A Royal Rivalry

Roosevelt University #1

by Nora Phoenix

Welcome to Roosevelt University 🎓💖 The brand new must-read MM college x royal romance from USA Today Bestseller Nora Phoenix 🏳️‍🌈👑Perfect for fans of Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid, Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston and the Off Campus series by Elle Kennedy!✨I didn’t ask to be born a prince, but here I am, Prince Alexander Pembroke.

After one too many scandals, I’m shipped off to Roosevelt University in the States. My orders? Stay out of trouble, stay out of the tabloids, and above all, stay in the closet. I’m determined to do just that.

Until I meet Tommy O’Reilly, breakout Hollywood star and a fellow student. He hates me on sight and I can’t rightly say I’m a fan of him either.

But a mandatory expedition, a shared political science project, and too much forced proximity make avoiding each other impossible. And underneath that animosity, something else simmers.

Attraction.

When we can’t ignore it any longer and give in, we both agree that it’s just chemistry, nothing else. After all, I can’t afford another scandal, and he doesn’t even like me.

Until he does.

Now I have to choose between my royal obligations and the life I never thought I could have.

A Royal Rivalry is the first book in the Roosevelt University Series, a sizzling MM romantic comedy series from USA Today Bestseller Nora Phoenix. It features two guys who mistake attraction for hate and yet can’t stay away from each other, found family in the form of a hilarious group of friends, lots of banter, the best sister in the world, and a very happily-ever-after.

Praise for Nora

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Nora wrote the characters in such a relatable way that I was gunning for them both, and when they finally set everything aside and fell for each other? Swoon!' Saxon James

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'What starts as a hate-fueled rivalry quickly shifts into scorching secretive hook-ups with so much chemistry, it oozes off the page. Score one for Nora Phoenix because Farron and Tore are the epitome of enemies to lovers.' CE Ricci

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘OBSESSED. these two are one of my fav couples EVER’ Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’This was a great read for fans of red, white, and royal blue.’ Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’I devoured this book in a day! It was completely addictive…the Chemistry was off the charts’ Reader Review

Genres: Romance, Royalty, Enemies To Lovers, LGBT, M M Romance, College, Spicy

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 14, 2026

About the author

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/

You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nora.phoenix/
On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...

Reviews

[⋆⁺₊⋆꒰ ͜͡ ➸cait⋆⁺₊⋆ · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

Publish Date:11/14
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👑A Royal Rivalry is an enemies-to-lovers, college romance between two men who are so much more similar than they care to admit👑

Finally decided to actually rate this - I feel like 3.25✨ is fair.

Alexander 'Lex' Pembrooke - a prince who can't stay out of the headlines is sent to Roosevelt University to keep him hidden from the public eye, a punishment really.
Tommy 'Tom' O'Reily - Childhood to young adult star who wants to take a break from acting to experience real life, he chooses Roosevelt University as it's known for its privacy.

Their friend group in this is amazing and I would be interesting in reading about each of them.... if they're less boring than this. 🫣
That's where my problem lies.
I couldn't figure out exactly what my issues was for quite a bit after reading cause this is fine, technically.
I think I was just bored.
Too little happened. I mean, several times we're getting history lessons based on what they're doing their project on in the book. It felt a little unnecessary and drags the book down more.

If you like rom coms, you may enjoy this - Nora Phoenix is a great author.
It's one of those I recommend you try for yourself to see if you like. ☺️

10/06/26
yes, it genuinely took me 3 days to read less than 300 pages...

----------------------------
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. Rating and review are voluntary - opinions given are always my own.

[James · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Oh this author gets me every single time. Loved these boys. Loved the romance. The college setting. The bonds of friendship. The way one boy's family leaned in. The connection between the prince and his sister, and his distant cousin (who forms the basis of another series written by the author). I could devour these all day long and reminisce about new love, the hope for something amazing, and the expression of honesty and truth when you find yourself for the first time.

