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Modern Royals #1
A Royal Shade of Blue
She’s a survivor. He has a royal secret. Will the truth help them find their fairy tale?
When art history student Clementine receives a social media message complimenting her latest project, her response leads to the mysterious CP Chadwick, a British man studying history at Cambridge. An online friendship quickly blooms.
When she confides her medical past to CP, he doesn’t treat her as fragile like her parents do, and their friendship turns to something more in Clementine’s heart.
Clementine has no idea that CP is actually Prince Christian of Wales, who has never had a “normal” life. Christian is at a crossroad. His destiny is to be a working royal, but he is desperate to fill that role in his own way. Wary of others, he’s kept himself closed off from the world—until he lets Clementine in.
A royal romance is never a fairy tale, but Clementine and Christian are determined to write their own version. Can they overcome their own fears—as well as the constraints of a royal life—to reach their own happily ever after?
A Royal Shade of Blue is the first standalone book in the feel-good Modern Royals romantic comedy series. If you like smart heroines, swoon-worthy princes, and laugh-out-loud humor, then you’ll love Aven Ellis’s heartwarming novel.
When art history student Clementine receives a social media message complimenting her latest project, her response leads to the mysterious CP Chadwick, a British man studying history at Cambridge. An online friendship quickly blooms.
When she confides her medical past to CP, he doesn’t treat her as fragile like her parents do, and their friendship turns to something more in Clementine’s heart.
Clementine has no idea that CP is actually Prince Christian of Wales, who has never had a “normal” life. Christian is at a crossroad. His destiny is to be a working royal, but he is desperate to fill that role in his own way. Wary of others, he’s kept himself closed off from the world—until he lets Clementine in.
A royal romance is never a fairy tale, but Clementine and Christian are determined to write their own version. Can they overcome their own fears—as well as the constraints of a royal life—to reach their own happily ever after?
A Royal Shade of Blue is the first standalone book in the feel-good Modern Royals romantic comedy series. If you like smart heroines, swoon-worthy princes, and laugh-out-loud humor, then you’ll love Aven Ellis’s heartwarming novel.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2018
1684 people are currently reading
1827 people want to read
About the author
Aven Ellis
54 books831 followersUSA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.
Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.
Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.
Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.
Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
October 28, 2018
1.5 Stars
I'm a fan of Aven Ellis's sports romances and I also love royalty romances; so when I read the blurb of this book, I picked it up and settled in for a good, light, and entertaining read.
I thought that this book started off really well but as the story went on, I found the dialogue getting cheesier and cheesier. After they get together, I felt like every other conversation or scene has them professing "I-love-you!" to each other. I thought it was like a bad, teen read: "I love you!" "No, I love you." "Noooo, I love you more." Oh please. *rolls eyes*
Too much sugary sweetness and sappiness is not my kind of thing. Give me sass, snark, and sarcasm any day.
I'm a fan of Aven Ellis's sports romances and I also love royalty romances; so when I read the blurb of this book, I picked it up and settled in for a good, light, and entertaining read.
I thought that this book started off really well but as the story went on, I found the dialogue getting cheesier and cheesier. After they get together, I felt like every other conversation or scene has them professing "I-love-you!" to each other. I thought it was like a bad, teen read: "I love you!" "No, I love you." "Noooo, I love you more." Oh please. *rolls eyes*
Too much sugary sweetness and sappiness is not my kind of thing. Give me sass, snark, and sarcasm any day.
September 13, 2020
A royal romance with two people who just want to be "normal", but in different ways. Romantic, flirty, and yeah, cheesy in places, but I enjoyed it. If only we could all find our Prince by scrolling Instagram!
February 20, 2020
I wanted to like this so much but it was bad :( the characters weren’t well written and it was overly dramatic
Want to read
May 7, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/7/2019)! 🎁
April 10, 2018
What a fun, swoony royals romance! Mark your calendars for this one!
November 8, 2018
Too Forced
DNF 26%
I was just bored. The backstories seemed forced. The tension was lacking. The characters cliche. The romance dreadful. Not for me.
1 star!
DNF 26%
I was just bored. The backstories seemed forced. The tension was lacking. The characters cliche. The romance dreadful. Not for me.
1 star!
May 5, 2018
*ARC review*
I'll be the first one to admit that I love the Royals. So when Aven decided writing a 'royal romance' was long overdue, I was both excited and a little apprehensive that those fictional royals wouldn't live up to the image we have in our heads of the British Royals. But I should've known, I had absolutely nothing to worry about.
Aven Ellis has created this amazing, very believable fictional British Royal Family with incredible detail. This book, this family, just screams for more. And luckily, this IS only the first installment in what is going to be one of my favourite chick-lit series. Fictional as the characters may be, their setting is anything but. As always, Aven thoroughly researches anything and everything about the interests/location/history of both her characters and their surroundings.
There are some similarities to her previous sports-themed books: the cultural differences when two nationalities get together, the "star quality" of one or both of the leads, but of course there's also Aven's signature laugh out loud moments, drop dead gorgeous men and wonderful, sweet love stories.
The Modern Royals Series is something Aven Ellis just HAD to write, and she's the absolute right person to do so.
