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Cincamarre series #1
The Queen's Game
There are only two reasons why Nina would come back home to Cincamarre--one, if Auntie Delia promises to stop butting into her business, two, if her father died and she was made to ascend the throne to be queen.
Unfortunately for her, it was the second thing that brought her home.
As a princess who's sunk a yacht and been caught kissing popstars, it's easy for her aunt, the regent, to think she's ill prepared for the throne. But Nina doesn't think that having to fake date Felipe, the handsome, squeaky clean Prince of Concordia was the best solution for that.
Nina's ready to learn the ropes of her new role and make it hers, and reconnecting with Felipe only makes her want to be a better queen. But is the monarchy ready for Queen Nina?
Unfortunately for her, it was the second thing that brought her home.
As a princess who's sunk a yacht and been caught kissing popstars, it's easy for her aunt, the regent, to think she's ill prepared for the throne. But Nina doesn't think that having to fake date Felipe, the handsome, squeaky clean Prince of Concordia was the best solution for that.
Nina's ready to learn the ropes of her new role and make it hers, and reconnecting with Felipe only makes her want to be a better queen. But is the monarchy ready for Queen Nina?
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2017
About the author
Carla de Guzman
27 books180 followersAuthor, occasional illustrator, full-time traveler.
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May 16, 2018A very sweet modern-fairytale romance, in which the wild-child crown princess of a small island nation must come back home when her father dies, and finds herself forced into a fake relationship with the garden-loving prince of the island next door. Warm, fluffy fun with a spiky heroine demanding her right to be a modern woman even when forced into a traditional role, and a cinnamon roll prince who supports her all the way.
January 4, 2018
THIS WAS SO CUTE also I want more books with soft boys
July 27, 2017
When I first found out about this book, I screamed. I screamed because I love this trope and I think we should have more of it in the romance genre. And I don't mean more white European-based royals in books, but POC as main characters, with different cultures and in different countries! I'm happy to say that The Queen's Game has Filipino characters and both of them are royals.
This book was a beautiful thing to read. Since the very beginning, Carla de Guzman enchanted me with her writing and her flower-y metas that she uses for some stuff. Felipe is a prince but he is also a farm boy, he loves plants and flowers and that's why we get lots of flower-y things.
One other thing I absolutely loved were the characters, Nina and Felipe. You know me and how much I love fake dating and yup, this book has it. It also has childhood friends so x2 feels! They really do have such a sweet and soft relationship, they get along so well so it's rather easy to get into the fake relationship and soon enough we see feelings developing.
I love that it's a story about a scandalous princess (soon to be queen!) and a quiet prince from the neighbor country. I love that Nina holds a higher rank than Felipe, because as you know, if you read lots of romances, is that most of the time the hero holds the power and it's always some sort of Cinderella story. You're gonna love all the moments they have together (he writes her letters!! he doesn't have a cellphone *I'm screaming*) This story is so grounded and earth-y, I guess?, and so much fun to read!
This book was a beautiful thing to read. Since the very beginning, Carla de Guzman enchanted me with her writing and her flower-y metas that she uses for some stuff. Felipe is a prince but he is also a farm boy, he loves plants and flowers and that's why we get lots of flower-y things.
One other thing I absolutely loved were the characters, Nina and Felipe. You know me and how much I love fake dating and yup, this book has it. It also has childhood friends so x2 feels! They really do have such a sweet and soft relationship, they get along so well so it's rather easy to get into the fake relationship and soon enough we see feelings developing.
I love that it's a story about a scandalous princess (soon to be queen!) and a quiet prince from the neighbor country. I love that Nina holds a higher rank than Felipe, because as you know, if you read lots of romances, is that most of the time the hero holds the power and it's always some sort of Cinderella story. You're gonna love all the moments they have together (he writes her letters!! he doesn't have a cellphone *I'm screaming*) This story is so grounded and earth-y, I guess?, and so much fun to read!
October 1, 2020
I had been expecting an enthralling modern fairytale romance with heavy political themes (I mean, this is set in a fictional monarchy with Filipino characters as royalty), but this novella gives more attention to the public relations side of being a public figure instead of the actual governing side of the equation. Which is still interesting but it definitely threw me off a little.
Plus, Nina was PR disaster personified, and while I admired her bravery and headstrong personality, I just didn't love her character as much as I would have liked to. The chemistry she has with Prince Felipe is undeniable, though!
I liked this, but compared to Carla de Guzman's latest books, it's obvious that this book is one of the first books she's ever published. The writing is a little abrupt and rushed in some places, the character development isn't as precise, and the ending leaves a lot to be desired. Nonetheless, I loved the premise of a fake dating trope between two Filipino royals, and ultimately, Prince Felipe is a buttery cinnamon roll I will adore for the rest of my life.