[That_awkwardbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I utterly adore royal romances, and this one is no exception. It's full of my favorite tropes with rivals to lovers, forced proximity and forbidden romance.
But just tropes aren't what a great story is about. Thankfully this book didn't disappoint.
I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters and the growth of them.
The friends made along the way were so delightful I really hope they each get a book, Because I really need more of them.


Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author for the eARC of this book.

[Elysha Smith · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another good royal romance from Nora Phoenix! This one with a side of celebrity (actor) romance, forced proximity and secret relationship.

Overall I did enjoy both the main characters, Lex and Tom. They both have similar but also very different problems with being a prince and a famous actor. I enjoyed their interactions throughout the book and the development of their relationship from rivals to friends to more. I also enjoyed both of their growth throughout the book!

The friend group and Tom’s family and Lex’s sister were all great supporting cast. They were very funny at times as well. I’m guessing the future books in the series will be about various members of the friend group, which I’m excited about.

I also did enjoy the cameo of a character from the author’s previous series. I do have a weakness for characters from previous books showing up again!

I did find at times the book was trying to do too many plot lines (the exploration group, the joint paper, all the family and career issues). I think it would have been better to have focused on only one of the school plot lines to be able to better focus.

A fun Royal rom-com that I’d recommend to anyone wanting a light hearted read.

[Continuity · Rating 2.25 out of 5]

I was really excited for this release. The premise sounded really interesting: two closeted famous men, hate-to-love, forced proximity, a secret/forbidden relationship. The execution, though? It left much to be desired.

My biggest gripe was with the romance. Normally, I don't mind waiting a long time for the first kiss. In fact, I love a good slow burn. The problem wasn't the pacing of the relationship progression, but the lack of chemistry leading up to it. Unlike the description, there was no banter in sight between these two.

For nearly half the book, Lex and Tom spend more time avoiding each other than interacting. When they do interact, their conversations often feel cold and stilted rather than charged with tension or attraction. As a result, it felt jarring when the relationship suddenly shifted into a romantic direction. Instead of building anticipation, the romance felt like it skipped several important steps along the way.

I also struggled to understand Tom's grudge against Lex. The incident that sparked his dislike felt relatively minor, yet it fuels a significant portion of the conflict between them. Because the animosity seemed disproportionate to the actual offense, it became difficult for me to fully buy into the rivals-to-lovers aspect of the story. (I mean, he acted like Lex set the barista's dog on fire rather than reality, where he was just being a little snippy.)

Once the romance finally develops, things move incredibly quickly. After only a few scenes together (and a frustrating 2-week time skip), we're suddenly expected to believe that Lex is deeply in love and willing to risk losing everything for Tom. Unfortunately, I never felt like the relationship had been developed enough to support stakes that high.

The political discussions and academic aspects of the story also took up far more page time than I anticipated. While I can appreciate what the author was trying to do, much of that content went over my head and often overshadowed the relationship development that I was far more interested in.

I had similar issues with the supporting cast and plot. The characters felt underdeveloped, including the side characters who appear to be set up for future books. Likewise, the expedition that is repeatedly presented as a major event ends up occupying very little page time, making its importance feel more told than shown. Even later in the novel, characters continue to describe the experience as life-changing, but I never felt like I witnessed enough of it to understand why.

Ultimately, A Royal Rivalry had a lot of elements that should have worked for me, but I never became emotionally invested in either the romance or the characters. Readers who enjoy royal romances and slower relationship development may have a different experience, but for me, the story relied too heavily on telling me how important its relationships and plot points were instead of allowing me to experience those moments for myself. Thank you, NetGalley and Boldword Books, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tags/Warnings
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.
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Tropes: forced proximity, hate to love, closeted MCs, secret relationship
NSFW Tags: switching
Triggers: Homophobia, forced outing
Third act break-up: No
OM/OW: None

[Sam · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

I love Nora Phoenix's writing. She has a way of writing characters who are so relatable and extremely likable. Lex and Tom are no different.

