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A Right Royal Affair
Theo Glass used to believe that love was just a fairy tale. Orphaned and disowned by his homophobic step-family, he and his grandma make ends meet as best they can. But when his grandma’s tireless charity work is honoured, Theo makes sure he spends his last pennies to get her to the palace, hosted by none other than the gorgeous Prince James himself. James is sixth in line to the throne of the United Kingdom and a disappointment to just about everyone. He never felt at home at school, on the rugby pitch, or even in the Army. Being royalty means he’s been forced to keep a lid on his bisexuality. But when he meets Theo at the honours ceremony, he knows he’s in serious trouble. Needing to find purpose, James convinces Theo to use his charity event savvy to throw a fundraiser ball in a secluded castle. All James has to do is behave himself around the sassy twink. But soon the chemistry between them is too strong to resist. Their lives are too different and there’s no chance James can come out as the first Prince of the United Kingdom with a boyfriend. But James knows if he doesn’t show Theo how much he means to him, he’ll lose him forever. Can love conquer all? Or is that something just for fairy tales? A Right Royal Affair is a steamy, standalone MM romance novel featuring a pack of unruly royal terriers, a romantic ball, feisty swans, a wicked step-father, and a guaranteed HEA with absolutely no cliffhanger.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2018
175 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Helen Juliet
51 books201 followersHelen Juliet is a British author of contemporary MM fairy tale adaptations, including the international bestselling Beauty and the Beast retelling, Thorn in His Side. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary American small town MM series as HJ Welch, including Pine Cove, Homecoming Hearts, and Paddle Creek College.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary American small town MM series as HJ Welch, including Pine Cove, Homecoming Hearts, and Paddle Creek College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
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September 19, 2019Time of Death 46%
No rating.
I tried, i really tried but at the moment, i just can't do Disney. Marvel-Disney Yes! Disney-Disney?
I will stick to mysteries and paranormal for now. 46% and i haven't even connected with the characters, i am so detached that i am waiting for someone to die so they can start sleuthing.
This is a Cinderella/ Cinderfella story, sometimes i have no problem with reading such stories, today is not that day. We have the step brothers and the glass slippers in form of Converse.
The Converse are beautiful though, i would totally rock them.
It is clearly inspired by Prince Harry. Anyhoo, it wasn't for me.
No rating.
I tried, i really tried but at the moment, i just can't do Disney. Marvel-Disney Yes! Disney-Disney?
I will stick to mysteries and paranormal for now. 46% and i haven't even connected with the characters, i am so detached that i am waiting for someone to die so they can start sleuthing.
This is a Cinderella/ Cinderfella story, sometimes i have no problem with reading such stories, today is not that day. We have the step brothers and the glass slippers in form of Converse.
The Converse are beautiful though, i would totally rock them.
It is clearly inspired by Prince Harry. Anyhoo, it wasn't for me.
June 19, 2018
~4.5~
I loved this book. Both MCs were lovable and damn sweet together. I enjoyed the castle setting and the pure Britishness of the language. I mean, is there anything more British than the royal family?
Plus, in lieu of Corgis, there were five fluffy white Yorkies, each with his or her own distinct personality. All the characters, including the pups, were well sketched.
Not even the Big Misunderstanding bothered me, because I got why Theo would feel insecure. James's decision to throw it all in for love was unprecedented.
There was plenty of passion, two very cool princesses, an even cooler grandma, gay swans, a fabulous HEA, and some truly bodacious sparkling Converse.
I loved this book. Both MCs were lovable and damn sweet together. I enjoyed the castle setting and the pure Britishness of the language. I mean, is there anything more British than the royal family?
Plus, in lieu of Corgis, there were five fluffy white Yorkies, each with his or her own distinct personality. All the characters, including the pups, were well sketched.
Not even the Big Misunderstanding bothered me, because I got why Theo would feel insecure. James's decision to throw it all in for love was unprecedented.
There was plenty of passion, two very cool princesses, an even cooler grandma, gay swans, a fabulous HEA, and some truly bodacious sparkling Converse.
October 21, 2025
Clearly inspired by the recent Royal Wedding, this is a truly delightful Cinderfella style romance with a boy from Dagenham winning the heart of a handsome English Prince.
* Now, the one thing I will say, is that while the author has created a fictional Royal Family ruling over the UK, I did cringe a bit each time I saw a reference to the Queen of England, or Prince of England, as it misses out the rest of the countries which make up our hodgepodge of a nation.
It might be a mouthful to call James a British Prince, but it'd be the accurate way if you're having a Royal Family and Commonwealth which mirrors the real one.
That's pretty much my only criticism though. Everything else in this romance is a delight, even the insta love attraction works and the whole meet cute is a really clever scenario.
It's low angst, relatively steamy and has a great bunch of secondary characters. I live for the day when we actually get a same sex pairing among the crowned heads of Europe :)
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
*Note: See Below - Helen has said this error is corrected in the published version so all is well!
* Now, the one thing I will say, is that while the author has created a fictional Royal Family ruling over the UK, I did cringe a bit each time I saw a reference to the Queen of England, or Prince of England, as it misses out the rest of the countries which make up our hodgepodge of a nation.
It might be a mouthful to call James a British Prince, but it'd be the accurate way if you're having a Royal Family and Commonwealth which mirrors the real one.
That's pretty much my only criticism though. Everything else in this romance is a delight, even the insta love attraction works and the whole meet cute is a really clever scenario.
It's low angst, relatively steamy and has a great bunch of secondary characters. I live for the day when we actually get a same sex pairing among the crowned heads of Europe :)
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
*Note: See Below - Helen has said this error is corrected in the published version so all is well!
May 31, 2018
*3,75*
We know the theme. We know the plot. We kind of know the characters.
And still - Helen Juliet pulls this off.