Plus, Nina was PR disaster personified, and while I admired her bravery and headstrong personality, I just didn't love her character as much as I would have liked to. The chemistry she has with Prince Felipe is undeniable, though!
I liked this, but compared to Carla de Guzman's latest books, it's obvious that this book is one of the first books she's ever published. The writing is a little abrupt and rushed in some places, the character development isn't as precise, and the ending leaves a lot to be desired. Nonetheless, I loved the premise of a fake dating trope between two Filipino royals, and ultimately, Prince Felipe is a buttery cinnamon roll I will adore for the rest of my life.
September 27, 2018
The Queen’s Game is what I needed to read. It was short and fiercely meaningful. Can I add sweet too? Is that okay fierce and sweet? Okay, let me explain…
The characters playing out from The Queen’s Game is a dauntless princess, Nina. She has been named in news as royalty that has been in numerous scandals.
As our fierce princess one said:
I was choking I love Nina. She’s a strong headed woman. She has been wanting to prove herself worthy of all Cincamarre. Her development was subtle but outrageously beaming at the same time. As we get to know her more, I fell deeply with too. She embraces her determination, to prove worthy of the title. She embraces her sexuality, which is what we all need. I adore her. There is no other way to define her best but unapologetically herself.
And we have Felipe, a prince from a neighboring kingdom of Cincamarre, Concordia. He is exceptionally a great farmer and a, oh, boy a soft and sweet, sweet lover.
The fake dating, I love this trope. I am a huge fan and will never ever get tired of it. It usually is hard to pull off because some authors using this trope came out as abusive not always just look out, but this one I guarantee healthy not ethically but relationship-wise. Oh, to make it even daunting the childhood friend trope is present too. And now is the time I’ll be dropping dead*
It can be hard to pull such tropes but I love it. The deal about fake dating reflects the political system of the reigning monarch’s exchange of pineapples resulting in employment and other alike. The childhood trope, it’s fairly inevitable, Nina and Felipe are both royalties.
The romance blooming happening got me invested more than I healthily should. There were small details about their “fake” dating that had me reading much more between the lines. And laughing out to some scenes. It was represented with such serenity. Up to the last scene where I almost tear up-fine, I did tear up. My heart’s state was going liquid from its squishy beating state. I couldn’t help it I said I was invested than I really should have.
And did I mention that this is set in a fictionalized kingdom in the Philippines? well-ish, YES! And I love just thinking about it and reading it had me melting! I was ready for my mind to explode.
How this the world pans out, it’s certainly new to me. I feel much much more included as it is nearest most in my heart and physically it’s right where I am living. It so much easier to visualize. I applaud it so much, maybe we get to see it another? Hehehe
And we are graced by our favorite breakfast food too, pan de sal, and unfortunately, even in this fantasy, we do have that tragedic Philippine traffic. (Which, of course, is a cool touch in the novella.)
The characters playing out from The Queen’s Game is a dauntless princess, Nina. She has been named in news as royalty that has been in numerous scandals.
As our fierce princess one said:
“Pussy red”
I was choking I love Nina. She’s a strong headed woman. She has been wanting to prove herself worthy of all Cincamarre. Her development was subtle but outrageously beaming at the same time. As we get to know her more, I fell deeply with too. She embraces her determination, to prove worthy of the title. She embraces her sexuality, which is what we all need. I adore her. There is no other way to define her best but unapologetically herself.
And we have Felipe, a prince from a neighboring kingdom of Cincamarre, Concordia. He is exceptionally a great farmer and a, oh, boy a soft and sweet, sweet lover.
“handwritten love letters are not corny. They will never be.”
The fake dating, I love this trope. I am a huge fan and will never ever get tired of it. It usually is hard to pull off because some authors using this trope came out as abusive not always just look out, but this one I guarantee healthy not ethically but relationship-wise. Oh, to make it even daunting the childhood friend trope is present too. And now is the time I’ll be dropping dead*
It can be hard to pull such tropes but I love it. The deal about fake dating reflects the political system of the reigning monarch’s exchange of pineapples resulting in employment and other alike. The childhood trope, it’s fairly inevitable, Nina and Felipe are both royalties.
The romance blooming happening got me invested more than I healthily should. There were small details about their “fake” dating that had me reading much more between the lines. And laughing out to some scenes. It was represented with such serenity. Up to the last scene where I almost tear up-fine, I did tear up. My heart’s state was going liquid from its squishy beating state. I couldn’t help it I said I was invested than I really should have.