When it comes to Clementine and CP's love story, I do feel like it needed a couple of more chapters between the "butterfly stage" of the relationship and the professing of "undying love". That being said though, it didn't take long for me as a reader to get completely swept off my feet by their wonderful romance and the a-mazing setting of British (royal) history.
I cannot wait to see what book 2 will bring - and couldn't be more excited about Aven's choice on the new leads for that one!
I'll be the first one to admit that I love the Royals. So when Aven decided writing a 'royal romance' was long overdue, I was both excited and a little apprehensive that those fictional royals wouldn't live up to the image we have in our heads of the British Royals. But I should've known, I had absolutely nothing to worry about.
Aven Ellis has created this amazing, very believable fictional British Royal Family with incredible detail. This book, this family, just screams for more. And luckily, this IS only the first installment in what is going to be one of my favourite chick-lit series. Fictional as the characters may be, their setting is anything but. As always, Aven thoroughly researches anything and everything about the interests/location/history of both her characters and their surroundings.
There are some similarities to her previous sports-themed books: the cultural differences when two nationalities get together, the "star quality" of one or both of the leads, but of course there's also Aven's signature laugh out loud moments, drop dead gorgeous men and wonderful, sweet love stories.
The Modern Royals Series is something Aven Ellis just HAD to write, and she's the absolute right person to do so.
When it comes to Clementine and CP's love story, I do feel like it needed a couple of more chapters between the "butterfly stage" of the relationship and the professing of "undying love". That being said though, it didn't take long for me as a reader to get completely swept off my feet by their wonderful romance and the a-mazing setting of British (royal) history.
I cannot wait to see what book 2 will bring - and couldn't be more excited about Aven's choice on the new leads for that one!
October 1, 2022
Good Story!
I've really been getting into different royal romances lately and this ranks up there with the best of them. An American young woman meets a prince on Instagram and she has no idea who he is until they fall in love. Two main characters to care about what happens to them and eventually the settings of different English royal castles and even a stately home. A dysfunctional royal family is just the icing on the cake-and not in a good way. It was all extremely romantic with great side characters and a suitably horrible villain. I finished it with a smile on my face. Adult read ages 14 plus.
I've really been getting into different royal romances lately and this ranks up there with the best of them. An American young woman meets a prince on Instagram and she has no idea who he is until they fall in love. Two main characters to care about what happens to them and eventually the settings of different English royal castles and even a stately home. A dysfunctional royal family is just the icing on the cake-and not in a good way. It was all extremely romantic with great side characters and a suitably horrible villain. I finished it with a smile on my face. Adult read ages 14 plus.
May 21, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Firstly a BIG thank you to Aven for a) my copy of this book, b) letting me organise this tour for her and c) for letting me continue to beta read even tough I have been seriously rubbish lately.
The first thing I want you all to know is that I am not a huge fan of the Royals. I mean I'm not anti monarchy or anything but I just don't see the big deal. I do however love Harry and Meghan. I think they are a lot more modern and down to earth than the rest of the family. I've watched Suits for years so when I heard she was dating Harry I did get a little bit excited. Anyway my point is that even if you aren't into the Royals like me it will not affect your enjoyment of this book. Yes one of the main characters is a prince BUT this is a story about love.
Firstly lets talk about Clementine. She is a very bold and brave young lady. She has been through a lot in her life but instead of letting it define her it has made her stronger. She is very independent despite her parent's treating her like a fragile bird. She is also very inspiring. She could just break down and cry in the corner but she doesn't she has picked herself up and thought well you only get one life so I'm going to live it. I love Clem's determination.
Christian or CP doesn't know his place in this world. He feels lost and without purpose. He is very frustrated and just wants to have a normal life. He doesn't like the media attention and just wants to hide from them. I think finding Clementine really settles him. She helps to bring out his fun side. She helps him to find his place in his world and realise how he can help people and the causes he really cares about.
This book is funny, dreamy and enlightening. Aven always has me laughing at her books and this one is no exception. There are some absolutely hilarious moments in this story. The media on the other hand are scary as hell. They are like a dog with a bone. They way they act is not acceptable.
The other thing I want to mention is the level of research that Aven does for her books. Aven will spend hours watching YouTube videos of the area, researching local stores, looking through pictures, using google maps to work out one way systems and no driving areas, interviewing people who live locally, all to give you the feeling of really being there.
I absolutely loved the 'squad' I love how they are trying to modernise the Royals. To make them more relevant and interesting to the general public. I'm seriously looking forward to the rest of this series. This book is perfect if you are a fan of the Royals but like I said at the beginning if you are not it is also perfect for romcom lovers.
The first thing I want you all to know is that I am not a huge fan of the Royals. I mean I'm not anti monarchy or anything but I just don't see the big deal. I do however love Harry and Meghan. I think they are a lot more modern and down to earth than the rest of the family. I've watched Suits for years so when I heard she was dating Harry I did get a little bit excited. Anyway my point is that even if you aren't into the Royals like me it will not affect your enjoyment of this book. Yes one of the main characters is a prince BUT this is a story about love.
Firstly lets talk about Clementine. She is a very bold and brave young lady. She has been through a lot in her life but instead of letting it define her it has made her stronger. She is very independent despite her parent's treating her like a fragile bird. She is also very inspiring. She could just break down and cry in the corner but she doesn't she has picked herself up and thought well you only get one life so I'm going to live it. I love Clem's determination.