Lex is Greg's cousin (straight from The Prince's Bodyguard) and is exiled from Britain, forced to spend a year as an exchange student at Roosevelt University. As a member of the royal family, he is forced to hide his sexuality from the world or risk losing his family. Lex's loneliness comes right off the page, making him a relatable character!

Tom is a child star, who is making his debut as a Roosevelt University college student. Like Lex, he was never able to come out due to his fear of no longer being able to provide for his family. This is Tom's first attempt at normalcy, and he struggles not only with this transition, but his sexuality, too. Phoenix really highlighted the struggles of a newly graduated 18 year old!

In A Royal Rivalry, though, it was really the side characters that stole the show for me. Ophelia, Lex's sister, is the best. I love her! I fear that I definitely did not see enough of her and must demand more. I can only assume that we will get to see the rest of our Expedition Group in the remaining RU books, and I can't wait!!! Whit may be my favorite so far..... And then there is Tom's family. His parents, Moira and Dan, must be in the running for parents of the year. They handle Tom's coming out with grace and love, as all parents should. However, they take it one step further by accepting Lex with open arms and treating him as their own.

Overall, the characters of A Royal Rivalry were fantastic! I felt that Tom and Lex, as a couple, had fantastic chemistry, despite the (possibly overdone) initial hatred from the first meet. They experience similar struggles with coming out, publicity, and overall life as a celebrity. Lex's experience was a great partner to Tom's inexperience, leading to absolutely beautiful and heartwarming relationship.

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexander Pembroke is shipped off to America after being in the tabloids for the wrong reasons while Tommy O'Reilly just wants to be a normal college-going boy for a time after spending his teenage years as an actor. They are also sort of closeted in a way, and a mix of pride and prejudice both combine to give them both a terrible initial impression of each other, even if they are both (in)famous enough that they recognise each other on sight.

Put a member of the royal family and a teen celebrity together at university and it seems they won’t get along too well after all, despite the superficial similarity of them both being used to the spotlight. But in a series of forced pairings and forced groupings, Lex and Tom find themselves together more often than not. While friction and attraction do naturally seem to go together, their eventual and inevitable hookups in secret do find their way out to the light.

I liked the build-up, though it is somewhat slow-going. And a plus point—there isn’t the angst and the third act breakup that I thought would come (that was brilliant); instead, Nora Phoenix grounds their relationship further with familial support that enable both Lex and Tom to find their footing. My only complaint is the somewhat rushed time jumps a few months, then years into the future—you know they get their HEA, but I find that I do miss the in-between moments of how they’ve come to navigate the intervening years.

Still, ‘A Royal Rivalry’ is an easy read and it’s also engrossing enough that you know Nora Phoenix has set up a wonderful group of young men waiting for their own stories to be told.

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

After getting caught up in yet another scandal, prince Lex is sent across the ocean to Roosevelt University as a sort of punishment for his very public behavior.
Tom is a famous actor who's taking a gap year from his career to focus on himself, starting with enrolling at Roosevelt University.
They both know who the other is, and they keep running into each other around campus. And let's just say that doesn't exactly help with the weird feelings they seem to bring out in each other every time they meet.

I was already all in after their first encounter in chapter one, but somehow, things just kept getting better with every interaction! The slowburn was so good, and I absolutely loved how their relationship developed gradually, step by step, at just the right pace.
Another thing I really loved was how Lex and Tom were essentially mirrors of each other, which made the understanding and connection between them feel even more special.

One thing I wasn't entirely sold on was how quickly the main conflict towards the end was resolved. I would've liked it to be dragged out a little more. On the other hand, the last two chapters felt a bit too long, with quite a lot of information I wasn't particularly interested in.

That being said, this book was such a pleasant surprise! I went in expecting it to be just an okay read, but I ended up enjoying it so much more than I thought I would. And the characters? Absolutely perfect. I loved them!

[Pía · Rating 2.25 out of 5]

First, thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood, for letting me get an e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

2.25/5 — stars

I tried to like it, I really did, but I couldn’t. Around 80% of the way through, I was just skimming parts because I was so bored.