And did I mention that this is set in a fictionalized kingdom in the Philippines? well-ish, YES! And I love just thinking about it and reading it had me melting! I was ready for my mind to explode.
How this the world pans out, it’s certainly new to me. I feel much much more included as it is nearest most in my heart and physically it’s right where I am living. It so much easier to visualize. I applaud it so much, maybe we get to see it another? Hehehe
And we are graced by our favorite breakfast food too, pan de sal, and unfortunately, even in this fantasy, we do have that tragedic Philippine traffic. (Which, of course, is a cool touch in the novella.)
August 7, 2018
→ filipinx royal romance!!
→ fake relationship between a prince and a crown princess
→ soft hero who loves farming!!
→ childhood friends
→ SUPER adorable
→ fake relationship between a prince and a crown princess
→ soft hero who loves farming!!
→ childhood friends
→ SUPER adorable
July 27, 2019
Compelling royal romance novella, if only because is the first time (in my memory) I've read about someone preparing to be queen. Yes, she's a princess for the majority of the book but that's a technicality due to the person acting as regent until Nina is ready to take the throne. Or at least, until she's proven she's overcome her scandalous reputation. Nina and Felipe do a great job of navigating the politics of their respective countries while undertaking a fake relationship that becomes something more. This felt rush and abrupt in places, likely do to the short form. But it was an enjoyable read and a must if you're looking for royal romance centered around POC or cinnamon roll heroes.
CW: death of a parent, grief
CW: death of a parent, grief
August 8, 2017
The Queen's Game was such a quick read that if I haven't had any other commitments, I would've finished it in one sitting. I really loved the premise of the story, Filipino Royalties plus fake dating. It sounds like the perfect disaster romance I would love. Note that the disaster in the context is the whole fake-dating-do-not-fall-in-love-with-me trope, which I really love because it's a real treat to see the characters flirt with each other while trying hard not to fall, but still they end up falling for each other. And in this case, they did fall for each other... hard.
It's my first time to read a book that features Filipino royalty. Monarchy isn't a thing here but I'm sure there's a lot of us that are fascinated with royal families. Nina, the main character, sort of reminded me of Princess Mia from The Princess Diaries. She's rebellious and there were a lot of scandals surrounding her but she proved herself to be a great ruler, which I think Nina will grow to be one. Felipe was just too adorable, I loved the chapters in his POV because it showed a lot about him. I really can't explain much because I'm afraid it might get too spoilery, all I can say is that Nina and Felipe had the perfect chemistry. Albeit seeing the polarities in Nina and Felipe, I wish I saw more depth in terms of their personalities, and the others included. Then again, the length of the novel was shorter than I expected.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, especially to readers who want to see how monarchy mixes with our culture. Carla De Guzman's writing style keeps getting better and this book is one you'll never want to miss!
It's my first time to read a book that features Filipino royalty. Monarchy isn't a thing here but I'm sure there's a lot of us that are fascinated with royal families. Nina, the main character, sort of reminded me of Princess Mia from The Princess Diaries. She's rebellious and there were a lot of scandals surrounding her but she proved herself to be a great ruler, which I think Nina will grow to be one. Felipe was just too adorable, I loved the chapters in his POV because it showed a lot about him. I really can't explain much because I'm afraid it might get too spoilery, all I can say is that Nina and Felipe had the perfect chemistry. Albeit seeing the polarities in Nina and Felipe, I wish I saw more depth in terms of their personalities, and the others included. Then again, the length of the novel was shorter than I expected.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, especially to readers who want to see how monarchy mixes with our culture. Carla De Guzman's writing style keeps getting better and this book is one you'll never want to miss!
March 7, 2018
Originall posted as a bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf5zQyYlJfK/
The Queen's Game by Carla de Guzman is a #romanceclass title set in the fictional kingdoms of Cincamarre and Concordia, located north of the Philippines. They're based on Batanes, a province that has long been in my list of aspirational travel destinations. I hear it's gorgeous, and the descriptions in this book strengthens that knowledge.
I can't say that I'm a big royal romance reader but I was fascinated by the idea that hey, we can have one set here! This was such a fun and cute romance with a feisty heroine and a soft boy of a hero. I wanted it to be longer, probably because the fantasy reader in me wants Cincamarre and Concordia to be explored further. But I'd be happy to read companion novels set in the same world. Please write more, Carla! If she releases more titles, you first heard the request here. Recommended for readers of royal romance, especially the ones who have loved A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole (*whispers* Alyssa herself recommends this title).
The Queen's Game by Carla de Guzman is a #romanceclass title set in the fictional kingdoms of Cincamarre and Concordia, located north of the Philippines. They're based on Batanes, a province that has long been in my list of aspirational travel destinations. I hear it's gorgeous, and the descriptions in this book strengthens that knowledge.