Christian or CP doesn't know his place in this world. He feels lost and without purpose. He is very frustrated and just wants to have a normal life. He doesn't like the media attention and just wants to hide from them. I think finding Clementine really settles him. She helps to bring out his fun side. She helps him to find his place in his world and realise how he can help people and the causes he really cares about.
This book is funny, dreamy and enlightening. Aven always has me laughing at her books and this one is no exception. There are some absolutely hilarious moments in this story. The media on the other hand are scary as hell. They are like a dog with a bone. They way they act is not acceptable.
The other thing I want to mention is the level of research that Aven does for her books. Aven will spend hours watching YouTube videos of the area, researching local stores, looking through pictures, using google maps to work out one way systems and no driving areas, interviewing people who live locally, all to give you the feeling of really being there.
I absolutely loved the 'squad' I love how they are trying to modernise the Royals. To make them more relevant and interesting to the general public. I'm seriously looking forward to the rest of this series. This book is perfect if you are a fan of the Royals but like I said at the beginning if you are not it is also perfect for romcom lovers.
August 12, 2018
I've been in a princess-reading mood, I guess, which has led me in some peculiar directions. Like, you know, this one. It's a fairytale story: random college student gets random message, random message turns into friendship, turns into romance...turns out that the guy messaging her is a prince.
It's pure princess fantasy, of course. But I'm reminded of The Royal We, and I can't help comparing this rather unfavourably to that: because in The Royal We, there's a tremendous amount of attention paid to the scrutiny that someone in this role (i.e., royal girlfriend) would face, from the royal family and from the public and from the press. Here it's sort of boiled down to 'Everybody loves you, Clemmie! You're a breath of fresh air and we're so pleased that you're changing the face of the monarchy! ...everyone except the queen, of course, but she's just a frigid bitch who only cares about power, so who cares about her?' Some odd disconnects: Christian (a.k.a. prince loverboy) gets really upset whenever Clementine does anything that might suggest that she's conforming to the monarchy's standards, but he's also low-key appalled when Clementine doesn't know that if the king is done with his meal, everyone else is to be done also. This disconnect would be fine...if it were acknowledged. Or...no, I'm not going to get into the brain tumour. Suffice it to say that it's a romanticised version of a royal romance, in which most possible lines of conflict are ignored in favour of evil bitchy queens and most arguments are resolved with 'the monarchy doesn't matter! Only you matter!'
It's pure princess fantasy, of course. But I'm reminded of The Royal We, and I can't help comparing this rather unfavourably to that: because in The Royal We, there's a tremendous amount of attention paid to the scrutiny that someone in this role (i.e., royal girlfriend) would face, from the royal family and from the public and from the press. Here it's sort of boiled down to 'Everybody loves you, Clemmie! You're a breath of fresh air and we're so pleased that you're changing the face of the monarchy! ...everyone except the queen, of course, but she's just a frigid bitch who only cares about power, so who cares about her?' Some odd disconnects: Christian (a.k.a. prince loverboy) gets really upset whenever Clementine does anything that might suggest that she's conforming to the monarchy's standards, but he's also low-key appalled when Clementine doesn't know that if the king is done with his meal, everyone else is to be done also. This disconnect would be fine...if it were acknowledged. Or...no, I'm not going to get into the brain tumour. Suffice it to say that it's a romanticised version of a royal romance, in which most possible lines of conflict are ignored in favour of evil bitchy queens and most arguments are resolved with 'the monarchy doesn't matter! Only you matter!'
August 5, 2019
ROYAL SHADE OF BLUE is The Prince & and Me meets the 2010's. Literally. Okay, so that movie wasn't the greatest (I loved it, that's my unpopular opinion), but it's the best description I can give. And I mean that with the upmost respect for the author and the narrator.
Firstly, this is not the first book I've listened to that was narrated by Andrea Emmes. She's one of my favorites and I always enjoy her narrations. I love that her portfolio spreads through different genres. She's got diversity under her belt.
This audio was pristeen. I do not have a single constructive comment. It was simply perfect.
The storyline to ROYAL SHADE OF BLUE is not necessarily a "cliche", but I do feel like I've read similar plots. However, I deeply LOVED this story. Everything that took place in the book felt real. It was believable and very realistic, and definitely pertains to the day and age that we're currently living. I honestly believe the events in this book could happen.
Clementine reminds me of myself. Everything she did or thought is so similar to my own actions and thoughts and I genuinely feel like I've been written into this book. Which is probably obsurd, considering I have never met Aven Ellis. And I've never had a tumor. But still, I felt like Clementine was me.
Prince Christian, aka C.P., reminds me of someone else I know. I mean, probably not physically-wise, but definitely characteristcally. I have a C.P. of my own.
ANYWAY! This book has my foxy-stamp of approval. I loved it so so so much. I cannot wait to check out Aven Ellis' other books!
**I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook through The AudioBookworm. This does not effect my review.
Firstly, this is not the first book I've listened to that was narrated by Andrea Emmes. She's one of my favorites and I always enjoy her narrations. I love that her portfolio spreads through different genres. She's got diversity under her belt.