I enjoy myself here. Both, James and Theo are cute and genuine. Even if the plot isn't really very real. Tbh it doesn't have to be. (and before you say it YES I know there was a royal wedding between a 'commoner and prince' in RL recently)
For some reason I can forgive an awful lot in the 'royal relationships' theme. I suppose it is because it doesn't have to be real. And all the feels we get here are lovely (although I could have easily done with more anguish and pain, but that's on me!). Not talking about the chemistry between these two!
This is wonderfully light with a tiny bit of tension and angst, but not enough to make me really worry about James and Theo.
Have fun with this one. I certainly did!
We know the theme. We know the plot. We kind of know the characters.
And still - Helen Juliet pulls this off.
I enjoy myself here. Both, James and Theo are cute and genuine. Even if the plot isn't really very real. Tbh it doesn't have to be. (and before you say it YES I know there was a royal wedding between a 'commoner and prince' in RL recently)
For some reason I can forgive an awful lot in the 'royal relationships' theme. I suppose it is because it doesn't have to be real. And all the feels we get here are lovely (although I could have easily done with more anguish and pain, but that's on me!). Not talking about the chemistry between these two!
This is wonderfully light with a tiny bit of tension and angst, but not enough to make me really worry about James and Theo.
Have fun with this one. I certainly did!
June 5, 2018
A royal love story. I was enchanted. The book was so light and fluffy I loved it! The plot was not complicated and it was not angsty or evoking any deep thoughts on my part but the characters were so approachable and lovable that it was hard not to like them.
Theo, the rebel I would call him, is a simple young man who is trying to survive and help others. He is kind, mouthy and handsome. Although he presents a strong image he is a little scared he will not fit in. But still he is strong and resourceful.
James although being a royal prince feels out place due to him being different in more ways than one. I loved that the author made him less perfect. He is hiding behind princely arrogance. He is just like anybody else but you have to peel a couple of layers off him like an onion.
They were so cute and sweet together. Even the first meeting was adorable. I loved how they interacted, how insecure they sometimes were and little mishaps they got into. The intimate part of their relationship was sexy and a surprise. I was impressed with how that turned out. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the secondary characters that made this book wholesome and funny.
I liked most of it. There was the part about James' mother that was a little confusing. Most of the book she was a royal biatch and then suddenly in the end she was heading for the Mother of the Year award, she was just that understanding. That was misleading because it felt that his mother was not a good person but she was changed suddenly to suit the plot. It didn't feel genuine to me. I really disliked the woman and her turnabout gave me a slight whiplash.
Other than that everything was well written, the book well paced. I loved the ending and how everything turned out for both Theo and James. It's a very sweet and lovely romance story!
Theo, the rebel I would call him, is a simple young man who is trying to survive and help others. He is kind, mouthy and handsome. Although he presents a strong image he is a little scared he will not fit in. But still he is strong and resourceful.
James although being a royal prince feels out place due to him being different in more ways than one. I loved that the author made him less perfect. He is hiding behind princely arrogance. He is just like anybody else but you have to peel a couple of layers off him like an onion.
They were so cute and sweet together. Even the first meeting was adorable. I loved how they interacted, how insecure they sometimes were and little mishaps they got into. The intimate part of their relationship was sexy and a surprise. I was impressed with how that turned out. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the secondary characters that made this book wholesome and funny.
I liked most of it. There was the part about James' mother that was a little confusing. Most of the book she was a royal biatch and then suddenly in the end she was heading for the Mother of the Year award, she was just that understanding. That was misleading because it felt that his mother was not a good person but she was changed suddenly to suit the plot. It didn't feel genuine to me. I really disliked the woman and her turnabout gave me a slight whiplash.
Other than that everything was well written, the book well paced. I loved the ending and how everything turned out for both Theo and James. It's a very sweet and lovely romance story!
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June 1, 2018DNF 48%
This is just too cheesy for me. It's set in modern day and the constant parallels with Cinderella are really annoying. Plus the Insta-love factor is way too high, and the prince has issues with condoms so their first encounter appears to be lubricated by Theo's sweaty thighs, hmmmm. But I never have much luck with fairytales, so... *shrugs*
This is just too cheesy for me. It's set in modern day and the constant parallels with Cinderella are really annoying. Plus the Insta-love factor is way too high, and the prince has issues with condoms so their first encounter appears to be lubricated by Theo's sweaty thighs, hmmmm. But I never have much luck with fairytales, so... *shrugs*
November 19, 2018
The main problem with this book was that it really irritated me and I didn't like it. I think I came at it from the wrong angle and wanted it to be something other than what it was. It was really, I don't really know how to say this in a way that doesn't sound mean, superficial. Like, there was all this stuff going on in the background that was alluded to but was never really explored or even built up for the story to rest on as a foundation. And that isn't inherently bad if you don't mind reading a story with that; not all people are looking for something with massive depth all of the time. But I was bothered with this book at this time.
I might expand this review later.
edit: 11/18/2018
I'm going to expand on this a little bit.
One of the problems that I had with this book was the disability representation. There is in fact disability representation, but I think who and how is kind of spoilery, so behind the spoiler tag it goes!
I was also weirdly irritated by the fact that Theo seemed to have no actual qualifications for what he was doing, yet he was hired, did not consult with others who had experience, and did gloriously. Yes, Theo had some degree of fundraising experience with fundraisers that had basically no budget for an audience that was okay with going to fundraising events that had no budget. That's not the same thing as doing a fundraising event for really rich people. They're going to expect something different, and you need to figure out how much you can reasonably spend on expenses (to make donors happy and willing to give) vs how much you are going to take in (so the event is still worth it). If someone with experience is making noises at you that you aren't spending enough money and you are used to operating much lower end events with no money, you at least need to know why they are making noises about that. What, exactly, aren't you doing that they think you need to be doing? I'm speaking from experience as someone who has both worked with fundraisers where you had red solo cups and Ritz crackers with sliced cheese and high end fund raisers where you had real dishes and multiple professional chefs who made various seafood dishes. These aren't interchangeable, and you need to know your audience.