I can't say that I'm a big royal romance reader but I was fascinated by the idea that hey, we can have one set here! This was such a fun and cute romance with a feisty heroine and a soft boy of a hero. I wanted it to be longer, probably because the fantasy reader in me wants Cincamarre and Concordia to be explored further. But I'd be happy to read companion novels set in the same world. Please write more, Carla! If she releases more titles, you first heard the request here. Recommended for readers of royal romance, especially the ones who have loved A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole (*whispers* Alyssa herself recommends this title).
September 10, 2017
2.5 ☆
i was rly excited abt this bc a royal arranged marriage?? set in a fictional countries next to the philippines??? sounded like a book of my dreams!!
but it was so dreadful.
the writing is just weak. there's way too much telling over showing, it's doing that thing i hate where a chapter is told from person a's pov & suddenly gives us inside on person b's feelings, the characters - maybe apart from the main two but not really - r more like one-dimensional caricatures than anything else.
and the fake dating i was looking forward to??? they started having sex just a few weeks into the thing & umm.... that's so not the point of this trope? where was the angst???
i was rly excited abt this bc a royal arranged marriage?? set in a fictional countries next to the philippines??? sounded like a book of my dreams!!
but it was so dreadful.
the writing is just weak. there's way too much telling over showing, it's doing that thing i hate where a chapter is told from person a's pov & suddenly gives us inside on person b's feelings, the characters - maybe apart from the main two but not really - r more like one-dimensional caricatures than anything else.
and the fake dating i was looking forward to??? they started having sex just a few weeks into the thing & umm.... that's so not the point of this trope? where was the angst???
March 15, 2018
Fake-dating? A prince who's soft on plants and justice ? Princess with a scheming Regent who wants to take her crown?
This book had all the good points to make me love it. Felipe and Nina form this couple that you cannot for one minute resist. They have chemistry and they banter like the childhood friends (or more like two royals who were forced into play-dates together) do. I liked how they had an established relationship but they also reintroduced themselves to one another. I like that Nina's vibrant self was never toned down and Felipe's kindness is the base of his making. I love that they schemed together.
Content warning: death of a father (off page)
This book had all the good points to make me love it. Felipe and Nina form this couple that you cannot for one minute resist. They have chemistry and they banter like the childhood friends (or more like two royals who were forced into play-dates together) do. I liked how they had an established relationship but they also reintroduced themselves to one another. I like that Nina's vibrant self was never toned down and Felipe's kindness is the base of his making. I love that they schemed together.
Content warning: death of a father (off page)
October 2, 2017
This book was delightful! A contemporary royal romance with Filipino characters - YES please! The setting is rich and beautiful, characters are fun, romance is swoony, and the story is amazing. Pick this one up! <3
February 28, 2022
love my plant daddy and his sunflower garden
July 8, 2019
Nice, fluffy royal romance set in two imaginary kingdoms
The Queen's Game is just wonderful - a spoiled heiress who has become a world famous celebrity is on her path to take the throne without losing herself. Childhood friends to lovers, great hero - supporting and caring and encouraging, giving the heroine the freedom and the back-up/sense of security she needs. Things start with a fake relationships which quickly becomes real. He is a prince himself but was never intimated by her position, I loved how much he respected her and how proud he was of her achievement.
The plot involved some court intrigue and backstabbing and was full of details of the everyday life/economy of the imaginary kingdom all of which made the story very relatable and real.
The Queen's Game is just wonderful - a spoiled heiress who has become a world famous celebrity is on her path to take the throne without losing herself. Childhood friends to lovers, great hero - supporting and caring and encouraging, giving the heroine the freedom and the back-up/sense of security she needs. Things start with a fake relationships which quickly becomes real. He is a prince himself but was never intimated by her position, I loved how much he respected her and how proud he was of her achievement.
The plot involved some court intrigue and backstabbing and was full of details of the everyday life/economy of the imaginary kingdom all of which made the story very relatable and real.
August 1, 2017
"A prodigal daughter comes home to claim her crown, and along the way, she finds second chances at life and in love—this is The Queen’s Game by Carla de Guzman. It’s brave, creative and original. One of my favorite reads this year." Continue reading our review here.
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Please note: We don't use ratings but for this purpose, we tag books with three stars by default.
Would like to be a reviewer/contributor to Bookbed? Sign up here!
We also accept review requests. More info here.