There wasn’t much drama, and while I can be fine with that if there are a lot of funny moments or great characters, it didn’t feel like that was the case here.

The characters felt flat, and I couldn’t connect with them. The reason they began to dislike each other just felt like… why?

I will say that I liked the epilogue, and there were some cute moments, but they couldn’t make up for the rest.

Overall, I didn’t like it, but it might work for someone who just wants a quick read or a book that focuses on coming out.

- Two POVs
- Enemies to lovers (kind of)
- Set in Hudson

[Zephyr · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

This was the exact fluff I expected it to be and what I was needing at the time!
Lex and Tom had such a sweet love story of external pressure and animosity into something more. I loved the crossover from the Prince Pact series, and am excited to see where the group at Roosevelt U goes from here!
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

[Jessica Bazan · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book from Nora!

The chemistry and vibes from Lex and Tom are just so perfect.

I can’t wait to read the next in the series! I love the snippets of each character that I assume will be given their own book next. It’s not overpowering, but makes you the right level of intrigued.

[Ruby :) · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This book was kinda fun.....but a bit of a nothing burger too. The side characters were very entertaining and definitely made the story! As for the main characters, I think they could have been more compelling as a couple. First off, they have an "enemies-to-lovers" thing going on. Honestly, I found the reason they were enemies to be quite flimsy. Tom pretty much disliked Lex for being "rude" to a barista. But I didn't even think Lex was that rude?? He just told her what drink he wanted and when she didn't know what it was, he explained how it was made, with perhaps a sharp tone. As someone who's had customers throw things at me, this seems like a totally uneventful interaction. So for Tom to hate him so strongly for this, it just felt disjointed? I don't know but if I encountered someone who ordered a drink in a slightly impatient manner in front of me, I wouldn't go on with life CONSTANTLY thinking about how much I hated them.

Lex, on the other hand, I really enjoyed his relationship with his sister, Ophelia. He was fun enough as a main character but not very memorable. It was interesting to read about his familial struggles and loneliness. But sometimes his thoughts are just 'Tom hot'. Which is fine, but I didn't really care much for it. I think this story would have gone on much smoother if it had just been a friends-to-lovers instead. The whole "enemies" aspect just felt too forced for me. Also, I feel like their relationship had no build up. Occasionally Tom would find himself feeling sympathy for Lex, which I understand. Then they're kissing and in love???? I know the book is short so the romance was bound to seem insta-lovey one way or another but I still think it could have been executed better.

But, I did appreciate that there was no third-act breakup! However, by the ending I was just checked out so I think any scenes that were meant to read as impactful just felt like nothing to me :( Overall, this book was a fun enough read, especially since it's so short and the writing was easy to follow. I wouldn't say I regret reading it, it's just not something I see myself rereading in the future.

[Kayla Thorn · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Summary:
Lex has been caught in a public scandal and is sent by his royal family to school in America to allow time for things to blow over. He ends up being paired with Tom for a paper. Tom is a famous child actor who has come to school to get a break from acting and figure out who he really is. Tom is put off by Lex but simultaneously he feels drawn to him. Will they both be able to find what they are looking for?

Read if you like:
-found family
-college romance
-MM romance
-forced proximity
-celebrity/royal

