Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues—and arrange marriages between kingdoms.
Elsa may be the Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia, but she finds the entire situation archaic and unsavory. While she wants what's best for her country, she isn't about to jump into an unwanted relationship—let alone a marriage—with a virtual stranger. Of course, her feelings matter little to her parents, whose wheeling and dealings over trade pacts and alliances achieved at her expense begin the moment they set foot in California for the Summit. So when a blindingly handsome royal runs into her, she doesn't hesitate to tell him there's no way she's marrying him.
Christian is all too happy to agree: no marriage. As the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, his main goal is to get through the summit without a bride being foisted on him. Which is why he suggests they help each other field potential intendeds. As Christian slowly gets to know Elsa, though, he realizes they have a lot more in common than just their feelings about the Royal Marriage Market. Only he can't fall for her, because royal or not, they're not meant for each other.
Elsa and Christian will have to evaluate matters of the heart verses those of state and crown, and decide whether or not tradition trumps love.
Heather Lyons is known for writing epic, heartfelt love stories often with a fantastical twist. From Young Adult to New Adult to Adult novels—one commonality in all her books is the touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, romance. In addition to writing, she's also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.
This is an entertaining sweet romantic read that will appeal to lovers of adult contemporary or fantasy romance.
Elsa and Christian are respective heirs in their own countries. Both are steadfastly opposed to the archaic Royal Marriage Market (RMM) and I can't say I blame them. It was hideously outdated. However, both are extremely dedicated and they want what's best for their people. Considering the obvious opposing goals, there is plenty of heartfelt angst and shared frustration.
The first half of this book was a little slow, and repetitive in places, and I did find myself skimming some parts. It picked up pace in the second half and I really got sucked in then.
Though Els and Chris fall for each other in four days, it didn't feel rushed or unbelievable because of how well it was written. For the most part, I enjoyed their banter and sparring, and I loved the 3 a.m. firsts! The romance was sweet with a little bit of sauce on top! Their chemistry was believable and I was rooting for them from the start.
The writing was beautiful and accomplished.
The world building was decent but I had issues with some aspects of how Royalty were portrayed. It wasn't entirely credible.
The plot conflict wasn't realistic enough to be believable, and this was probably my biggest disappointment. In my opinion, RMM as a concept wasn't credible and I didn't buy into the notion that the characters saw it as a true obstacle either.
I thought all the side characters were well developed and I especially warmed to Luke and Mat. Isabelle was annoying for most of the story until she redeemed herself toward the end. Both sets of parents were obnoxious and unlikeable, but that was the intent.
Overall this was a solid read and a great romance, and the only thing that took away from my enjoyment were some slight issues with world building and plot development. I'd still recommend it to readers who enjoy well-written light-hearted romance.
Thanks to the publisher and Inkslinger PR for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review will be posted to my blog on 14th January http://myyanabookobsession.com
Solid 4.5 stars from Lyons again. I love her mastery of vocabulary choices, her scene setting and her often complex sentence structure. This is an author you can tell is well educated and complex. Eventhough this was a lighter plot for her (I would liken it to a grown-up Selection series), she kept character dialogue distinct, built up multiple plot lines and sub plots which were timely revealed, and gave me all the feels. I love Christian and Elsa and seeing their character growth as one another chipped away at their shackled hearts. I love the strength seen in secondary characters who fight not only for their own hearts but those they love. I love the quote worthy lines Lyons weaves into her tales (although there weren't as many truisms as she usually has.) This was a sweet fairy tale read and I personally needed it after my last read and I do believe every reader needs to keep that fairy tale dream alive. Well done Mrs. Lyons, well done.
Royal Marriage Market is an utterly swoon-worthy romance that delves into the surreal lives of royalty.
Told in alternating first person narrative, Elsa (how can you not think of Frozen) and Christian. Both heirs to the throne in their respective countries, therefore, destined to be kept apart by archaic rules and duty to their countries.