August 8, 2018
A good taste but left wanting more
I loved that Nina was unbothered by royal expectations and demands. A princess turned queen on the cusp of grasping what happens when life throws a curveball. Antagonism with Delia...works. The shift from old and new guard. How a woman may be destined for a duty but she doesn't need to bow. The romance slightly suffered because I needed more showing, not telling. I wanted to see Felipe in his farming element. A look into his life with a dowager princess. I just wanted more because I appreciated the empathy and understanding they had of each other. Really worked well.
I loved that Nina was unbothered by royal expectations and demands. A princess turned queen on the cusp of grasping what happens when life throws a curveball. Antagonism with Delia...works. The shift from old and new guard. How a woman may be destined for a duty but she doesn't need to bow. The romance slightly suffered because I needed more showing, not telling. I wanted to see Felipe in his farming element. A look into his life with a dowager princess. I just wanted more because I appreciated the empathy and understanding they had of each other. Really worked well.
August 23, 2017
Royal romance is wildly fascinating, more so when it’s something that’s happening right now. And that’s what Carla de Guzman‘s new book, The Queen’s Game, is all about—a contemporary royal romance set in one of the most beautiful Philippine provinces, and contrary to what the title proposes, this does not play around.
Read the rest of my review on Bookbed.
Read the rest of my review on Bookbed.
July 28, 2017
Carla de Guzman does an excellent job of creating a fun, quick story and I cannot wait for more from her! Check out the full review on my blog!
July 28, 2018
3.5 stars
Both the book and the cover are so Insanely cute that I have no words.
Both the book and the cover are so Insanely cute that I have no words.
June 13, 2020
Y’ALL! This is my first ever #romanceclass and adult read, and I am so glad to have started with The Queen’s Game. Since I normally only read young adult and middle grade books, this one felt a bit weird to read. Granted, this is a book intended for adult, a different audience, but nevertheless, I still thoroughly enjoyed this!
When I first read the synopsis, I was immediately sold. The fact that this was on sale on Kindle when I bought it was an added bonus! Royalty is one of my weaknesses when it comes to tropes and this one was incorporated with Philippine culture, and I AM SCREAMING!!! I loved seeing glimpses of our culture in the otherwise fantasy land of Cincamarre. It really warms my heart.
Aside from having a gorgeous name, Saturnina Inez Mercado, our main character, is a kick-ass woman that does not take shit from others when it comes to her life. She has her own distinct personality! Also, being born as the king’s daughter and the next in line for the throne really puts a lot of expectations on her. I admire Nina for being her own person and not conceding to the norms set by her aunt and the title she holds. And Felipe, her love interest, is such a—and I cannot stress this enough—precious human being! Despite Nina’s horrid reputation, Felipe still believes that she can do wonders for her nation on her own. He has been a constant pillar of support for her and that is the energy I’m looking for in a relationship. Not to mention his swoon-worthy letters to Nina! *faints*
However, this book was too fast-paced for my liking. With only 165 pages, this one really was a whirlwind and I would have loved it if I got to spend more time with Nina and Felipe. Regardless, the romance here is just so sweet and got me smiling so much!
I feel so delighted to have supported, read and loved a book by a Filipino author. I highly recommend you read this one! I can feel that this is the beginning of my #romanceclass addiction.
When I first read the synopsis, I was immediately sold. The fact that this was on sale on Kindle when I bought it was an added bonus! Royalty is one of my weaknesses when it comes to tropes and this one was incorporated with Philippine culture, and I AM SCREAMING!!! I loved seeing glimpses of our culture in the otherwise fantasy land of Cincamarre. It really warms my heart.
Aside from having a gorgeous name, Saturnina Inez Mercado, our main character, is a kick-ass woman that does not take shit from others when it comes to her life. She has her own distinct personality! Also, being born as the king’s daughter and the next in line for the throne really puts a lot of expectations on her. I admire Nina for being her own person and not conceding to the norms set by her aunt and the title she holds. And Felipe, her love interest, is such a—and I cannot stress this enough—precious human being! Despite Nina’s horrid reputation, Felipe still believes that she can do wonders for her nation on her own. He has been a constant pillar of support for her and that is the energy I’m looking for in a relationship. Not to mention his swoon-worthy letters to Nina! *faints*
However, this book was too fast-paced for my liking. With only 165 pages, this one really was a whirlwind and I would have loved it if I got to spend more time with Nina and Felipe. Regardless, the romance here is just so sweet and got me smiling so much!
I feel so delighted to have supported, read and loved a book by a Filipino author. I highly recommend you read this one! I can feel that this is the beginning of my #romanceclass addiction.