This audio was pristeen. I do not have a single constructive comment. It was simply perfect.
The storyline to ROYAL SHADE OF BLUE is not necessarily a "cliche", but I do feel like I've read similar plots. However, I deeply LOVED this story. Everything that took place in the book felt real. It was believable and very realistic, and definitely pertains to the day and age that we're currently living. I honestly believe the events in this book could happen.
Clementine reminds me of myself. Everything she did or thought is so similar to my own actions and thoughts and I genuinely feel like I've been written into this book. Which is probably obsurd, considering I have never met Aven Ellis. And I've never had a tumor. But still, I felt like Clementine was me.
Prince Christian, aka C.P., reminds me of someone else I know. I mean, probably not physically-wise, but definitely characteristcally. I have a C.P. of my own.
ANYWAY! This book has my foxy-stamp of approval. I loved it so so so much. I cannot wait to check out Aven Ellis' other books!
**I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook through The AudioBookworm. This does not effect my review.
May 31, 2018
I never got past 18%. The beginning was interesting and possibly funny but for me, it just didn't click. The characters were childish. I am not afraid of insta love stories but this one made me ask myself "What?" seriously. And I also love cheesiness but the characters just couldn't pull the cheesiness off. It just was kind, blah.
Writing: Don't tell me, show me the story. Not to big on a narrator story. Though this did have first person/live action going on... That tended to be in the background while everything else was being narrated.
Didn't finish the book.. It was ok idea. But just wasn't for me.
Writing: Don't tell me, show me the story. Not to big on a narrator story. Though this did have first person/live action going on... That tended to be in the background while everything else was being narrated.
Didn't finish the book.. It was ok idea. But just wasn't for me.
May 31, 2018
Fun, fun read --- especially after the Royal wedding == Aven's books always make me want to be in my 20's again, and have a chance at these relationships!!! And not many things make me want to be 20 again!
February 29, 2024
Another great story from this author. I ended up going back to the beginning of the Aristocracy of the UK. I'm so happy to have gotten Clem and Christians' story. It was complicated, full of misunderstandings and hiccups, but it was sweet. I love the American girl falling in love with a British prince. Honestly, it's one of my favorite tropes. So many dream of finding a prince. So many books and movies about that same thing.
I like that this one followed the story of all others that came before it. The difficulties of living in the public eye. The invasion of privacy. The misunderstandings that happen from a couple from two very different lifestyles and upbringing.
“I’m exactly where I choose to be. I’m not a delicate flower who will lose all her petals if things get a bit rough. Or really rough. I want to see you, and that makes everything worth it.”
“I’m not the girl who had a tumor. He’s not a prince. We love each other for who we are when the labels are stripped away. The one gift I want to give Christian is the ability to be himself, to find a way to embrace his duty as the amazing man he is and let people into his world.”
" I love you. Your life comes with you, and I’m aware of that. But I know you will help me navigate it. I’m not saying it won’t be hard, and some days I will certainly hate it, but I will never hate the choice I made to be with you.”
I admire Clemmentine so much for these quotes. Not only is she strong for what she went through with the brain tumor, but she's not naive to what life with a prince will be like. Every time Christian apologized or brought up bringing her into his crazy life, she reassured him that regardless, she chose him and everything that entailed. I respected that. I have much more respect and love for her than I do for Christian.
I felt that Christian didn't give Clem many chances to explain misunderstandings and constantly jumped to conclusions. He had so many issues and acted quite childish when they were brought to the surface. Clem handled things with grace and poise. I hope I get glimpses of her during the rest of the series.
Now, no book this perfect is complete without the amazing side characters. The other princes and princesses were amazing, of course. But I have to say my heart was taken by Jillian. She's amazing. She really was the perfect, wise older woman to help Clem. Jillian is fashionable, wise, and most of all, down to earth! I love her!
I like that this one followed the story of all others that came before it. The difficulties of living in the public eye. The invasion of privacy. The misunderstandings that happen from a couple from two very different lifestyles and upbringing.
“I’m exactly where I choose to be. I’m not a delicate flower who will lose all her petals if things get a bit rough. Or really rough. I want to see you, and that makes everything worth it.”
“I’m not the girl who had a tumor. He’s not a prince. We love each other for who we are when the labels are stripped away. The one gift I want to give Christian is the ability to be himself, to find a way to embrace his duty as the amazing man he is and let people into his world.”
" I love you. Your life comes with you, and I’m aware of that. But I know you will help me navigate it. I’m not saying it won’t be hard, and some days I will certainly hate it, but I will never hate the choice I made to be with you.”
I admire Clemmentine so much for these quotes. Not only is she strong for what she went through with the brain tumor, but she's not naive to what life with a prince will be like. Every time Christian apologized or brought up bringing her into his crazy life, she reassured him that regardless, she chose him and everything that entailed. I respected that. I have much more respect and love for her than I do for Christian.
I felt that Christian didn't give Clem many chances to explain misunderstandings and constantly jumped to conclusions. He had so many issues and acted quite childish when they were brought to the surface. Clem handled things with grace and poise. I hope I get glimpses of her during the rest of the series.