My thoughts:
I liked this! Tom and Lex were both so sweet and overall I enjoyed following their love story. Let me start with what worked for me. The side characters were interesting and the found family vibes were great. I felt like there was good development for both Tom and Lex. I really enjoyed them as a pairing -I thought they were a very cute match. Tom’s dad is just an a+++ character. I love him and hope everyone has someone so supportive in their lives. It was an easy, fun and light read. And now on to what didn’t work as well for me. The pacing. There were spots of the book that worked so well for me and other spots that didn’t work quite as well for me and it felt a bit disjointed because of that. I loved the first half but the second half at times I felt like I wasn’t seeing the parts of the story I was really interested in. Overall, I still enjoyed it and I will definitely be checking out book 2 in the series. One small thing to note about the tropes -this is not enemies to lovers. This is more so one casual encounter that rubbed each other wrong but they hold on to that feeling because they are actually very similar and can’t admit to it because they are attracted to each other and afraid. I don’t particularly care about that myself but I like to note it because I know people can be particular about enemies to lovers and for me this does not fit that particular trope! This was a 3.75 for me!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the advanced e-copy on exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Nish · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review, and in short, I enjoyed it quite a lot. The royal rivalry is set in Roosevelt University, and revolves around Tommy (aka Tom) a child actor trying to find his footing in the world, and Alexander (aka Lex) a British prince exiled there after getting caught up in yet another scandal. This is book 1 of Phoenix’s Roosevelt Univerist series, although it also has a connection to the last book of her Prince Pact Series (The Prince and the Bodyguard). This book was a classic enemies to lovers with a found family and it was so endearing. The side characters absolutely stole the show, and the dual pov was very helpful in understanding where both characters stood in their “relationship”. You will come for the romance and the spice, but you will leave feeling so many emotions, including a little bit of grief, for reasons I do not want to spoil in this review. The juxtaposition of the characters’ families and how they treat their respective sons is also very well potrayed. Although I did feel that in certain places, some subplots were overhyped, and the climax was not as enjoyable. Also, there was considerably less focus on one character’s circumstances and inner monologue (not saying which one) which sometimes made it difficult to follow. Overall, I would definitely recommend that you get yourself a copy of this book because despite its shortcomings, the author does an excellent job of potraying the romance, repartee and personal struggles of each character, which makes this such a sweet and enjoyable experience.

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Another swoony romance! Prince Alexander “Lex” Pembroke has caused one to many scandals and his family has had enough. They decide to ship him off to America to attend school. He chooses Roosevelt University in New York. Just think he’s here simply because he’s gay. Not that he can tell anyone they were very clear, no more scandals or he’s cut off. It’s ridiculous, it’s uncle’s the King not his mother. But they essentially ousted his cousin Gregory when he came out as well. Tommy “Tom” O’Reilly, Hollywood star and heartthrob, is tired of the press and the intrusion and just wants normal for awhile. So he attends Roosevelt as well. When these two meet they instantly get on each others bad sides, they both think the other is insufferable. But the universe has bigger plans and keeps shoving them together. The more time they spend together the more they realize that all that hate is just mask undeniable chemistry. Neither, because of their lives, can hope for more but a little sex couldn’t hurt right? Except when feelings get involved. Will they risk coming out and potentially losing everything? Or will they follow their hearts? I’m so excited for Nora Phoenix’s new collage series, can’t wait to see who else stars in the books, I’ve got a few ideas, and very much hope one of them is Chip! Charming, sexy, sweet, and gave me all the feels! I loved boy Lex and Tom and their hate to love! Highly recommend if you like hate to love and forced proximity!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Royal Rivalry
Lex, nephew of the UK King is starting college in America sent away after the British newspaper headlines printed a compromising photo showing him kissing a man. Tom a child actor weighing up if he wants to continue acting as an adult sees Lex in a coffee shop, he’s not impressed with his attitude and so when put in the same study group does not hide his disdain for Lex especially when they have to work on an assignment together.
Slowly but surely as they put aside their rivalry Lex realising he has strong feelings for Tom. With a slow burn and anticipation they finally come together explosively which is really well described, the emotional impact was well written and beautiful as is the minefield they both have to navigate. Lex has been told by his father he will be completely disinherited and left with no financial help if he comes out and
Toms future movie career could end before it starts if any gay relationship is exposed by the press.
Their study group of supportive friends add much depth and humour and who couldn’t love the joy that is Chip and his friends. Their support and friendship is wonderful.
I have read all the books in this series and really enjoyed them but for me this book is the best I’ve read in a long time. The emotions are so well described they leave a powerful impact, you become invested in not just the male leads but all the family and friends that surround them. The storyline was engaging and the epilogue a perfect end to an uplifting story.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