December 19, 2019
I love the very idea of this Cincamarre series: it is set on a small island just north of the Philippines that managed to wrest its independence from Spain in 1898 yet not be colonized by America (or anyone else) in the process. This is a "what-if" scenario I thoroughly enjoyed, even if I am not a huge fan of royals as heroes and heroines. I did appreciate that BOTH Nina and Felipe are royals, and also loved that Nina was the one who had more misgivings about her inherited role. (I wish I could say more about this, but I don't want to give too much away. Let me just say that her growth arc culminates in a pretty kick-ass way! In fact, my biggest wish list item for this book is that I would have liked more development of the denouement.) Guzman weaves significant topics of succession, trade agreements, and protocol into the plot—and all of these things are my jam. Frankly, if any country could have heads of state as thoughtful as either of these two, we'd be in much better shape. I can't wait to read the next in the series, Stealing Luna. Also, these covers are *heart eyes*!
May 13, 2020
Achei o envolvimento da Nina e do Felipe tão apressado, o ritmo tava bem legal e depois foi tudo tão abrupto. E não teve nada de faking date na verdade né, porém gostei mesmo assim pq os dois eram personagens legais. Se bem que tudo foi meio corrido no livro, mas talvez tenha sido pq ele é curtinho. Mas ele consegue divertir.
Felipe um dos melhores mocinhos que eu li em tempos??? ANJO. Candidato ao crush literário do ano, sem concorrência até aqui. Me lembrou muito do Kai de the lunar chronicles e foi impossível não gostar dele de primeira. O livro ganhou uma estrelinha a mais por causa dele kkkk.
Felipe um dos melhores mocinhos que eu li em tempos??? ANJO. Candidato ao crush literário do ano, sem concorrência até aqui. Me lembrou muito do Kai de the lunar chronicles e foi impossível não gostar dele de primeira. O livro ganhou uma estrelinha a mais por causa dele kkkk.
June 22, 2025
Another novella to boost my 2025 numbers!
This one was on Kobo plus and was cute! Reluctant princess with a childhood friend fake dating scenario. I appreciated the royalty aspect!
Tropes: reluctant leader, royalty, childhood friends to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity
Silver’s Spice: 🌶️
This one was on Kobo plus and was cute! Reluctant princess with a childhood friend fake dating scenario. I appreciated the royalty aspect!
Tropes: reluctant leader, royalty, childhood friends to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity
Silver’s Spice: 🌶️
August 2, 2020
I’m always here for intimate details of filipino culture intertwined in romance storylines. We love to see ourselves in it!
Read
July 26, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Grief & loss depiction
Death of a parent
Grief & loss depiction
Death of a parent
January 2, 2022
Short stories don't necessarily need to feel short. In this case, everything felt 4ushed and stunted the story.
January 9, 2022
Loved the culture and world building. The relationship between Felipe and Nina was sweet and snarky
May 14, 2022
It was a short book however it was boring and nothing special about it.
July 27, 2017
The Queen’s Game is a story that I didn’t know that I needed.
Lurking around on Twitter certainly has its perks and one of ’em is being able to spot upcoming releases that are up for reviews. That’s how I ended up with The Queen’s Game. Once I saw the ARC request link on my timeline, I clicked on it and immediately became so enamored with its premise. I want it. So without a shadow of doubt, I jumped into the opportunity of reading and reviewing it before its publication date. Just read that synopsis, I don’t know how you can say no that.
Filipino Royals, fake dating, childhood friends to lovers, badass and refreshing Princess – this book has it all.
The main reason why I got so curious with The Queen’s Game is because it’s a royal contemporary story. Even better because it follows the story of Filipino Royals. Is it the first book that attempted to do this concept? If not, I probably need to find it. In just a few chapters, Carla de Guzman was able to lay out a great and believable world building and transported me to Cincamarre. I’ve always been fascinated with Kings and Queens and with this book it allowed me to imagine even more on how things could possibly go if we have a monarchy system here in our country. I think it’ll be cool and fun. But let’s just not involve the leaders we have in our country today…Oops.
I’ll definitely opt to have someone like Nina to lead our country. For sure. Nina is a breath of fresh air. She’s young (pro: it’ll be easy for her to keep up with the millennials) yet capable. Her past ways may have caused trouble for her reputation but I admire her for owning up to it. But most importantly she knows when to take things seriously. Even though her principles and methods are completely different from the ones in power are accustomed to follow through. She smashes through the glass case that we usually place and identify a princess character. It makes her standout. Anticipate for the things that she’ll do because it’s highly entertaining.