Having reached an age where marriage is not only expected but conducted as a business negotiation, Christian and Elsa find themselves shipped off to a week-long delegation intent on pairing off single royals to the highest bidder. Both Christian and Elsa are very strong-willed and stubborn, determined to take control of their own destiny at least where their hearts are concerned, Unfortunately, there is a lot more at play than they initially realise. Behind the scenes machinations by those closest to them create adverse situations they have to navigate. Treaties, pacts and business arrangements take precedence over feelings or god forbid love!!
To the outside observer it is obvious very quickly how perfect Christian and Elsa are for each other making their situation harder to accept when you want nothing more than for them to get the happily ever after they deserve. They are both extremely selfless people, putting their siblings and loyal subjects before themselves.
Elsa is incredibly feisty under all the proper etiquette that has been breed into her, to see her real personality break through was adorably funny. You can't help but fall for both Elsa and Christian, as individuals and as a couple.
The narrative provides a thought provoking look at the role of royals in modern society and how some things like arranged marriages need to be outdated. At times it felt as if they were all living within the bars of a gilded cage. It may be luxurious but ultimately it is still a cage.
Another aspect of the plot showed how easily it is for those born into power and privilege to be seduced/corrupted in their quest to gain more power/riches/prestige not above using their children as chess pieces in order to control the outcome of their decisions.
The ending is left a little open for my particular taste and I am desperate to know if Heather is going to provide another story, however short for Christian and Elsa. I need that happily ever after ♥
Leido! Vaya, que hermoso libro! Efectivamente , asi como ame La Seleccion , ame este libro... Lo que mas me gusto es que no es lo que esperaba (una historia más rosa), no son SOLO un principe y una princesa... son humanos, se enamoran, se enojan, desean, quieren sexo, luchan por lo que quieren y NO son adolescentes ;) No se queda con 5 stars, porque .... si lo leen se daran cuenta ;) ----------- Tiene pinta de La Seleccion... Y es tomo unico? VENGAAAAAA!!
I love Heather Lyons, so this contemporary from her was a must-read. I adore her fantasy/mythology books but this was a nice, fun change.
It's a little bit of a fairy tale and unique in this genre where everything seems to be written from a formula. The story follows Elsa and Christian, two royals who must attend the Royal Marriage Market. It's sort of a gathering of the world's royalty. And both are promised to other suitors. But their attraction is there under the friendship they start. As feelings grow we are wondering if they will thwart tradition and follow their hearts.
I love both characters. I love that Elsa isn't the typical princess type in need of rescue. She has her own mind underneath her polish, and she isn't afraid to speak it. Christian is absolutely swoonworthy and I couldn't help falling for him, too. Together they are perfection. I was rooting them on the whole way.
Royal Marriage Market is a quick, fun read. There is some drama, of course, but not so much to induce eye rolls or annoy you into wanting to quit. The story is cute and enjoyable and lighthearted. I found it to be a realistic fairy tale.
Heather Lyons delivers a fairy tale with Royal Marriage Market that is full of swoon worthy characters, witty banter, and a romance that will make your heart melt. The banter between Elsa and Christian was delightful and shows just how much of a match they are for one another. Elsa is a fiery princess that toes the line of how a proper princess should act when she encounters Prince Christian and his "too-ness". You can't help but to fall in love with them both.
I'm very happy that Heather took the leap and published this story because she sure doesn't disappoint with Royal Marriage Market.
4.5 Stars! Royal Marriage Market is about two twenty-something royals who must choose between love and duty. Set in modern day, Christian and Elsa are the heirs to the respective thrones of their tiny northern European countries. Each country needs something that only an arranged marriage can solve. Both Christian and Elsa are dead set against being used as bargaining chips by their parents. Their initial meeting is antagonistic when Elsa assumes Christian is looking for a good time. Just because all the world's single royals are gathered at Hearst Castle in California for a modern day dating game, doesn't mean shenanigans aren't going on behind the scenes, and Elsa refuses to partake in any of it.
Of course these two are destined to be together because, well, the rules state they can't be. As they straddle a fine line between bickering and flirting, they fall reluctantly in like and then love just as their marriages to others are sealed by their parents.