[Evie · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

The Royal Rivalry is the first in a new series by Nora Phoenix. It had very similar vibes to The Prince Pact series and was just as enjoyable.
Alexander (Lex) is a prince, sent from England to study at Roosevelt University in the US to clean up his public image. Tommy (Tom) O’Reilly is a famous Hollywood actor, so both men know they’ll face public repercussions if they come out. When they meet on campus, they instantly dislike each other but after discovering they are in the same wilderness expedition group and must write an essay together, they are forced to spend more time together. Through this new close proximity relationship, they discover that they actually have more in common than they thought, and what started as mutual dislike, slowly starts to turn into something more…

This was a sweet novel, and very much has a found family element which I hope to see continue in the rest of the series (Matt and Misha please!). The cast of side characters make the story all the more enjoyable and add some comic relief too. Deeper discussions about public image and family disownment are mentioned briefly, but it is predominantly a very low conflict book with no typical third act break up - which I always appreciate.

I am looking forward to reading further books in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.

[Amber Whetham · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW ⭐️📚

Slow Burn • MM College Romance • Forced Proximity • Rivals to Lovers • Found Family • Coming Out

I always love reading Nora Phoenix, and this book definitely reminded me why. From the slow-burn romance between Lex and Tom to the found-family friendships, there was so much to love.

I especially loved that Lex realized he was in love with Tom first—and getting to experience that moment with him made the slow burn so worth it. The Thanksgiving and Christmas scenes absolutely stole my heart and added some really sweet moments to their story. ❤️

The side characters were also such a fun part of the book. They brought plenty of comic relief, but more importantly, they made me really invested in wanting more books. By the end, I was left wanting the next books ASAP because I need to know which of Lex and Tom’s friends end up together and get their own stories!

Fans of Red, White & Royal Blue will definitely want to add this one to their TBR. And if you’ve read the Prince Pact series, keep an eye out for a familiar face making appearances here and there to help Lex when needed!

A fun, heartfelt college romance with a great found-family dynamic that left me wanting more. 💕

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[am · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
-
This book was in fact really addicting. The whole story goes really fast, it is really easy to get into. I grew very fond of the whole friend group and it made me really anticipating reading about them.
As much as I liked my reading and would abolutely continue the series when it comes out, I also felt some things missing that could make me more attached to the main characters. I found that their relationship evolve quite fast and it missed "domestic" moments or even "coupley" moments that could really made us grasp how they felt for the other. It felt like they went really fast from enemies to lovers without anything really happening expect the physical attraction. I would have loved to see the development of their relationship in a slower way where the attraction goes from physical to emotional over many pages and not as fast as it went.
Still, I really enjoyed the book and I found it very entertaining. Some moments were very emotional and touched me a lot. I also loved very dearly the relationship between Lex and his sister. AND I was glad there were no third-act breakup even though the 80% crisis was managed too fast for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC ! And I will read the rest of the series, and probably other books from the author for sure (especially the one about Lex's cousin which I'm very very curious about)

[Eiji Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In exchange for an honest review i got to read the ARC copy of A Royal Rivalry by Nora Phoenix by Netgally and Boldwood Books.

This is a brand new series from Nora Phoenix but for those that had read the Prince Pact series will recognize one of the characters in this book.

This book is beautifully writen, it is a slow burn story about a British prince banished from his home land after one too many controversy. He get to spend a year studying at the Roosevelt University while he has to stay out of trouble. Beeing a prince means not much freedome to be himself so beeing on the campus is a good way for him to find out who he is without all the royal titles hanging over his shoulders. That is until the Actor Tommy O'Reilly recognize him one day in a coffee shop not far from school and that where everything changes.

This was a really sweet story about both about coming out, second chances and hectic life at university, as always I adore Nora Phoenix's writing becuse she really know how to draw out the emotional impact of the characters to make a steaming love story and a great story of finding the one. Highly recommended!

Lastly I want to say Thank You to Boldwood Books and Netgally for letting me read and review this beautiful book!