Prince of Concordia, Felipe, I love. Felipe’s one quirky and swoon-y character. I won’t describe him fully because I want you to be surprised. Just like how he surprised me. But he’s the other half of the fake dating stint and what makes it more interesting is that they’re childhood friends. Okay, my feels weren’t prepared for that when I started reading this and so when I learned about it – well, it just sent me straight into book heaven. The Queen’s Game just combined two of the tropes that get me so weak but despite that, it wasn’t overdone. I love that. The romance was there (sweet and hot, at times) but the main spotlight remains towards Nina’s character development and the road to be the Queen of Cincamarre. Felipe and their relationship became one of Nina’s anchor.
The only thing that I’m not a huge fan of is its transition. I mean, it is smooth and you can easily follow through the story. You won’t be confused at all. But this is just the side of me who “wants more fillers in between the periods of time that the scope of this book went through” speaking. It skipped some months. I want more accounts of Felipe and Nina’s childhood or of them dating. I want more of Tito Ernie because I’m so curious about him. He got several laughs out of me but I can feel that there’s more to him than his carefree self. I want more stories from this world. (LOL!)
If it’s still not obvious…yes, I enjoyed The Queen’s Game a lot and would highly recommend for you to check it out once it goes live on Amazon. It’s a royal contemporary story that you can easily breeze through.
Lurking around on Twitter certainly has its perks and one of ’em is being able to spot upcoming releases that are up for reviews. That’s how I ended up with The Queen’s Game. Once I saw the ARC request link on my timeline, I clicked on it and immediately became so enamored with its premise. I want it. So without a shadow of doubt, I jumped into the opportunity of reading and reviewing it before its publication date. Just read that synopsis, I don’t know how you can say no that.
Filipino Royals, fake dating, childhood friends to lovers, badass and refreshing Princess – this book has it all.
The main reason why I got so curious with The Queen’s Game is because it’s a royal contemporary story. Even better because it follows the story of Filipino Royals. Is it the first book that attempted to do this concept? If not, I probably need to find it. In just a few chapters, Carla de Guzman was able to lay out a great and believable world building and transported me to Cincamarre. I’ve always been fascinated with Kings and Queens and with this book it allowed me to imagine even more on how things could possibly go if we have a monarchy system here in our country. I think it’ll be cool and fun. But let’s just not involve the leaders we have in our country today…Oops.
I’ll definitely opt to have someone like Nina to lead our country. For sure. Nina is a breath of fresh air. She’s young (pro: it’ll be easy for her to keep up with the millennials) yet capable. Her past ways may have caused trouble for her reputation but I admire her for owning up to it. But most importantly she knows when to take things seriously. Even though her principles and methods are completely different from the ones in power are accustomed to follow through. She smashes through the glass case that we usually place and identify a princess character. It makes her standout. Anticipate for the things that she’ll do because it’s highly entertaining.
Prince of Concordia, Felipe, I love. Felipe’s one quirky and swoon-y character. I won’t describe him fully because I want you to be surprised. Just like how he surprised me. But he’s the other half of the fake dating stint and what makes it more interesting is that they’re childhood friends. Okay, my feels weren’t prepared for that when I started reading this and so when I learned about it – well, it just sent me straight into book heaven. The Queen’s Game just combined two of the tropes that get me so weak but despite that, it wasn’t overdone. I love that. The romance was there (sweet and hot, at times) but the main spotlight remains towards Nina’s character development and the road to be the Queen of Cincamarre. Felipe and their relationship became one of Nina’s anchor.
The only thing that I’m not a huge fan of is its transition. I mean, it is smooth and you can easily follow through the story. You won’t be confused at all. But this is just the side of me who “wants more fillers in between the periods of time that the scope of this book went through” speaking. It skipped some months. I want more accounts of Felipe and Nina’s childhood or of them dating. I want more of Tito Ernie because I’m so curious about him. He got several laughs out of me but I can feel that there’s more to him than his carefree self. I want more stories from this world. (LOL!)
If it’s still not obvious…yes, I enjoyed The Queen’s Game a lot and would highly recommend for you to check it out once it goes live on Amazon. It’s a royal contemporary story that you can easily breeze through.
August 1, 2017
Thank you so much, Carla de Guzman, for my advanced review copy of The Queen’s Game. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion.
I am in love with The Queen’s Game and this contemporary romance story featuring Filipino main characters. As soon as I saw the blurb I knew I had to read it. I have a weak spot for contemporary royalty and mix that with #romanceclass and you know it’s a winner. This story features a princess, Nina, and a prince, Felipe, who grew up side by side because of their neighboring nations, Cincamarre and Concordia. Later on, in life, they reunite when Nina returns after several years of travel to attend her father’s, the king’s, funeral. What then begins is a story of a fake relationship that turns into something real. This book has royalty, fake dating and childhood friends; this book has it all.
As the prince and princess of neighboring nations, born in the same year, the Royal Houses of Mercado and Macasaet thought it would be cute if their equally royal children grew up together. No promise of engagement, no particular political reason except that the children looked so darn cute together.