Plot The plot is about Christian and Elsa and forbidden love, but a few nice little subplots weave through that show us why these two can't be together, and why their respective parents have chosen their particular mates for them.
Characters Elsa and Christian are both delightful, but there is also a phenomenal supporting cast. Both Christian's and Elsa's personal assistants, Parker and Charlotte, are fully-developed and intriguing in their own right. Family members and other royals round out the cast nicely, providing just the right mix for Christian and Elsa's story.
Ending I love that I wasn't able to figure out the big mystery behind the pairings and I like the way the story wrapped up in a satisfying conclusion.
What Didn't Work for Me 1. Not much. The story is witty and charming, but I felt it took a little long to develop. I found myself setting it down more often than not in the early chapters. But once it got going, it was a fast, easy read.
What I Enjoyed About Royal Marriage Market 1. The chemistry. The heat between Elsa and Christian is immediate and spark-y. 2. The magic hour. I love the whole idea of a magical hour of firsts. 3. Forbidden love. Some of my favorite romances involve this trope, and RMM is no exception. 4. The language. They are royals, and therefore the dialogue is refined, but I love how it's peppered with a healthy dose of colorful language! 5. Parker and Charlotte. How fun would it be to get a book from their points of view?
Bottom Line Royal Marriage Market is a fun twist on the contemporary romance genre with plenty of chemistry and more than a few laughs.
Disclaimer I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I am huge fan of Heather Lyons and she is an automatic one-click author for me. When she announced her first contemporary book, I was excited to see her delving into a new genre. I was elated after reading the synopsis and seeing her plans to give readers a modern day fairy tale involving a true princess and prince. Despite it’s lighter subject matter, it is brilliantly written and flows beautifully from the first chapter until the last. Ms. Lyons creates unique but realistic countries and situations for the background of her story. Her descriptions of Hearst Castle are brilliant and it is like having a first rate tour of the historic treasure. Even though this involves a princess and prince, so much of the story is simply a boy and girl finding what matters.
I would rather have nothing that something that isn’t true.
Elsa is the quintessential Heather Lyons’ heroine. She is feisty and head strong, and I instantly adored her character. Despite being a princess, Elsa is a somewhat free spirit but has firm grasp on her duties as heir to the throne. Christian is everything we dream of in a prince, but underneath his dashing appearance, he possess a kind soul and intelligence. Elsa and Christian certainly have chemistry, the sexual tension is complete torture at times. However, their banter is even more endearing, and some of my favorite scenes involve their laughter and ability to make another smile.
“I’m rather taken with your laughter, you know.”
In addition to the main plot of Elsa and Christian, there is an intriguing supporting cast as well. These characters enhance the overall story line and give it more depth. While this is considered to be a stand alone book, I would be elated if some of the minor characters have books in the future. Heather Lyons has made no mention of this, so it just my wishful thinking at this point.
If you are looking for a feel good story, that will leave a smile on your face, I highly recommend this book. It’s perfect for the holiday season, or anytime you want to believe in true love.
Note: This ARC was provided by Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review.
Princess Elsa of Vattenguldia is every bit the royal princess that you expect her to be, but she's also independent and no-nonsense and fights tooth and nail when she believes she's being made to do something against her better judgment. She's seemingly poised and perfect, but meeting and being with someone like Prince Christian of Aioboland brings out the more carefree side of her and together they experience several "firsts" as a way to escape the demands of the RMM and everything it entails. They're more similar than either one would have originally thought, and they're the epitome of the royal couple that deserves to have their own happy ending. Except they're both heirs to their respective thrones and the council composed of monarchs has always maintained that two crown heirs may not marry each other.