[Keturah Sergeant · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

I usually love a cheesy queer royal romance, I've loved Phoenix's other stories of the same type, but their first meeting in this one just annoyed me. Do Americans really not know what a flat white is? The prince explained it perfectly well, and some American Celeb feels entitled to tell him off with a wrong explanation and a judgement he's holding up the line? Then the prince feels guilty for expecting a Barista to be mildly training on the early morning shift? It's ridiculous, and mildly part of the larger problem with this series, which is glorifying America as a haven for queer princes of the world, it's education as somehow superior to European, it's tabloids less aggressive (until convenient for plot drama of course)... This book more than any others I've read recently really pushes this, and I wasn't vibing...

The romance itself was fine from the point they are paired for a project, the friendship was sweet, the family acceptance was sweet. There were emotional moments, well-crafted, satisfying speeches, sweet connections. It just really started on a bad foot, one no amount of group work or academic admiration should have smoothed over... At least without an apology, other stupid conflicts were apologised over, but never the bad first impression. Somewhat disappointing.

[Katie · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

A Royal Rivalry by Nora Phoenix is the newest MM royal college romance. Prince Alexander Pembroke has been banished to America for university while his latest scandal in London dies down. He is shocked to find he’s assigned to a group with Tommy O’Reilly, a child actor who immediately takes a dislike to him. Tommy now goes by Tom as he tries to shed his child actor persona and establish himself at Roosevelt University. He does not want anything to do with Alexander and continuously pushes the other man away even when they are assigned multiple projects together. But being forced together makes both men reassess their initial impressions especially as chemistry comes into play.

Alexander and Tom as the perfect start to a new series with a cast of characters I can’t wait to get to know better. Both Lex and Tom learn that first impressions can be so off center. They go through tough moments together but bond and learn they’re stronger together. Their intimacy is learned, not assumed and filled with lots of checking in and consent. I really can’t wait for the rest of their crew to find their HEA.

4.5 stars for Alexander’s rival makes his heart race

[Gabrielle · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

ARC Review

👑 College romance
👑 Prince x movie star
👑 Found family
👑 Forced proximity
👑 Secret romance

I will always love a good royalty romance and this one was pretty cute. The writing was good and the length was perfect. I breezed right through it. It had a great found family and supporting characters. I enjoyed the main characters’ chemistry and the spicy scenes. It was overall really low angst which I was not expecting. I think it was actually a little silly to call it a “rivalry.” They didn’t like each other at first but they weren’t rivals at all. They are classmates who misunderstand each other at first and are forced to work together. Another issue I had was that I love forced proximity and when they were assigned to the small group for the expedition I thought that was going to be a bigger part of the plot. Being on a camping trip together and being forced near each other while the sexual tension is building would have been so good. What a missed opportunity for the only one bed trope (only one tent!). Instead the author chose to have them working on a paper and that’s how they got together. Not as fun in my opinion.

[Han. · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

A Royal Rivalry was a book I never knew I needed! After Nora Phoenix finished The Prince Pact series, I was a little sad that it was over so getting Lex's story to start the Roosevelt University series was such a great surprise! And I am a sucker for a royal romance! This MM, college romance is about two boys who are from the opposite ends of the class spectrum but also understand the lifestyle of being in the public eye. Tom, a child actor who has stepped out of the spotlight to live a normal life and go to college, while Lex (also known as Alexander), has been ordered to America after another scandal. This book was such a lovely read, it has such a great enemies to lovers plot, with forced proximity, found family and a slow burn. I felt like it had a predictable ending but it didn't take anything away from the book. There were parts of the book that had me wrecked, but there was also a lot of laughs. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see what comes from the other characters! Thank you for trusting me to read your book early!

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been interested in getting to know more about Alexander since we got a glimpse of him in the princes and the bodyguard and im so glad he got his own book.

Alexander has been sent away after yet another scandal and has been told he will be cut off if anything else happens.

Tommy O'Reily was a child Actor that just wants some normality.