Now, no book this perfect is complete without the amazing side characters. The other princes and princesses were amazing, of course. But I have to say my heart was taken by Jillian. She's amazing. She really was the perfect, wise older woman to help Clem. Jillian is fashionable, wise, and most of all, down to earth! I love her!
October 6, 2018
A Royal Shade of Blue
The Modern Royals #1
Aven Ellis
Narrated by-Andrea Emmes
Novel 5:
Ellis’ first in her Modern Royals series is a sweet and sexy Cinderella Tale with a thoroughly modern twist when a Prince and commoner find love with the help of instagram. The couple are a breath of fresh air, he’s a royal with a family who put the D in dysfunction and she has always been the girl who had a brain tumor. They’re flawed and refreshing, likeable and real and there is just enough drama to make it interesting. The read is fast paced and the author uses a mix of conversational and proper etiquette dialogue and the real royal facts included in the fiction adds a layer of legitimacy and had this reviewer googling to fact check.
Narration 5:
The narrator does a brilliant job of depicting all the voices both male and female and of capturing the emotions too giving her listening audience a more in depth novel perspective including a few heart stopping moments. Her dual US and Brit accents are spot on and her rendering of Christian and Clemmy are fabulous, but the absolute best thing about her is her infectious laugh that listeners are treated to frequently throughout the book.
SUMMARY:
Clementine Jones has lived in a bubble ever since she was diagnosed with a brain tumor as a teen. But going away to college has given her the opportunity to spread her wings and graduating in June with an art history degree from prestigious Stanford just might let her do that. Plus she’s met a really interesting, ordinary “bloke” nicknamed CP online who lives across the pond and maybe it's the miles, maybe the anonymity but she really feels like she knows him that is until she learns that he’s the son of the King of England.
His Royal Highness Prince Christian Chadwick, Prince of Wales has always been a bit reclusive, that happens because he’s always had to wonder if a girl likes him for himself or because of his title. So when he meets an enchanting, refreshing US girl she steels his heart before he even meets her. Which makes him determined to bring her into his life forever. Which is easier said then done.
The Modern Royals #1
Aven Ellis
Narrated by-Andrea Emmes
Novel 5:
Ellis’ first in her Modern Royals series is a sweet and sexy Cinderella Tale with a thoroughly modern twist when a Prince and commoner find love with the help of instagram. The couple are a breath of fresh air, he’s a royal with a family who put the D in dysfunction and she has always been the girl who had a brain tumor. They’re flawed and refreshing, likeable and real and there is just enough drama to make it interesting. The read is fast paced and the author uses a mix of conversational and proper etiquette dialogue and the real royal facts included in the fiction adds a layer of legitimacy and had this reviewer googling to fact check.
Narration 5:
The narrator does a brilliant job of depicting all the voices both male and female and of capturing the emotions too giving her listening audience a more in depth novel perspective including a few heart stopping moments. Her dual US and Brit accents are spot on and her rendering of Christian and Clemmy are fabulous, but the absolute best thing about her is her infectious laugh that listeners are treated to frequently throughout the book.
SUMMARY:
Clementine Jones has lived in a bubble ever since she was diagnosed with a brain tumor as a teen. But going away to college has given her the opportunity to spread her wings and graduating in June with an art history degree from prestigious Stanford just might let her do that. Plus she’s met a really interesting, ordinary “bloke” nicknamed CP online who lives across the pond and maybe it's the miles, maybe the anonymity but she really feels like she knows him that is until she learns that he’s the son of the King of England.
His Royal Highness Prince Christian Chadwick, Prince of Wales has always been a bit reclusive, that happens because he’s always had to wonder if a girl likes him for himself or because of his title. So when he meets an enchanting, refreshing US girl she steels his heart before he even meets her. Which makes him determined to bring her into his life forever. Which is easier said then done.
dnf
September 14, 2021The I love you's came out of the blue and way, way, WAY too fast. This ruined the book for me, I couldn't ignore that and put it down at 23%.
July 22, 2020
This was far too Mary-Sue-esque for my taste. Some cute moments, but not a series I'll continue.
December 8, 2019
Let me start by saying, this book will not be for everyone. It's a fast paced instant-love story that is by all means sickeningly sweet and I honestly, thoroughly enjoyed it. Not sure what that says about my taste in books lately, but give me Royalty, the trope of a commoner and a Royal, a bit of angst and a happy ending.... I'm hooked.
I will preface this with... I had this book in my TBR pile for over a year and only now just read it. That was because I read through some reviews about how others could not even finish it and that turned me off a bit. I also knew by reading those reviews that this was the type of book I would really need to be 'in the mood' for. Well, that finally happened yesterday. I've been in a bit of a reading slump and I really wanted something that did not require a lot of thought or investment in, but still had a lot of heart.
After reading the first 20% of the book, I could see where it turned some people off. I mean, the instant-love thing happened so fast... like crazy fast compared to other instant-love stories I've read (and honestly, it is paced that way throughout the book). Once I got past that and just took the story for what it was, I really enjoyed it! I liked the plot, the characters (Ellis has a great variety of them in this book), and yes, the whole royal trope thing. It was totally what I was needing to read at this point.
I would definitely give this a 3 1/2 to 4 stars. And yes, I would recommend this book to some of my friends. If you want a quick, very sweet... like sickeningly sweet, love story, this is for you!