This was a beautiful story of love, and you don't have to be tiara-toting reader to empathize with what Elsa and Christian have to endure in order to be together. Theirs isn't a case of instantly falling in love, because they get to know one another while they're at the Summit, and though they notice each other from the beginning, Elsa and Christian forge a friendship first before they find themselves falling for one another. There's a lightheartedness to this story that belies the weight that's been placed upon the shoulders of the heirs and spares, and it's something I believe we can relate to. Love brings with it challenges and it's how far you're willing to go to be with the one you love most that makes finally being together much sweeter in the end. Royal Marriage Market is one of my 2015 top reads and I highly recommend it. Five-plus stars. ♥
I enjoyed this books so much, I'll admit I had a little trouble getting into the story the first few chapters but after that they went by so fast, the story was fascinating and the characters very endearing.
I love reading about strong female protagonist that fight for their rights me for what they want but that they're also aware of their responsibilities and are prepare to make sacrifices for the greater good.
I'm so happy I read this book, it was just what I needed to get me out of my reading slump, I hope heather decides to write more books in this world, I got really hooked on some secondary characters and I would love to know more about them.
En Royal Marriage Market, Heather Lyons nos cuenta la historia de cómo Elsa y Christian forcejean con la tradición y con sus padres para sacar hacia delante una relación que está condenada al fracaso prácticamente desde el primer momento en que se cruzan. Esta es una historia de amor real y que os sacará más de una sonrisa. Me gusta mucho la forma en que la autora escribe el romance: siempre desde los puntos de vista de ambos protagonistas y, aunque tiene un componente literario muy fuerte (todos sabemos que estas cosas no pasan de verdad y, si lo hacen, no es con estas palabras tan preciosas), creo que lo hace de forma bastante realista.
I'm a sucker for fairytales and royals so this book was right up my alley. It was a sweet romance with witty banter and no stupid drama. Man, the sexual tension and chemistry between Christian and Elsa were intense - I loved it. And, it was told from both their POVs, which added so much to the story knowing what each was thinking. I only wish there as an epilogue. I gotta have my epilogue.
This is my second book from this author and I love her writing style. She's becoming one of my automatic one-click authors.
I absolutely fell in love with this story. Heather Lyons knocked it out of the park with her first contemporary romance. Christian is an amazing hero: caring, strong, loyal, and incredibly sexy! And Elsa, the tough-as-nails princess who has made it a point to fight the RMM and their traditions. Until she finds an ally with Christian. This book has everything I love with romance, the push and pull, the fight and submission to your feelings. Believe me, you'll want to read this.
This one just didn't work for me. The premise is interesting but I didn't like the main characters at all and the writing style was so formal. I get that they are royalty and so may not speak like everyday people but it was not conversational in the least. The relationship with the parents and ruling monarchs was also hard to get behind. I almost didn't make it through to the end.
I finally bought this book for 99 cents yesterday, as I was going to be traveling during the next couple of days. I was awake at six thirty this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so I though I would get some reading in. Lo and behold, two and a half hours later I had finished the book!
The writing style of Lyons is very pretty and flows well, which was wonderful. It was funny, charming, and addressed issues (for royals) like arranged marriages and standing up to one's parents even when they literally rule.
I liked Elsa and Christian, and thought they both were flawed but worth rooting for. I was a bit unsure of them at the beginning, but they quickly charmed me. They were both proper royals, but also vulgar and witty. I really enjoyed reading about their romance. At about the sixty percent mark, the actual weeklong market ended, and that's when they weren't just falling in love, but dealing with the consequences. Honestly, for a while I was thinking there was no way for them to be together short of eloping and abdicating both their thrones. But by the end of the book, they found ways to deal with the machinations of everyone around them. It was quite entertaining and exciting. There was also a fair amount of heat, and it was easy to feel the attraction between them.
All in all, it was a great start to my Saturday, and I am happy to have finally read (and immensely enjoyed) Royal Marriage Market! 5 stars.
Lyons brings such an interesting take to what your typical fairy-tale romance would be. From the title to the beautiful cover, Royal Marriage Market is a must read! :)
Having born in a time where royal heirs to the throne must marry those that their parents decide to make business with, Elsa (Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia) must do what she is told even though she finds the entire situation archaic and unnecessary. When her father informs her that the Marriage Summit is coming and she must attend, Elsa does everything she can to convince her father that she is not interested, but plans are already in motion and so they all fly out to California in order to meet with all the other royals from different countries. Soon Elsa is thrust into going out with princes' that she has no interest in going out with, but she has to in order to please her father. So when a handsome royal runs into her, she doesn't hesitate to tell him that she is not interested in marrying him.