I love how Nina, who despite dealing with the loss of her father, is so strong and fierce. She is about to become queen in a nation where very few know who she really is. All they are aware of is what the media has been feeding them through various scandals. I love how Nina just embraces her past and her scandals. Nina is a rebel but she’s also kind and cares about her people, which becomes so clear when she’s finally back in her home nation of Cincamarre. There is also Felipe, the prince in charge of Concordia. He loves farming and everything that has to do with nature. He’s sexy, sweet, and modest but also very clumsy. I love how passionate he is about the things and people he loves and you can clearly see that he is a great ruler and an amazing person who cares deeply about the people he is in charge of.
“There’s only one thing I’ve done recently that makes me as happy as this does.”
“What?” She asked him, tilting her head.
“Spending time with you,” he said, smiling with that cocky little grin of his again.
I love the dynamic and banter that exists between Nina and Felipe. I love it when they flirt with each other and tease one another. However, there is also this soft side to their relationship. Felipe writes Nina love letters where he expresses his feelings for her and both Nina and Felipe are very supportive of one another. I love how Felipe sees Nina in a way that others don’t and he believes in her from the beginning until the very end. He lifts her up and reminds of her of what she already knows deep inside; she is meant to become a queen. Another aspect of Nina and Felipe’s relationship I really loved was how they talked about sex. Nina calls out the fact that sex should not have to shameful or something you have to wait until marriage for if you don’t want to. Sex can be pleasurable and fun and Nina embraced that in the most amazing way which made Nina’s and Felipe’s relationship that much more admirable.
If you love diverse books, romance, and contemporary royalty then The Queen’s Game is a perfect match for you. This book is funny, sweet, and sexy and will make you want more by the end of it. There is fake dating, rule breaking, and even a little bit of scheming. You don’t have to wait any longer, the contemporary royalty romance novel you’ve always waited for is here and ready to be read. Long live the queen!
I am in love with The Queen’s Game and this contemporary romance story featuring Filipino main characters. As soon as I saw the blurb I knew I had to read it. I have a weak spot for contemporary royalty and mix that with #romanceclass and you know it’s a winner. This story features a princess, Nina, and a prince, Felipe, who grew up side by side because of their neighboring nations, Cincamarre and Concordia. Later on, in life, they reunite when Nina returns after several years of travel to attend her father’s, the king’s, funeral. What then begins is a story of a fake relationship that turns into something real. This book has royalty, fake dating and childhood friends; this book has it all.
As the prince and princess of neighboring nations, born in the same year, the Royal Houses of Mercado and Macasaet thought it would be cute if their equally royal children grew up together. No promise of engagement, no particular political reason except that the children looked so darn cute together.
I love how Nina, who despite dealing with the loss of her father, is so strong and fierce. She is about to become queen in a nation where very few know who she really is. All they are aware of is what the media has been feeding them through various scandals. I love how Nina just embraces her past and her scandals. Nina is a rebel but she’s also kind and cares about her people, which becomes so clear when she’s finally back in her home nation of Cincamarre. There is also Felipe, the prince in charge of Concordia. He loves farming and everything that has to do with nature. He’s sexy, sweet, and modest but also very clumsy. I love how passionate he is about the things and people he loves and you can clearly see that he is a great ruler and an amazing person who cares deeply about the people he is in charge of.
“There’s only one thing I’ve done recently that makes me as happy as this does.”
“What?” She asked him, tilting her head.
“Spending time with you,” he said, smiling with that cocky little grin of his again.
I love the dynamic and banter that exists between Nina and Felipe. I love it when they flirt with each other and tease one another. However, there is also this soft side to their relationship. Felipe writes Nina love letters where he expresses his feelings for her and both Nina and Felipe are very supportive of one another. I love how Felipe sees Nina in a way that others don’t and he believes in her from the beginning until the very end. He lifts her up and reminds of her of what she already knows deep inside; she is meant to become a queen. Another aspect of Nina and Felipe’s relationship I really loved was how they talked about sex. Nina calls out the fact that sex should not have to shameful or something you have to wait until marriage for if you don’t want to. Sex can be pleasurable and fun and Nina embraced that in the most amazing way which made Nina’s and Felipe’s relationship that much more admirable.
If you love diverse books, romance, and contemporary royalty then The Queen’s Game is a perfect match for you. This book is funny, sweet, and sexy and will make you want more by the end of it. There is fake dating, rule breaking, and even a little bit of scheming. You don’t have to wait any longer, the contemporary royalty romance novel you’ve always waited for is here and ready to be read. Long live the queen!
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