I might expand this review later.
edit: 11/18/2018
I'm going to expand on this a little bit.
One of the problems that I had with this book was the disability representation. There is in fact disability representation, but I think who and how is kind of spoilery, so behind the spoiler tag it goes!
I was also weirdly irritated by the fact that Theo seemed to have no actual qualifications for what he was doing, yet he was hired, did not consult with others who had experience, and did gloriously. Yes, Theo had some degree of fundraising experience with fundraisers that had basically no budget for an audience that was okay with going to fundraising events that had no budget. That's not the same thing as doing a fundraising event for really rich people. They're going to expect something different, and you need to figure out how much you can reasonably spend on expenses (to make donors happy and willing to give) vs how much you are going to take in (so the event is still worth it). If someone with experience is making noises at you that you aren't spending enough money and you are used to operating much lower end events with no money, you at least need to know why they are making noises about that. What, exactly, aren't you doing that they think you need to be doing? I'm speaking from experience as someone who has both worked with fundraisers where you had red solo cups and Ritz crackers with sliced cheese and high end fund raisers where you had real dishes and multiple professional chefs who made various seafood dishes. These aren't interchangeable, and you need to know your audience.
June 4, 2018
A solid 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for Amazon
This book is really Cute!! Like full on “Cinderfella” fairytale rags to riches story Cute...
Obviously this kind of story doesn’t happen in real life, so when it’s on page everything about it is almost Over the top perfect. I just couldn’t help but smile while reading this one. This book was a really fun a sweet read with not much angst or drama involved. Theo is a “commoner” who meets Prince James when Theos grandma gets recognized for her Charity work. In order to spend more time with Theo James decides to throw a fundraiser and Puts Theo in charge. Being from two totally different social standings and being able to overcome what society “thinks/says” should happen and still being able to make it work together was great to see.
This book is really Cute!! Like full on “Cinderfella” fairytale rags to riches story Cute...
Obviously this kind of story doesn’t happen in real life, so when it’s on page everything about it is almost Over the top perfect. I just couldn’t help but smile while reading this one. This book was a really fun a sweet read with not much angst or drama involved. Theo is a “commoner” who meets Prince James when Theos grandma gets recognized for her Charity work. In order to spend more time with Theo James decides to throw a fundraiser and Puts Theo in charge. Being from two totally different social standings and being able to overcome what society “thinks/says” should happen and still being able to make it work together was great to see.
May 27, 2018
I was surprised to find myself caught up in royal wedding fever recently when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married. Watching their wedding definitely brought a tear to my eye but I couldn't help wondering of one day we're get to see a gay royal wedding. It might not happen in real life any time soon but in the world of MM romance Helen Juliet has done just that.
And I loved it! A Right Royal Affair was an absolute fairy tale of a read from start to finish. It had all the elements you'd want in a feel good romance.
MCs James and Theo were a delight. I loved that despite being a prince and an ex-solider James was still a bit of dork - so adorable. Poor Theo if it wasn't for his nan he might be all on his own and fallen into a awful situation when he was younger. His was the ultimate rags to riches story. And let's face it we've all dreamed of one day being swept off our feet by a dashing, handsome prince. I loved that that happened for the lovely Theo. Finally he found someone who treated Theo like he was the prince. Some who thought he was special and trusted him to share their secrets = SWOON!!!!!
This book in completely fictionalised but I love seeing how other people think it would be like to be part of the royal family and have to live that life. On the lighter side seeing James call the Queen Grandma was adorable. And tbh honest it made me grin as yeah I forget sometimes that the real queen is a gran as well of course that's what her grand children would call her. And the darker side how oppressive must it be to live under so many rules and regulations and never be able to truly be who you want to be. But luckily for James there was a happy ending here and he got to be the person he wanted to be and to be with the person, the man, he loved.
I pretty much read this in one go. It was heart warming, feel good and I didn't want to put it down.
And I loved it! A Right Royal Affair was an absolute fairy tale of a read from start to finish. It had all the elements you'd want in a feel good romance.
MCs James and Theo were a delight. I loved that despite being a prince and an ex-solider James was still a bit of dork - so adorable. Poor Theo if it wasn't for his nan he might be all on his own and fallen into a awful situation when he was younger. His was the ultimate rags to riches story. And let's face it we've all dreamed of one day being swept off our feet by a dashing, handsome prince. I loved that that happened for the lovely Theo. Finally he found someone who treated Theo like he was the prince. Some who thought he was special and trusted him to share their secrets = SWOON!!!!!
This book in completely fictionalised but I love seeing how other people think it would be like to be part of the royal family and have to live that life. On the lighter side seeing James call the Queen Grandma was adorable. And tbh honest it made me grin as yeah I forget sometimes that the real queen is a gran as well of course that's what her grand children would call her. And the darker side how oppressive must it be to live under so many rules and regulations and never be able to truly be who you want to be. But luckily for James there was a happy ending here and he got to be the person he wanted to be and to be with the person, the man, he loved.
I pretty much read this in one go. It was heart warming, feel good and I didn't want to put it down.
June 6, 2018
DNF @ 20%.
This is essentially bisexual!Prince Harry x OC fanfic inspired by the Royal Wedding, which fails to inspire any emotion in me other than ennui. I get that it is a modern, (loose) retelling of Cinderella, but setting it in England, with the Queen of England being James' grandmother, the yorkies, and James himself being seen as a sort of wild child who did a stint in the military was pretty bland. She could have made up a country, like Genovia, so this just kind of came off as a lazy attempt to profit from the Royal Wedding craze.