As the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, Christian is to follow what his parents tell him to do without any questions. Yet when his choice of bride get taken away from him, he immediately demands answers from his mother, who is the one that seems to be running his life. When he is told that he will be attending the Summit with his brother, Christian is not happy at all. But when he stumbles upon Princess Elsa, he is immediately taken by her beauty and personality. Soon the two start to develop a friendship and spend a lot of time together. It seems that they somehow manage to find comfort in each other, and that is what makes the Summit that much more interesting. Nevertheless their parents have a different future for them, and when he starts to realize that he is falling for Elsa, Christian must decide of whether to follow his heart or his mother's orders.
There is a lot of things at stake for both of the characters to sacrifice. Elsa's father is the one that is controlling the situation and her life. Whereas Christian's mother is the one that is hungry for power and wants to get her son to marry someone with a lot of influence. As the two start to spend more time together, they start to question both of their parents' motives. That's when the story gets twists and turns that made the book that much more interesting to read.
Very quickly the characters find out how perfect they are for each other, but they need to find a way to be together and that ends up being a hard situation of them. What I liked about the characters was how they also helped their younger siblings to see that they could have happy ending as well. For that it was really exciting to read both of their point-of-views, since we get to see what each of them is really thinking. With that said, even though I loved just about everything in the book, the ending left me unsatisfied. Not everything get answered in my opinion, and it just didn't end how I was hoping it would end (if that makes sense). There are a lot of topics in the book that the author touched on that I thought it worked really well for the overall plot. Overall I would still recommend picking this book, it was funny, romantic, and a total page-turner! : )
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
“Attraction at first sight is a fairy story, not reality. Enjoying banter is one thing, but discovering a physical attraction is entirely different.”
“We were falling in love, I think. Wonderfully, miserably, tragically, beautifully falling in love.”
Royal Marriage Market is told from dual points of view and follows the story of Elsa and Christian. Christian and Elsa were quiet the pair. Neither one of them wanting to conform to their families wishes and give into the idea of an arranged marriage. As their families forced them both into the Royal Marriage Market, neither one of them believed that they would leave happy. They did not believe in love at first sight and were quiet determined to leave alone. In fact, when the two of them bump in to each other on accident, they make it known that marriage is the last thing on their minds. However, as the Royal Marriage Market forces them to spend time together, they begin to form an easy friendship and with friendship comes an undeniable attraction. Only, neither one of them can act on their attraction because they are promised to someone else. But, when it comes to matters of the heart, can their connection be denied? Will they defy tradition in the name of love?
Once again, Heather Lyons has created magic. Known for her captivating takes on the paranormal and fairy-tale world, Heather Lyons have now given us a lovely contemporary romance. She has proved to me that there isn’t anything that she can’t do; that there is no writing style or story that she can’t conquer. What she has given me is a well-written and enchanting story that is so unique and so refreshing and loads of fun at the same time. Heather Lyons has created a world that has completely captivated me and has me lost in the pages. She has given me characters that I can not help but fall in love with and swoon over.
Elsa is unlike any other princess. While she may have manners and appear to be the perfect princess, she speaks her mind and doesn’t just fall to any princes charms. And Christian is the perfect prince; the absolute prince charming. He is totally swoon worthy. But, the thing that he loves about Elsa is that she challenges him and how she doesn’t immediately swoon over him. He likes that she wants to get to know HIM. I loved watching their relationship grow and I of course loved swooning over Christian.