I will preface this with... I had this book in my TBR pile for over a year and only now just read it. That was because I read through some reviews about how others could not even finish it and that turned me off a bit. I also knew by reading those reviews that this was the type of book I would really need to be 'in the mood' for. Well, that finally happened yesterday. I've been in a bit of a reading slump and I really wanted something that did not require a lot of thought or investment in, but still had a lot of heart.
After reading the first 20% of the book, I could see where it turned some people off. I mean, the instant-love thing happened so fast... like crazy fast compared to other instant-love stories I've read (and honestly, it is paced that way throughout the book). Once I got past that and just took the story for what it was, I really enjoyed it! I liked the plot, the characters (Ellis has a great variety of them in this book), and yes, the whole royal trope thing. It was totally what I was needing to read at this point.
I would definitely give this a 3 1/2 to 4 stars. And yes, I would recommend this book to some of my friends. If you want a quick, very sweet... like sickeningly sweet, love story, this is for you!
April 4, 2020
This was such a cute and fun royal romance. It reminded me a bit of The Prince & Me only with an updated twist. I found the characters to be complex and their relationship, while a bit rushed, to be believable.
I like how both Christian and Clementine are suffering under similar feelings, though in vastly different circumstances. They relate to each other that way and it's easier for them both to treat each other as just a normal person. I also like how Clementine is so passionate about her work and how Christian is so driven to find something to give him purpose.
I was very drawn to Liz in the book and was excited to see that she gets her own book in the 2nd volume of this series.
I hadn't read this author before, but I was very pleased!
I like how both Christian and Clementine are suffering under similar feelings, though in vastly different circumstances. They relate to each other that way and it's easier for them both to treat each other as just a normal person. I also like how Clementine is so passionate about her work and how Christian is so driven to find something to give him purpose.
I was very drawn to Liz in the book and was excited to see that she gets her own book in the 2nd volume of this series.
I hadn't read this author before, but I was very pleased!
April 30, 2018
I absolutely adored this book using the royalty angle and what perfect timing! Christian and Clementine met in a uniquely modern way but have many obstacles to overcome. Christian is the perfect prince every girl would love to meet while Clementine is the sweet, but sassy, protagonist who captures his heart. As every obstacle is dealt with you keep reading to find out if our wonderful couple will have the HEA they deserve. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
May 25, 2018
I was initially going to give it a 3/3.5 because it felt a bit too insta-lovey (which totally could have been solved by the author like having a few more beginning chapters that were solely texts/emails between Clementine and CP to show how they fell in love), but I rounded up because in the end I truly enjoyed it and it’s the first royal book I’ve read in a while that wasn’t a total let down + I can get over this kind of insta-love
February 15, 2022
I actually didn’t finish this book. That almost NEVER happens to me! This book isn’t awful. It’s just boring. Soooo boring. I am 78% finished, but they’ve been “together” and professing “I love you’s” since the 24% mark. Nothing is happening beyond them being in love and apparently I need a little more angst in my romance than that! Haha. I want to roll my eyes constantly, so I’m just done.
October 24, 2018
So much insta love everywhere 🤢😷🤮
July 11, 2023
1.5 Stars
Disclaimer: Please remember that these are my opinions and if you feel differently, that’s okay. Thanks!
Notes: POV = 1st person, FMC
Main Characters: I’m going to start with Prince Christian Phillip of Wales, House of Chadwick aka CP (MMC) because he’s nice and funny, I liked him.
I hated Clementine Jones (FMC). I hated her. She’s so dramatic.
Rant:
Side Characters: There are a million side characters in this one. For Clem: Bryn (best friend), Chelsea (best friend), her mom, her dad, Paisley (her sister), Evan (Paisley’s husband), and Jillian (her roommate). For Christian: Dowager Queen (grandmother), Queen Antonia (mom), King Arthur (dad), Alexander (brother), James (brother), Princess Helene (great aunt), Prince Henry (uncle), Arabella (aunt), Elizabeth (cousin), Bella (cousin), Victoria (cousin), Charlie (best friend), Stephen (best friend), Emma (Stephen’s girlfriend), Oliver (security), and Peter (security). Gosh. Jillian is the best one, she’s funny.
Plot/Story/Tropes: The whole premise of this story is that Christian has a secret identity but he reveals it at 17%. Boring. Anyway, no one sends direct messages like letters. It’s weird. We also have an evil queen (of course) and a 3rd act breakup (of course). This book was way too long.
Romance: They say ‘I love you’ on page 61. This book is almost 400 pages. They end up saying it over sixty more times. Awesome.
General: I don’t know if the author didn’t have any beta readers or editors or what, but it’s like they didn’t know what they had already written. Here are just two examples:
Overall:
2 stars is incredibly generous. I wanted to scream. Multiple times.
Disclaimer: Please remember that these are my opinions and if you feel differently, that’s okay. Thanks!
Notes: POV = 1st person, FMC
Main Characters: I’m going to start with Prince Christian Phillip of Wales, House of Chadwick aka CP (MMC) because he’s nice and funny, I liked him.
“All right, since I’m so boring with the quiz show, what should I be watching whilst I burn my dinner with the wrong time and power level?”