Lex and Tom officially meet af university when they end up in the same expedition group. Instantly taking a dislike to eachother, assuming they know what the other is about. Upon being paired together for a project they soon realise they are more alike than they thought and end up getting closer.

I loved the progression in Lex and Tom's dislike to relationship. I loved how Tom's parents immediately took to Lex even before knowing about their relationship and gave him the family.

I love the easiness of the storytelling with Noras writing and hope there are plans for more with the rest of the friend group.

Thank you to netgalley, Boldwood Booksband Nora Phoenix providing me with a copy of this E-ARC to review.

[CatOnABlueBackground · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is enemies to lovers with a medium amount of spice and a LOT of found family.

Lex, prince but not in line to be king, has been sent away to Roosevelt University in the States because he keeps causing 'scandals' (being photographed with other men and giving the impression he might be gay). Tom is a former child actor who is still well-known and has profited greatly from the movies he was in, but is also finally on the verge of admitting he is gay. They really don't like each other at the beginning. They are attracted to each other, but Tom will not admit that and hides his attraction for Lex as annoyance, for a large portion of the book. This is a SLOW burn. Lex, meanwhile, works on finding a way to stand up for himself and who he is. For the first time he has friends who like him for himself and not for his title. Eventually they work out their issues to get to their HEA.

I loved Lex's journey to admitting who he was and to standing up to his family. The friend group was full of a bunch of really nice folks. And I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Hélène's daughter · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

A Royal Rivalry is a sweet MM romance between a prince and an actor.

I enjoyed:
- both MMCs getting to know each other better and understanding their different realities
- the secondary characters!! From Sprout to Chip, always there to support the boys
- No third-act breakup, no miscommunication, and a LOT of love and support from family and friends

I thought the rivalry could have been explained better. Their dislike of each other was mainly based on prejudices and stereotypes. A lot was told through the narration (in 1st person POV), which made the writing a bit repetitive as a character would think something and then say it... which sometimes made me feel like I was reading everything twice.

I would recommend A Royal Rivalry to anyone craving a sweet MM romance with compelling characters and no third-act breakup.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to review an ARC copy of this book.

[Ryan · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me. I made it through 21 of the 29 chapters before deciding not to finish.

For a book advertised as a rivals-to-lovers rom-com, I just wasn't feeling either the rivalry or the comedy. I love good banter in my M/M romances, and there really wasn't much of that here. Lex and Tom are sweet enough, but I found them rather boring, and neither had much of a distinct personality. I just wasn't invested in their relationship.

I did make it to the spicy scenes, though, and they were definitely spicy! So it wasn't all for nothing!

I enjoyed the found-family aspect, but at times, this felt more like a setup for a larger series than a romance focused on its two leads.

This was my first Nora Phoenix book, and I'm certainly open to trying more of her work.

Not a bad book, just not one that held my attention.

[Teagan · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW -

Lock in!! a new Nora Phoenix, European Royals at American College interconnected series has just dropped!!

After a series of scandals much to the dismay of the royal family, Lex has been banished to college to America where he meets teen movie star Tom who is trying to escape his fame at college. There is a disdain they move have for one another but through forced proximity of group projects they find themselves falling for each other.

Nora Phoenix does not miss an easy and touching read about two boys trying to find their way. This was a slow burn of them admitting they were head over heels but when the found their way to each other they made up for lost time. A book filled with kindness, acceptance from who it matters and found family.

Thank you to NetGalley and all for the ARC.

[lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a cute read!! Lex and Tom were adorable together and i really liked watching them slowly realize they had more in common than they initially thought. their relationship was sweet, and i loved seeing them open up to each other and find a connection despite their very different backgrounds. the found family vibes were also sooo good, and the friendships honestly added a lot to the story!! the side characters were fun and made me even more excited for the next book. my only issue is that i wish we’d gotten a little more time to see Lex and Tom develop their feelings because some parts felt a bit rushed, and i would’ve loved more moments of them just being together and getting to know each other. still, it was such an easy and enjoyable read, and i’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of these characters!! overall this was a 4 star read for me