Royal Marriage Market was a quick and enjoyable read for me. I loved the sweetness and ease of the story. I loved that while there was some drama, it was light for the most part. What you get is a fun and entertaining story with lovable characters that will make you smile and swoon. I loved that the characters were willing to follow their own hearts and fight for what they wanted. And in the end the story will have you believing in Happily Ever Afters and the knowledge that fairy-tales can come true.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via InkSlinger PR, in exchange for an honest review*
When Heather Lyons writes stories, I usually want to crawl my way to a corner and rock back and forth before ever even touching the book. The cover glares at me on my Kindle whispering, "Read Me" over and over again, until I pick it up and start rocking for an entirely different reason.
I am not the type to want angst in my stories, I know they are necessary, but I don't go and seek out these monsters on my own. Heather is the only author I continually make an exception for. Her books are like drugs that pollute my mind with whimsical creations that will leave me breathless and senseless.
Royal Marriage Market threw a wrench in this whole thing. While reading, I kept waiting for the angst to make me crawl into a hidey hole, not wanting to continue because I can't take it. What I got, was a romance straight out of a fairy tale with the only magic being the act of true love itself.
Elsa and Chris were sort of regular people with complicated lives, but that didn't stop them from causing anarchy amongst the most barbaric display of power among the royals. They pushed away the idea of everything they hated about the market and found themselves in a companionship neither of them saw coming.
I cheered for them from the very beginning. I wanted to cause harm to the people who didn't want the same thing I wanted. I got the drama, but not to the extent I was preparing myself for, which was a relief, a smooth balm on my damaged soul caused by Heather herself haha.
I really loved the secondary characters, they gave more depth to the story, and made things more complicated, but also added to the love. I am still holding out hope Lady Autumn runs away with Lukas in a total scandalized, gossip-worthy affair!
I can dream can't I???
And can we take a moment to talk about the sexy, swoon, OMG did I just get pregnant reading this??, scenes! There were so many almost moments leading up to the big sha-bam, I thought my lust was going to explode right out of my vagina! So very good!!
Heather can create worlds, destroy lives, and also give us a romance so enriched in plot and detail, it grabs your attention and leaves you a swoony mess by the end. She wears many hats and I am so glad I get to experience the depth in which she wants to share her worlds through her written words.
I may have PTSD from her stories, but I am so glad I pull up my big girl panties to read her books. I just wish I would have stopped and read this one sooner, so I could have been introduced to Elsa and Chris a long time ago...
I give Elsa and Chris 4.5 "True Love does exist" Stars
Wow, this book was so much more than I expected! Royal Marriage Market has it all- love, lust, passion, deceit, twists and turns, and unexpected detours.
The “meetings” that occur once every decade informally known as the Royal Marriage Market are where marriages are arranged for power and money, not love. Although Chris and Elsa are from small neighboring Scandinavian countries, they have never met but they share the same sentiments about the archaic practice: try to make it out unscathed and unattached! Their younger siblings are dragged along as prized showpieces and bargaining chips as well with all of them at the mercy of scheming parents with hidden agendas.
When they meet for the first time, Elsa is riled after a confrontation with her younger sister and literally runs into Christian in the hall. Before he can even introduce himself, she tears a strip off him verbally and leaves him gaping in the hallway as she flees. Although he is stunned, he admires her spirit and her sense of humor will soon win him over as well. For his part, Chris is done being Prince Perfect and longs to let loose for a little while. After calling a truce, they agree to spend their nights having a little fun and experiencing the little things that others take for granted but that they can never do.
The emotions were vivid as Chris and Elsa fall in love only to realize that everyone and everything is conspiring to keep them apart. Christian’s mother is a beastly power and money hungry hag who could care less about anyone’s happiness aside from her own. Elsa’s father has an ulterior motive that she could never have anticipated, and their arranged pairings are nothing short of painful for either of them – not to mention that heirs to the throne are not allowed to marry each other. Can they find a way to be together, or will tradition and public expectations win out in the end?