This is essentially bisexual!Prince Harry x OC fanfic inspired by the Royal Wedding, which fails to inspire any emotion in me other than ennui. I get that it is a modern, (loose) retelling of Cinderella, but setting it in England, with the Queen of England being James' grandmother, the yorkies, and James himself being seen as a sort of wild child who did a stint in the military was pretty bland. She could have made up a country, like Genovia, so this just kind of came off as a lazy attempt to profit from the Royal Wedding craze.
January 7, 2022
Okay, so, take my review with a grain of salt. I was planning to rate this 3 stars, maybe even 3.5 (rounded down) but I’m a sucker for the: one character realizes he can’t live without the other right as some crazy misunderstanding causes the other one to flee and so they just miss each other moment. And then there are several pages of waiting, with bated breath for them to reconnect, knowing that of course it will happen just not knowing how.
But before that scene…
I thought the story was alright. The first three hours of the audiobook was interesting but not particularly compelling as the MCs barely interacted. I was loosely interested in watching the characters get together, but it was also easy for me to put the book down for stretches of time. Once the characters actually started interacting though, I enjoyed it. Until we fell into a sort of lull where time was passing, the crucial week in which much of the story is set, but the MCs time felt like it was being summarized while the story somehow dragged on. I eventually sped up the audio around halfway or so through.
Things I liked:
Sal, when she was present. I can’t speak with authority on Muslim representation, but it stood out to me that she wasn’t just Muslim in name/for the sake of diversity. She didn’t drink, wore a hijab, and I’m pretty sure didn’t have casual sex… and it was okay. Both she and Theo just accept it as the status quo and kept it moving.
Of course, everyone handles their faith differently but I’ve read a number of books where the Muslim character felt like they were embodying the “I’m not like other girls” trope. James’s staff was also pretty cool. As was the narrator, Kieran Flitton. I really enjoyed his voices and accents. He was really pleasant to listen to. The converse/slipper situation.
Things that confused me:
James’s mother. That the disability was allowed to just be swept under the rug as it was. While I realize he’s not actually a part of the majority of the story, every time Ignatius was around, I found myself wondering, why isn’t he helping the queen? How is he here… Again?
But before that scene…
I thought the story was alright. The first three hours of the audiobook was interesting but not particularly compelling as the MCs barely interacted. I was loosely interested in watching the characters get together, but it was also easy for me to put the book down for stretches of time. Once the characters actually started interacting though, I enjoyed it. Until we fell into a sort of lull where time was passing, the crucial week in which much of the story is set, but the MCs time felt like it was being summarized while the story somehow dragged on. I eventually sped up the audio around halfway or so through.
Things I liked:
Sal, when she was present. I can’t speak with authority on Muslim representation, but it stood out to me that she wasn’t just Muslim in name/for the sake of diversity. She didn’t drink, wore a hijab, and I’m pretty sure didn’t have casual sex… and it was okay. Both she and Theo just accept it as the status quo and kept it moving.
Of course, everyone handles their faith differently but I’ve read a number of books where the Muslim character felt like they were embodying the “I’m not like other girls” trope. James’s staff was also pretty cool. As was the narrator, Kieran Flitton. I really enjoyed his voices and accents. He was really pleasant to listen to. The converse/slipper situation.
Things that confused me:
James’s mother. That the disability was allowed to just be swept under the rug as it was. While I realize he’s not actually a part of the majority of the story, every time Ignatius was around, I found myself wondering, why isn’t he helping the queen? How is he here… Again?
May 29, 2018
Inspired by a recent Royal wedding, this is like a parallel story from MM POV.
This was a fun, Cinderfella story, a dream come true.
Cannot wait the real Royalty male-male wedding in the future. In reality. Not only fantasy.
I enjoyed this story, enjoyed Theo and James's encounter and how the whole household loved the idea of their Prince finding a true love with another man.
Theo is adorable, no wonder James crazy about him!😍
Recommended!
* I read the advance reader copy of this book
June 1, 2018
" 'Coming out' will be the biggest upheaval in my entire life, completely shifting how the people and the press act towards me, and will subject you to unimaginable scrutiny by the paparazzi, but I'm willing to do it because I know that what we have is true love. After all, It's already been an entire week and we've only had one major misunderstanding!"
June 28, 2023
RECENSIONE A CURA DI ELYXYZ
L’autrice Helen Juliet ci presenta una simpatica e dolce rivisitazione della fiaba di Cenerentola in chiave moderna e m/m.
È stato interessante ritrovare i nuovi arrangiamenti degli archetipi della vecchia storia: abbiamo una grande festa della nobiltà a cui partecipare, delle scarpe speciali da smarrire e ritrovare, un patrigno malvagio e fratellastri invidiosi, una nonnina turchina e aiutanti dal cuore d’oro. Ah, e una cucciolata che vi divertirà.
Theo è un ragazzo che è stato ripudiato dalla famiglia per la sua sessualità a soli tredici anni. Lo ha accolto in casa propria la nonna, che dalla sua sfortunata esperienza fonda un’associazione che aiuta i ragazzi queer. Ed è proprio grazie al loro operato caritatevole che vengono premiati nientemeno che dal principe James, con cui poi Theo ha un incontro/scontro particolare.
Continua sul nostro blog!
L’autrice Helen Juliet ci presenta una simpatica e dolce rivisitazione della fiaba di Cenerentola in chiave moderna e m/m.
È stato interessante ritrovare i nuovi arrangiamenti degli archetipi della vecchia storia: abbiamo una grande festa della nobiltà a cui partecipare, delle scarpe speciali da smarrire e ritrovare, un patrigno malvagio e fratellastri invidiosi, una nonnina turchina e aiutanti dal cuore d’oro. Ah, e una cucciolata che vi divertirà.