I hated Clementine Jones (FMC). I hated her. She’s so dramatic.
Rant:
Side Characters: There are a million side characters in this one. For Clem: Bryn (best friend), Chelsea (best friend), her mom, her dad, Paisley (her sister), Evan (Paisley’s husband), and Jillian (her roommate). For Christian: Dowager Queen (grandmother), Queen Antonia (mom), King Arthur (dad), Alexander (brother), James (brother), Princess Helene (great aunt), Prince Henry (uncle), Arabella (aunt), Elizabeth (cousin), Bella (cousin), Victoria (cousin), Charlie (best friend), Stephen (best friend), Emma (Stephen’s girlfriend), Oliver (security), and Peter (security). Gosh. Jillian is the best one, she’s funny.
Plot/Story/Tropes: The whole premise of this story is that Christian has a secret identity but he reveals it at 17%. Boring. Anyway, no one sends direct messages like letters. It’s weird. We also have an evil queen (of course) and a 3rd act breakup (of course). This book was way too long.
Romance: They say ‘I love you’ on page 61. This book is almost 400 pages. They end up saying it over sixty more times. Awesome.
General: I don’t know if the author didn’t have any beta readers or editors or what, but it’s like they didn’t know what they had already written. Here are just two examples:
Overall:
2 stars is incredibly generous. I wanted to scream. Multiple times.
March 15, 2023
2.5 stars. My first half star rating, since I have such mixed feelings about this book.
There were some redeeming aspects in this one that I enjoyed, but there were also many flaws, which I wasn't able to overlook since this trope just wasn't for me. If you enjoy the royals trope, you just might fall in love with this one (and if that's the case, you might want to stop reading my review and go read it for yourself.)
The first thing I didn't like was how fast Christian revealed himself as a prince and professed his love. This may have had more to do with my expectation that this book was going to be cute long distance, falling in love kind of story. A lot of their texts and calls that supposedly had made Clementine fall in love was narrated in some big long past tense laundry list that I felt cheated out of seeing...until Christian showed up in California at the 20% mark and professed his love and they got together. I'm not sure if it was actually too soon about when they got together, or if it was just my previous mistaken expectations making me feel that way, but it did seem pretty over the top and over done. Then I got the picture of where this book was actually going, and thanks to Christian's awkwardly worded declarations of love, I almost stopped reading.
But I didn't. And unfortunately, after that, the book kind of felt like it was just the author living out her falling in love with a prince and visiting England fantasy. Nothing really happened except for Clementine touring around England and exclaiming about how great it was and how she couldn't believe she was here. Now, I'm usually one who enjoys slower books with not much conflict, but I do think the reason I didn't enjoy this is because I've never fantasised about falling in love with a prince. It's not a trope that's ever really interested me. I do like books about England, but something about this one just felt a little inaccurate and off. Although, when I lived in England, I didn't exactly hang around royalty and the upper crust in Cambridge and London, so maybe it was just that. My experience of England is a lot more along the lines of Shameless and Skins...and this book is obviously not that.
I did start getting into the whole "falling in love with a royal thing" when Clementine had to buy clothes for Ascot. That was absolutely fascinating, and overall I think the latter half/quarter of the book was much stronger than the saggy second quarter. The conflict at the end was done very, very well. I always find it so satisfying when a romance takes the well established weak points of the hero and heroine and uses it to drive them apart at the end...only to have them both overcome their fear finally and get back together. This book did that well.
However, even that moment at the end fell a little flat for me, thanks to the way the dialogue in this book is written. The dialogue is very forced and unrealistic throughout, especially the English characters; try as I might, I could never really hear an English accent in the dialogue, and some phrases felt downright wrong and utterly American.
There were enough high points in this one to keep me reading after I wanted to DNF...but overall a pretty underwhelming read.
There were some redeeming aspects in this one that I enjoyed, but there were also many flaws, which I wasn't able to overlook since this trope just wasn't for me. If you enjoy the royals trope, you just might fall in love with this one (and if that's the case, you might want to stop reading my review and go read it for yourself.)
The first thing I didn't like was how fast Christian revealed himself as a prince and professed his love. This may have had more to do with my expectation that this book was going to be cute long distance, falling in love kind of story. A lot of their texts and calls that supposedly had made Clementine fall in love was narrated in some big long past tense laundry list that I felt cheated out of seeing...until Christian showed up in California at the 20% mark and professed his love and they got together. I'm not sure if it was actually too soon about when they got together, or if it was just my previous mistaken expectations making me feel that way, but it did seem pretty over the top and over done. Then I got the picture of where this book was actually going, and thanks to Christian's awkwardly worded declarations of love, I almost stopped reading.
But I didn't. And unfortunately, after that, the book kind of felt like it was just the author living out her falling in love with a prince and visiting England fantasy. Nothing really happened except for Clementine touring around England and exclaiming about how great it was and how she couldn't believe she was here. Now, I'm usually one who enjoys slower books with not much conflict, but I do think the reason I didn't enjoy this is because I've never fantasised about falling in love with a prince. It's not a trope that's ever really interested me. I do like books about England, but something about this one just felt a little inaccurate and off. Although, when I lived in England, I didn't exactly hang around royalty and the upper crust in Cambridge and London, so maybe it was just that. My experience of England is a lot more along the lines of Shameless and Skins...and this book is obviously not that.
