings get together and plan the futures of their children you know problems will arise. As the story unfolds more and more obstacles are placed in Elizabeth and Patrick's path, guaranteeing a war or worse. Elizabeth, bound by duty and a respect for her parents, is loathe to marry a total stranger. Patrick wants the freedom to choose his wife. In a strange twist of events they meet and their lives are changed forever in ways that they can't even fathom.

There were some elements of the story that appeared to be very predictable, but the plot twists and turns we met with along the way, balanced everything out. Anna del C. Dye has created a wonderful fantasy world with lovable and relatable characters and a setting that any woman would love to fall in love in.

[Theresa Needham fehse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com

Once Upon Two Kingdoms by Anna Del C. Dye is a medieval romance that touches the heart. At a young age both Princess Elizabeth and Prince Patrick were arranged to be married. They both grew up without this knowledge and dreamed of one day finding love. After the news if delivered to them, both royals are upset and run away into the mountains. While all of this is being revealed, there is a force working within the two kingdoms to take town the royals and stop the arranged marriage from occurring. Both Patrick and Elizabeth meet under aliases and fall for each other unknowingly. When they return to their kingdoms they learn of the threat against them and must try to stop it along side their staff. Both still struggle with the want to find love, rather than being bound to the decisions that had been made for them so long ago.




Once Upon Two Kingdoms is a good story to read, though the plot does seem a bit familiar from other fairy tales. Both Patrick and Elizabeth were fun characters to read and see them slowly fall in love without knowing it. If you are looking for a medieval romance, this would be a good book for you to check out. I am giving this book 3.5 stars. It had good characters and romance, but the plot could have had more.




Thanks,

Elianna

[Terry Deighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the interchange between the two main characters best. They seemed most real when teasing each other and repeating their own little routine that came to mean more and more as they got to know each other. It is a very innocent story even though it includes political intrigue, sword fights, and death. If you want thought-provoking, deep fiction on these subjects, this isn't the book for you. If you want to spend some time in a sweet story where prejudices keep the heroes from their goals for most of the story and good wins out over evil, this would be a good choice. The tone is a bit flowery and dramatic, but that seemed appropriate for the fairy tale mood the book sets. Another reviewer mentioned the author's tendency to summarize, and that is true, and the point of view is not always deeply established. These things didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the story, but I did notice them.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost quit reading this book at the beginning due to the lack of detail/organization/editing in the book- but I am glad I did not! I actually really enjoyed the story, and found the plot to be very interesting ;) The romance in it was sweet- especially the more I read!