Theo è un ragazzo che è stato ripudiato dalla famiglia per la sua sessualità a soli tredici anni. Lo ha accolto in casa propria la nonna, che dalla sua sfortunata esperienza fonda un’associazione che aiuta i ragazzi queer. Ed è proprio grazie al loro operato caritatevole che vengono premiati nientemeno che dal principe James, con cui poi Theo ha un incontro/scontro particolare.
Continua sul nostro blog!
July 31, 2018
Will post review tomorrow...maybe 😜
June 30, 2018
3-3.5 Stars
November 9, 2025
4.5 🌟
very lovely and sweet. I smiled a lot while reading this book!
very lovely and sweet. I smiled a lot while reading this book!
May 31, 2018
Very cool Royal story. It made me think of a cross between Harry/Meghan and Cinderella (evil stepbrothers and gorgeous shoes at a ball). Theo's grandmother was receiving a royal award for all of her charity work. While at the ceremony, Theo runs into Prince James and the meeting doesn't quite go well. James is enthralled with Theo, however, and wants to spend more time with him. He decides to put together a charity ball and hires Theo to put it all together.
There are definite challenges for the guys (James is 6th in line to the throne, Theo is a "commoner", gay is not looked highly upon), but the guys push through them to get to a happy end. There were a couple of things that annoyed me with the story overall, . Regardless, I was loving how much James adored Theo, and I loved how Theo grounded James and loved him for him not his lineage. James and Theo were so sweet.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by LesCourt Author Services
There are definite challenges for the guys (James is 6th in line to the throne, Theo is a "commoner", gay is not looked highly upon), but the guys push through them to get to a happy end. There were a couple of things that annoyed me with the story overall, . Regardless, I was loving how much James adored Theo, and I loved how Theo grounded James and loved him for him not his lineage. James and Theo were so sweet.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received by LesCourt Author Services
June 4, 2018
This book felt long-winded and dreary. Though it is, on the whole, correctly written (not stylistly, though, because of the endless repetitions of auxiliary verbs and prepositions - variations on such tags as "James watched Theo turn around and disappear around the corner of the storage room" or "now, though, there wasn't a delivery waiting for them. There was Manjeet, standing by a rowboat that he'd moored up on a stone boulder at the end of the jetty" occur entirely too often on every page -, to say nothing of the not infrequent grammatical or lexical blemishes - "his petit frame" ad libitum ["petite", you benighted barbarian!]" ~ "luckily, Theo hadn't got far" ["gone"!] ~ "but he kept finding himself starting into space" ["staring"!], etc - and instances of incorrect syntax - "it wasn’t until he'd had Theo half-naked in his arms did James realise how much trouble he was really in"), I found it loose and toothless and rather less touching than J.R. Gray's clumsy yet heart-wrenching King Consort. Not only has sugary fluff gone overboard throughout the book, infecting even the, rather dirty, love scenes with preposterous ideas such as James being wholly unfamiliar with lubricant and condoms (aye sure! has not it been previously stated that the prince sex dated guys before?); the entire cast is made of cardboard characters without any nuance as to their portrayal, either adorable and quirky (Theo's Nan, James' sister and friendly staff) or deplorable (Ignatius, Theo's stepfamily), and Mrs Juliet shows no interest in narrating what would have been the most interesting to know, like the evil characters getting they comeuppance and the technicalities of the sixth-ranked royal falling in love with a commoner of the same sex he eventually marries. Last but not least, the insecurities of both heroes, which make up a significant part of the first half of the story, would have gained a lot from being evoked in terms tighter and less childish than those decided upon by Mrs Juliet; for she does not shy away from bombastic platitudes and inflated commonplaces (e.g., "Theo didn't really believe James was flirting with him, did he? Even if he was into guys in some way, he wouldn't go for someone like Theo. He was a common little twink from Essex. He could imagine James with a handsome rugby player type, someone who went to a private school and drove a Ferrari. But not Theo").
December 20, 2020
Ughhhhh.
This had so much potential. I love Royal romances. They are kind of billionaire romance adjacent in their tropeyness but have an element of taboo to them. This one disappointed me.
I mean, if you are writing a character from Essex, can you at least try to reach for the stars and attempt something like Darian Taylor? NO ONE CAN, let me tell you but one can try right? Anyway, that didn’t work at all. Theo was not Darian.
Also James! Eeeessssh! I think I have just read better romances at this point that even my usually low standards were not met with this one. No one can equal McQuiston’s Henry but boy! James was just a cartoon.
Also the narrative style? Blech. Put me to sleep! If my book club friend Sam had read this one, she would have been going berserk. I could imagine Sam reading this shit and immediately ending her friendship with me. It was so vanilla that it is almost an insult to vanilla. Please stay away if you want to keep your brain cells. Mine have been killed and pickled at this point.
This had so much potential. I love Royal romances. They are kind of billionaire romance adjacent in their tropeyness but have an element of taboo to them. This one disappointed me.
I mean, if you are writing a character from Essex, can you at least try to reach for the stars and attempt something like Darian Taylor? NO ONE CAN, let me tell you but one can try right? Anyway, that didn’t work at all. Theo was not Darian.
Also James! Eeeessssh! I think I have just read better romances at this point that even my usually low standards were not met with this one. No one can equal McQuiston’s Henry but boy! James was just a cartoon.
Also the narrative style? Blech. Put me to sleep! If my book club friend Sam had read this one, she would have been going berserk. I could imagine Sam reading this shit and immediately ending her friendship with me. It was so vanilla that it is almost an insult to vanilla. Please stay away if you want to keep your brain cells. Mine have been killed and pickled at this point.
November 28, 2018
This was very much a "cinderfella" story, complete with the evil step family, a ball, and a lost glass encrusted slipper. I very much enjoyed the first half of the story, although I felt it lagged a bit once the royal mother (and her secretary or whatever he was) started butting in. In the end though, I understood why that stuff needed to happen, to keep the story in the whole Cinderella theme. It all worked out perfectly. Maybe a bit too perfectly, but I loved it anyway.