I really enjoyed this book! Ms. Lyons writes a colorful and well developed story that continued to surprise me time and again with the secrets that were exposed along the way. Chris and Elsa were a joy to read about and I couldn’t help falling in love with them too. Lukas, Chris’s younger brother, was a colorful character who I wouldn’t mind reading about in the future; he starts off as a carefree party boy as the spare to the heir, but he visibly matures as he helps his brother out and assumes more responsibility. Although his future may seem to be set, it felt as though there was still some unfinished business for all the characters when the story ended and I am hopeful to see more of them down the road. Royal Marriage Market is a standalone so get your 1-click on and prepare to enjoy the ride!
So if you have ever read my reviews, it is no secret that I can easily be swayed by an intriguing cover or blurb. I have always had a soft spot for princess stories and glitter - and look we have both right here! You have marriage in gold glitter in the title and a soft romantic, dreamy scene on the cover *sigh*. When I saw the cover, it just made me remember all of those times I used to play dress up and put on my sparkly tiara and want to be a princess. When things seemed simpler. But that was the romanticized version of royal life. The putting on the pretty tiara and twirling around version. And as we see here in Heather Lyons' Royal Marriage Market, while I was twirling around dreaming of being a princess, the royals may have been doing just the opposite, and wishing to be just an average person...
We find out that every 10 years there is essentially a big old meat market amongst the royals to hook them up and sell them off... or I mean of course it comes off much classier amongst the royals. And much more traditional and dignified. So let's try this again. "Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues—and arrange marriages between kingdoms." There is just one little problem, or make that two. Wait maybe that is three or four.. hmmmm. Well you see some of these heirs aren't so thrilled with these antiquated traditions. They have witnessed their parents loveless marriages and are not looking forward to repeating those same mistakes. They want to marry for love and NOT because their parents are looking for an advantageous alliance. Theses heirs may have their country's best interests at heart - but NOT when it comes to their own hearts!
Royal marriage market centers on Elsa, Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia and Christian, Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland. Both have decided they have no interest in having a match found for them here. And trust me Elsa let's Christian know this from the get go! But that one crash meeting leads them where nether of them ever intended. What will win out? Heart or crown? Tradition or love? Monarchs or heirs?
Royal Marriage Market completely enchanted me. It was a charming story that was full of romance and humor with dashes of drama thrown in as well. The characters are all well written and you can't help but get attached to them and root for them to find their happily ever after. I actually hope to see some of the side cast get their own stories in the future (HINT HINT!!)
I definitely recommend this book. It was a fun read that I easily lost myself in!
I received a complimentary copy of Royal Marriage Market in exchange for my honest review.
Elsa is a princess that does not like that she has five names that she must go by, and if she is anything like the rest of us, if all her names are used is she in trouble? What does her father's right hand, or is that left hand man hand to Elsa? This meeting in California that Elsa is expected to attend, with her father and younger sister is not something she wants to go to. Elsa is from a country/island called Vattenguldia. Christian, his father, and possibly his brother Lukas are going to California as well for the same meeting. They are from a place called Aiboland. Christian is the Hereditary Heir to the throne for his country. Elsa is the Hereditary heir for her country. Her younger sister Isabella is with her. Lukas, Christian's younger brother is with him. Mat and his sister are there. What a wonderfully convoluted thing that happens at the MC's RMM over the week all the monarchs and their heirs are hiding out at this location in California. Does anyone find out they're there? What sorts of things do the Heirs and Spares get up to while they are there? When specific matches are made, people are none too happy about it. What happens when Heirs go into sleuthing to find out why specific things are taking place? Oh, what a tangled web is weaved when they practice to deceive. I don't mean the Heirs. Though through a great twist of fate, they take their fates into their own hands and try to right what has been done wrong. Can they succeed? Can things work out for everyone involved? What things are going on in the background that we don't know about while we're fuming with them over the tragedies of injustice that the Heirs are enduring? Read this book and find out. I thoroughly loved it and if I could give it higher than 5 stars, I would in a heart beat.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
I love fairy tales. Contemporary one became my favorite. May throw the first stone who didn't watch on TV any Royalty wedding, like Princess Diana or William and Kate ...