I did start getting into the whole "falling in love with a royal thing" when Clementine had to buy clothes for Ascot. That was absolutely fascinating, and overall I think the latter half/quarter of the book was much stronger than the saggy second quarter. The conflict at the end was done very, very well. I always find it so satisfying when a romance takes the well established weak points of the hero and heroine and uses it to drive them apart at the end...only to have them both overcome their fear finally and get back together. This book did that well.
However, even that moment at the end fell a little flat for me, thanks to the way the dialogue in this book is written. The dialogue is very forced and unrealistic throughout, especially the English characters; try as I might, I could never really hear an English accent in the dialogue, and some phrases felt downright wrong and utterly American.
There were enough high points in this one to keep me reading after I wanted to DNF...but overall a pretty underwhelming read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2018
I have to admit I’m a bit late coming to the party for Aven Ellis books. I have a few sitting on my kindle but they have never quite caught my eye enough to dip in. Anyway when I got the opportunity to take place in this blog tour I jumped at the chance because it coincided totally coincidentally with the ‘Harry & Meghan’ Royal Wedding taking place.
A Royal Shade of Blue is a very sweet easy book to read. I loved the characters of Clem & CP … Clem has had a troubled childhood riddled with health problems so therefore molly coddled by her parents. She is an art student so uses Instagram as her chosen form of social media, one day she gets a comment on one of her posts from the mysterious CP.
They soon set up an online messaging habit, both are happy & blossoming, neither is feeling the burdens of previous life. While they are communicating with each other their romance blooms.
It’s when they meet face to face things change, CP is not the shy boy she thought he was he reveals himself as a Prince. I could feel the utter betrayal Clem felt at that point, he maintains he never lied to her, he just omitted a bloody great big truth!
As we watch how their feelings progress it’s quite difficult not to get swept up into the whole fraught-filled romance. While I have admiration for our Royal family this book was enlightening to see behind the scenes .. Aven has the ability to let her writing flow & educate at the same time as mushing your heart up.
I don’t think this will be the last book I read by her because A Royal Shade of Blue was a pleasure to read so I will keep my eye peeled for book two.
Thanks to the author & Emma at Star Crossed Tours for the opportunity to read & review which I did voluntarily.
A Royal Shade of Blue is a very sweet easy book to read. I loved the characters of Clem & CP … Clem has had a troubled childhood riddled with health problems so therefore molly coddled by her parents. She is an art student so uses Instagram as her chosen form of social media, one day she gets a comment on one of her posts from the mysterious CP.
They soon set up an online messaging habit, both are happy & blossoming, neither is feeling the burdens of previous life. While they are communicating with each other their romance blooms.
It’s when they meet face to face things change, CP is not the shy boy she thought he was he reveals himself as a Prince. I could feel the utter betrayal Clem felt at that point, he maintains he never lied to her, he just omitted a bloody great big truth!
As we watch how their feelings progress it’s quite difficult not to get swept up into the whole fraught-filled romance. While I have admiration for our Royal family this book was enlightening to see behind the scenes .. Aven has the ability to let her writing flow & educate at the same time as mushing your heart up.
I don’t think this will be the last book I read by her because A Royal Shade of Blue was a pleasure to read so I will keep my eye peeled for book two.
Thanks to the author & Emma at Star Crossed Tours for the opportunity to read & review which I did voluntarily.
August 16, 2021
Get ready for a royal insta-love read! Clementine had a difficult childhood involving her health, and while she is recovered and thriving in college, she feels that her family still treats her with kid gloves and doesn’t trust her or her health. When she finds a message from CP (aka Christian) on Instagram and is intrigued by his profile, she starts talking to him daily and they build a quick friendship that instantly turns into something more. But when he discloses that he is actually a prince, she gets upset thinking that he is lying and feels like she’s going through a breakup with someone she’s known for years. Surprising to her, Christian travels to the US to show that he is in fact being truthful, and they spend a whirlwind of a weekend together where they decide to be together. From there, Clementine starts to make plans post-graduation that involve relocating to be with Christian but also starting a career that she has worked so hard for. And once the press finds out, things hit the fan for them! Between another health scare, the press hounding Clementine, and Christian’s mother aka the queen, there is a ton of drama in this story that had me guessing until the end! This was my first read from this author, and while I enjoyed this book, I was more interested in seeing what happens with the other characters and the continuation of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 5, 2020
Started off quite quirky, quickly turned into a royal version of Twilight with a faux-strong heroine and no dialogue except multiple ‘I love you’ on each page. Loved the fairytale premise because I’m a sucker for that but this book needed a good editor.
March 27, 2021
If you are looking for a rom-com with a cute prince, a smart and fierce heroine, and an evil queen, that's your book. This story is funny and it's great for when you want to indulge yourself in something light and cheesy. The glimpse into de British royal (even if imagined) is a must.
July 27, 2023
I feel like this book was very fast paced, there was a lot to go through so it felt like it was rushing through the story, which isn’t a bad thing when you want an easy read.
It was definitely a bit cheesy but not sure what else you would expect from this book.
It was definitely a bit cheesy but not sure what else you would expect from this book.
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