My only real niggle was with James'
May 18, 2019
4 Stars
A right royally engaging retelling of Cinderella that once I started reading I couldn't put down. Of all the tweaks and slight changes (horrible step-father & stepbrothers)...I LOVED the "bedazzled" Converse taking the place of the glass slippers best. (I'd totally wear these, just sayin'.)
I kinda wish that the story didn't take the easy way out with , but hey...this is a fairy tale and that would be a bit too weighty a subject.
Hope this comes out in audio; I'd love to hear it.
A right royally engaging retelling of Cinderella that once I started reading I couldn't put down. Of all the tweaks and slight changes (horrible step-father & stepbrothers)...I LOVED the "bedazzled" Converse taking the place of the glass slippers best. (I'd totally wear these, just sayin'.)
I kinda wish that the story didn't take the easy way out with , but hey...this is a fairy tale and that would be a bit too weighty a subject.
Hope this comes out in audio; I'd love to hear it.
February 16, 2023
Una favola
March 27, 2023
Giusy - per RFS
.
C’era una volta, un bambino chiamato Theodore. Il suo cuore era pieno d’amore, ma non pensava che qualcuno potesse amarlo. Pensava che l’amore esistesse solo nelle favole… E si sentiva anche arrabbiato per questo, e a volte poteva essere maleducato verso un avvenente principe, quando questo voleva solo trattarlo con gentilezza.
Una rivisitazione in chiave moderna e queer della fiaba di Cenerentola, una storia incantevole e tenera in cui vedremo sbocciare l’amore tra un principe inglese e un ragazzo del Sussex.
Come d’incanto è una rilettura brillante e originale della favola che ha accompagnato la nostra infanzia e ha tutte le caratteristiche dell’opera dei fratelli Grimm, ma alcune cose le troveremo sotto fattezze differenti. Al posto dei topini ci sono dei batuffolosi e irrequieti cagnolini; un patrigno e dei fratellastri odiosi invece della perfida matrigna e delle sorellastre crudeli, mentre come fata madrina troviamo un maggiordomo, un autista e una cuoca. Il Principe Azzurro, naturalmente, non può mancare: bellissimo, spalle larghe e cuore grande, costretto a nascondere la sua sessualità per evitare uno scandalo. James è sesto in linea di successione ed è costretto a sottostare a regole ferree e divieti che gli impediscono di vivere alla luce del sole i suoi veri sentimenti. Quando incontra per la prima volta Theo, alla cerimonia in cui vengono elargite delle onorificenze ai sudditi più meritevoli, a cui il ragazzo ha accompagnato l’amatissima nonna, ne rimane incantato.
Dopo aver passato la mattina a ripetersi come dovesse fare qualcosa della sua vita e trovarsi una bella ragazza, si era fatto abbagliare dal primo biondino di turno, come una gazza ladra. Solo che non si era trovato tra le mani un bel tesoro, bensì un ragazzo dell’Essex dalla lingua lunga. No, non un ragazzo, un uomo. Il biondino si era rivelato più maturo e capace di quello che si era aspettato.
Pur di poterlo rivedere e frequentare, il principe lo incarica di organizzare un ballo di beneficenza, con una raccolta fondi a favore di alcune associazioni, tra cui quella di cui si occupano lo stesso Theo e sua nonna, in sostegno della comunità LGBTQIA+. Theo lo guarda con ammirazione e scetticismo, conscio dell’attrazione che prova per il bellissimo principe, ma deciso a reprimere i suoi sentimenti per quello che ritiene un ragazzo irraggiungibile.
Non per la prima volta, Theo si domandò se lui potesse davvero piacere al principe. Chiunque avrebbe potuto indovinare il suo orientamento sessuale, si capiva che era gay da un chilometro di distanza, quindi James doveva saperlo per forza. Ma era folle pensare che James fosse gay. I principi non lo erano. Fine della storia.
James dovrebbe trovarsi una ragazza da sposare, come si aspetta la sua famiglia, ma non può ignorare le farfalle nello stomaco e il fuoco sulla pelle che gli provocano la vicinanza di Theo. Tra momenti che fanno palpitare il cuore ai nostri protagonisti e anche a noi lettori, situazioni decisamente hot, tanto da incendiare l’atmosfera, un romanticismo da favola e un’atmosfera incantevole e sognante, non si può non rimanere estasiati da questo romanzo che è una vera coccola.
Non aveva mai ballato un lento. Nessuno lo aveva mai corteggiato. Nessuno gli aveva fatto battere il cuore fino a sentirsi travolto. Nessuno gli aveva mai detto che era speciale. Nessun uomo gli aveva mai affidato i propri segreti. Nessuno, eccetto Sua Altezza Reale il principe James. Incapace di trattenersi, Theo lo abbracciò per prenderlo più vicino a sé, appoggiandogli la testa sul petto. James appoggiò la propria in modo da posare la guancia sui suoi capelli… Questa volta non esitò, e uni le loro labbra in un bacio.
Una scrittura scorrevole e avvincente, un romanzo che si legge in un soffio e regala la magia di una storia d’amore da favola… ops dimenticavo: cos’è che perde Cenerentola scappando dal ballo allo scoccare della mezzanotte? La scarpetta di cristallo, ricordate? E in un retelling che si rispetti può mancare questo particolare? Ovviamente no, e naturalmente anche la scarpetta avrà una sua particolarissima versione, adatta a un affascinante, originale e incantevole ragazzo queer.
.