Anyway, Elsa is a modern princess. She is the heiress of Vattenguldia throne, is gratuated in Oxford, speaks five languages ... and she wants to marry only for love. But there is a Summit, very secret one in Royalty, in which dictates that if you are an heir(ess) with more than 25 years old still single, you will be a kind of political bargaining chip. That is, your parents can make you marry for convenience. Elsa and her sister, Isabelle, didn't want it, but they are not to be heard.
In another kingdom not far away, Christian and Lukas, siblings, live the same dilemma. Their mother, the Grand Duchess, is a despot. Even managed to break her husband's spirit. Christian is gorgeous, very well educated and, despite being required to attend the Summit, he will do anything to repudiate any candidate for marriage. Until he and Elsa bump. Until, without knowing how, hear the harps of cupids. But as each one is a heir to a throne they can not marry to each other ... and married is what they want most!!
I just LOVED the story. I could not put the book down until finish it. The characters captivate, the narrative is very good; the pace is perfect, it is not hot, it's sexy and romantic story, just like a fairy tale should be.
The story is about Elsa and Christian who are both princess and prince of their own respectable countries. Every 10 years the royal council has a get together to not only discuss business between the countries but it also a the host of the Royal Marriage Market (RMM) where princesses and princes are set up with each for an arranged marriage. Elsa and Christian can't the linked because they are next in line to the thrones however during the RMM they spend time together and develop a friendship and when feelings grow they have to figure out how to be together.
It took me a while to get in to this one and I think it was the style it was written in. There was a very aristocratic feel to the writing but once Elsa and Christian got to meeting each other I was hooked into the story. I think it was because of the slight forbidden romance aspect. It was told from duel POV which was great to get into their heads. I really liked both characters, it took me a while to warm to Elsa as she was so uptight in the beginning but once she begun to let go with Christian I warmed to her.
Overall a great story with a fairy tale feel.
* I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Royal Marriage Market, also knows as RMM was so hilarious. I was reading it on vacation and it totally cracked me up. Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues, but what really happens is that they talk and talk and do nothing, which annoys Elsa, her royal Highness, the Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia. She is stubborn and a modern woman, she wants absolutely nothing to do with it. For God sake's , we are in 2016 not the 1800s. Why can't she find her own husband? But no, the heirs have no say in the matter; it's a meat market and they are sold to the highest bidder. Christian is the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, and he is literally told what to do by his Mother, who rules the kingdom. There are rules and regulations that princes and princesses are not a match. As soon as Christian literally bumps into Elsa, they bicker and banter through the whole book. They are falling in love even though they are both being matched with others. Heather Lyons writes the most entertaining books out there and this one took the cake; the wedding cake.
Elsa and Christian are both single and in the right age to be married. As hereditary heirs of own countries they must attend the Royal Marriage Market to meet their soon to be partner.
Both heirs does not to be in an unwanted relationship but does not have a choice but to go through the summit as both of them are dedicated to their countries.
As Christian and Elsa gets to know each other and started a ritual to have their firsts (experience) at 3 AM which led them to fall in love with each other. As both hereditary heirs, they can’t be with each other.
The story is told in a dual POV which lets you have an idea on what each of the character’s going through. It’s a little slow-paced but the story is interesting enough for me to finish it. I like both Elsa and Christian they both have interesting characters. The plot is also different to other Royal Romance story. I enjoyed the story it is well written,
I quite enjoyed this book. It was cute, fun, romantic, well written, and I honestly enjoyed every minute of this book. This story was a very Romeo and Juliet story. Two star cross lovers, forced to lead a path to marriage their parents want, but with a very fun an modern twist.
Elsa and Christians story is so stinking cute. From the first time they bumped into each other I was hooked. I loved the chemistry and the way the author wrote the love story. It had me SWOONING left and right. I mean it is every girls dream to find Prince Charming right? I also really enjoyed how both characters even though going against their chosen path were both smart, wise, and really good heart-ed characters. Very enjoyable, likable characters!
This book is definitely a lighter read, it had angst and heart pulling but it was simply a great read, with a little something different. I would highly recommend that you pick this one up! Great Story!