C’era una volta, un bambino chiamato Theodore. Il suo cuore era pieno d’amore, ma non pensava che qualcuno potesse amarlo. Pensava che l’amore esistesse solo nelle favole… E si sentiva anche arrabbiato per questo, e a volte poteva essere maleducato verso un avvenente principe, quando questo voleva solo trattarlo con gentilezza.
Una rivisitazione in chiave moderna e queer della fiaba di Cenerentola, una storia incantevole e tenera in cui vedremo sbocciare l’amore tra un principe inglese e un ragazzo del Sussex.
Come d’incanto è una rilettura brillante e originale della favola che ha accompagnato la nostra infanzia e ha tutte le caratteristiche dell’opera dei fratelli Grimm, ma alcune cose le troveremo sotto fattezze differenti. Al posto dei topini ci sono dei batuffolosi e irrequieti cagnolini; un patrigno e dei fratellastri odiosi invece della perfida matrigna e delle sorellastre crudeli, mentre come fata madrina troviamo un maggiordomo, un autista e una cuoca. Il Principe Azzurro, naturalmente, non può mancare: bellissimo, spalle larghe e cuore grande, costretto a nascondere la sua sessualità per evitare uno scandalo. James è sesto in linea di successione ed è costretto a sottostare a regole ferree e divieti che gli impediscono di vivere alla luce del sole i suoi veri sentimenti. Quando incontra per la prima volta Theo, alla cerimonia in cui vengono elargite delle onorificenze ai sudditi più meritevoli, a cui il ragazzo ha accompagnato l’amatissima nonna, ne rimane incantato.
Dopo aver passato la mattina a ripetersi come dovesse fare qualcosa della sua vita e trovarsi una bella ragazza, si era fatto abbagliare dal primo biondino di turno, come una gazza ladra. Solo che non si era trovato tra le mani un bel tesoro, bensì un ragazzo dell’Essex dalla lingua lunga. No, non un ragazzo, un uomo. Il biondino si era rivelato più maturo e capace di quello che si era aspettato.
Pur di poterlo rivedere e frequentare, il principe lo incarica di organizzare un ballo di beneficenza, con una raccolta fondi a favore di alcune associazioni, tra cui quella di cui si occupano lo stesso Theo e sua nonna, in sostegno della comunità LGBTQIA+. Theo lo guarda con ammirazione e scetticismo, conscio dell’attrazione che prova per il bellissimo principe, ma deciso a reprimere i suoi sentimenti per quello che ritiene un ragazzo irraggiungibile.
Non per la prima volta, Theo si domandò se lui potesse davvero piacere al principe. Chiunque avrebbe potuto indovinare il suo orientamento sessuale, si capiva che era gay da un chilometro di distanza, quindi James doveva saperlo per forza. Ma era folle pensare che James fosse gay. I principi non lo erano. Fine della storia.
James dovrebbe trovarsi una ragazza da sposare, come si aspetta la sua famiglia, ma non può ignorare le farfalle nello stomaco e il fuoco sulla pelle che gli provocano la vicinanza di Theo. Tra momenti che fanno palpitare il cuore ai nostri protagonisti e anche a noi lettori, situazioni decisamente hot, tanto da incendiare l’atmosfera, un romanticismo da favola e un’atmosfera incantevole e sognante, non si può non rimanere estasiati da questo romanzo che è una vera coccola.
Non aveva mai ballato un lento. Nessuno lo aveva mai corteggiato. Nessuno gli aveva fatto battere il cuore fino a sentirsi travolto. Nessuno gli aveva mai detto che era speciale. Nessun uomo gli aveva mai affidato i propri segreti. Nessuno, eccetto Sua Altezza Reale il principe James. Incapace di trattenersi, Theo lo abbracciò per prenderlo più vicino a sé, appoggiandogli la testa sul petto. James appoggiò la propria in modo da posare la guancia sui suoi capelli… Questa volta non esitò, e uni le loro labbra in un bacio.
Una scrittura scorrevole e avvincente, un romanzo che si legge in un soffio e regala la magia di una storia d’amore da favola… ops dimenticavo: cos’è che perde Cenerentola scappando dal ballo allo scoccare della mezzanotte? La scarpetta di cristallo, ricordate? E in un retelling che si rispetti può mancare questo particolare? Ovviamente no, e naturalmente anche la scarpetta avrà una sua particolarissima versione, adatta a un affascinante, originale e incantevole ragazzo queer.
May 27, 2018
Royal traditions and evil step families try and keep these 2 wonderful men apart.
1 pair of crystal converse keep them from forever.
As 6th in line to the throne James needs his grandmother's approval for who he can date/marry. Tradition says it must be a female but he is more attracted to men.
After meeting Theo he can't him off his mind and offers him a job. Theo reluctantly agrees to work for the gorgeous Royal Prince James over the next 2 weeks to organise a fundraising event. Can Theo keep his heart safe and not fall for the Prince?
Loved this book. Lots of different twists on different fairy tales in this book but was wonderful to see how they all shaped together for a wonderful story
1 pair of crystal converse keep them from forever.
As 6th in line to the throne James needs his grandmother's approval for who he can date/marry. Tradition says it must be a female but he is more attracted to men.
After meeting Theo he can't him off his mind and offers him a job. Theo reluctantly agrees to work for the gorgeous Royal Prince James over the next 2 weeks to organise a fundraising event. Can Theo keep his heart safe and not fall for the Prince?
Loved this book. Lots of different twists on different fairy tales in this book but was wonderful to see how they all shaped together for a wonderful story
June 26, 2018
4.5 Stars
I am big fan of Helen Juliet and this may be my favorite by I don't even like royal romances and I am iff on fairy tale retellings, but this book is just a sheer smile fest delight.
James and Theo get a not so cute meet. And there is little Yorkies everywhere. James courts Theo. There are gay swans. The supporting cast is great.
This is just really a Sunday Afternoon Rom Com in the best ways.
We get a fairy tale but with humor and joy and HEA we can believe in. If you want to grin, pick this one up!
I am big fan of Helen Juliet and this may be my favorite by I don't even like royal romances and I am iff on fairy tale retellings, but this book is just a sheer smile fest delight.
James and Theo get a not so cute meet. And there is little Yorkies everywhere. James courts Theo. There are gay swans. The supporting cast is great.
This is just really a Sunday Afternoon Rom Com in the best ways.
We get a fairy tale but with humor and joy and HEA we can believe in. If you want to grin, pick this one up!
June 30, 2018
4.25 stars from me. A modern day British Cinderfella story, complete with jewel encrusted [probably Swarovski 😉] Converses instead of the ubiquitous glass slipper 😁. I was smiling for most of the read I joyfully admit, and even though there were niggles with a single Yorkie terrier continually being referred to as 'they' instead of 'it'...yes, you Bertie, you little devil, the story was just lovely. If only such a thing could happen in RL 🤔....
May 29, 2018
I was gifted my copy of this book, that I write a review was not required.
But, people!! Warm and fuzzies AND too stinking cute is a thing Ms Juliet does so bloody well!
6th in line to the throne, Prince James, is drifting. He needs some focus, and after meeting Theo at his grandmother's acceptance of her medal, James hatches a plan to focus AND have Theo. But not everyone is happy for James and Theo, and there is also the tiny matter that James' grandmother, The Queen, might deny them their happiness.
I wasn't sure what I was expecting from the blurb to this book, I really wasn't. But I really REALLY enjoyed it! It kinda crept up on me, you know??
It's well told, from both men's point of view, so we get Theo's standing up to James. We get James' admission (not saying what!) And we get it from both of them when the charity event turns into the evening from hell.
And OH!!! The Converse thing?? Loved that! That was not something I saw coming at me! Loved the actions of the Princess of Wales, James' mother, and her matchmaking, and how well that turned out!
There were some proper laugh out loud moments, some emotional ones, some sad ones and a massive happy ever after. Loved how that 6th in line thing turned out too!
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but sod it!
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
But, people!! Warm and fuzzies AND too stinking cute is a thing Ms Juliet does so bloody well!
6th in line to the throne, Prince James, is drifting. He needs some focus, and after meeting Theo at his grandmother's acceptance of her medal, James hatches a plan to focus AND have Theo. But not everyone is happy for James and Theo, and there is also the tiny matter that James' grandmother, The Queen, might deny them their happiness.
I wasn't sure what I was expecting from the blurb to this book, I really wasn't. But I really REALLY enjoyed it! It kinda crept up on me, you know??
It's well told, from both men's point of view, so we get Theo's standing up to James. We get James' admission (not saying what!) And we get it from both of them when the charity event turns into the evening from hell.
And OH!!! The Converse thing?? Loved that! That was not something I saw coming at me! Loved the actions of the Princess of Wales, James' mother, and her matchmaking, and how well that turned out!
There were some proper laugh out loud moments, some emotional ones, some sad ones and a massive happy ever after. Loved how that 6th in line thing turned out too!
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but sod it!
5 stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
November 20, 2021
(3,5 Sterne)
~~~
James warf seine Hände in die Luft.
„Wissen denn alle davon?“, fragte er.
„Ja“, antwortete Peggy und stellte das Geschirr ab.
„So ziemlich“, stimmte Manjeet zu.
„Ich glaube schon, Sir“, fügte Quintin hinzu[…]
😂❤️
~~~
Iggy war einfach nur verachtenswert.. 😤
und James Mutter hat mich zwischendurch
auch echt auf die Palme gebracht. 🤯
Theos Oma ist hingegen wundervoll, wie ganz viele Nebenchars! ❤️ Eine süße Märchenhafte Story über einen Prinzen und einen bürgerlichen. 👑🥰
Die Übersetzung ist teilweise sehr.. steif?!
Weiß nicht, wie ich das anders ausdrücken soll. 😅
Ich mochte die Idee der Geschichte an sich sehr..
im Original gelesen, ist sie wahrscheinlich auch richtig gut.. so wurde das Leseerlebnis -für mich- leider ein bisschen getrübt. (Aus diesem Grund hab ich einen halben Stern abgezogen, sonst wären es ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ geworden.)
~~~
James warf seine Hände in die Luft.
„Wissen denn alle davon?“, fragte er.
„Ja“, antwortete Peggy und stellte das Geschirr ab.
„So ziemlich“, stimmte Manjeet zu.
„Ich glaube schon, Sir“, fügte Quintin hinzu[…]
😂❤️
~~~
Iggy war einfach nur verachtenswert.. 😤
und James Mutter hat mich zwischendurch
auch echt auf die Palme gebracht. 🤯
Theos Oma ist hingegen wundervoll, wie ganz viele Nebenchars! ❤️ Eine süße Märchenhafte Story über einen Prinzen und einen bürgerlichen. 👑🥰
Die Übersetzung ist teilweise sehr.. steif?!
Weiß nicht, wie ich das anders ausdrücken soll. 😅
Ich mochte die Idee der Geschichte an sich sehr..
im Original gelesen, ist sie wahrscheinlich auch richtig gut.. so wurde das Leseerlebnis -für mich- leider ein bisschen getrübt. (Aus diesem Grund hab ich einen halben Stern abgezogen, sonst wären es ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ geworden.)
January 21, 2021
This book is just about the Sweetest thing you could imagine. Helen Juliet is an amazing author with a taste for sweet, low-angst love stories, and this modern day retelling of Cinderella, with plebian poor Theo from Essex falling in love with closeted bisexual Prince James of England is absolutely amazing.
This was my first audiobook narrated by Kieran Flitton, and I really think he did both the characters and the story justice.
This was my first audiobook narrated by Kieran Flitton, and I really think he did both the characters and the story justice.
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