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A Royal Wedding #2
A Royal Kiss and Tell
Every prince has his secrets. And she’s determined to unravel his…
Every dashing young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. Handsome, delectable roué Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember who Caroline is, and the insult is not to be tolerated. So, Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure a prince remembers her: sees that amusingly risqué morsels about Leo’s reputation are printed in a ladies’ gossip gazette…all the while secretly setting her cap for the rakish royal.
Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who? Socially, it could ruin him. More important, it jeopardizes his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of government in London. Now, Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society. But this charming prince is about to discover that enlisting the deceptively sweet and sexy Lady Caroline might just cost him his heart, his soul and both their reputations…
Every dashing young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. Handsome, delectable roué Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember who Caroline is, and the insult is not to be tolerated. So, Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure a prince remembers her: sees that amusingly risqué morsels about Leo’s reputation are printed in a ladies’ gossip gazette…all the while secretly setting her cap for the rakish royal.
Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who? Socially, it could ruin him. More important, it jeopardizes his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of government in London. Now, Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society. But this charming prince is about to discover that enlisting the deceptively sweet and sexy Lady Caroline might just cost him his heart, his soul and both their reputations…
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2020
269 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,137 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
July 11, 2020
I loved Caroline and Leo! 💖 I may have even liked this sequel more than the first book...that ending was so cute!
This was a bit slow at some parts but the plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged and the characters were so lovable! Curious to see who will be the couple of choice in the third book ;)
**Thanks so much Harlequin for an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own**
This was a bit slow at some parts but the plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged and the characters were so lovable! Curious to see who will be the couple of choice in the third book ;)
**Thanks so much Harlequin for an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own**
June 3, 2020
Lady Caroline Hawke certainly has her pick when it comes choosing someone to court. However, only one man gives her pause and that is Prince Leopold of Alucia. As far as Leopold is concerned, he is set by duty to marry another. What is more is that he has no idea who Caroline is. And that vexes her. Annoys her. So, Caroline makes sure that Leopold remembers her. Having a lady's gazette at her disposal allows Caroline the chance to get Leopold's attention - and not in a favorable way. Instead she uses the gazette to besmirch his reputation.
Leopold wants to know who is behind the awful rumors being printed about him. But, things go far deeper than how he looks by what has been printed. There is actually a rather awful scheme that reaches high up in the London government that needs to be exposed, so Leopold approaches Lady Caroline in order to gain her help in doing so. The fact that the pair are strongly attracted to each other soon presents difficulties on more than one level.
A Royal Kiss & Tell goes beyond the trope of what might be considered hate to love. Instead, it gets deep rather quickly by exposing a slave trade occurring among those in the higher echelons. For this book to deal with this issue was a nice twist to what I as a reader have come to expect in historical romances.
Caroline's independent nature and Leopold's righteous one clashed more than once, especially considering Caroline's original goal. Meanwhile, Leopold may have wanted to do right - and did his darnedest along the way - was offset by his frustration due to the fact that he was the "spare" in the Alucian monarchy. He had everything but often wanted more and this did not always make him a pleasant person.
I loved development of the romance between Leopold and Caroline and also her relationship with her brother Beck and friends Eliza and Hollis. These relationships gave a nice bit of balance to the otherwise sensitive subjects and the mystery that was being exposed. I enjoyed this book as well as the first in the series, The Princess Plan and definitely look forward to reading Hollis's story in A Princess by Christmas, due for release in October.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Leopold wants to know who is behind the awful rumors being printed about him. But, things go far deeper than how he looks by what has been printed. There is actually a rather awful scheme that reaches high up in the London government that needs to be exposed, so Leopold approaches Lady Caroline in order to gain her help in doing so. The fact that the pair are strongly attracted to each other soon presents difficulties on more than one level.
A Royal Kiss & Tell goes beyond the trope of what might be considered hate to love. Instead, it gets deep rather quickly by exposing a slave trade occurring among those in the higher echelons. For this book to deal with this issue was a nice twist to what I as a reader have come to expect in historical romances.
Caroline's independent nature and Leopold's righteous one clashed more than once, especially considering Caroline's original goal. Meanwhile, Leopold may have wanted to do right - and did his darnedest along the way - was offset by his frustration due to the fact that he was the "spare" in the Alucian monarchy. He had everything but often wanted more and this did not always make him a pleasant person.
I loved development of the romance between Leopold and Caroline and also her relationship with her brother Beck and friends Eliza and Hollis. These relationships gave a nice bit of balance to the otherwise sensitive subjects and the mystery that was being exposed. I enjoyed this book as well as the first in the series, The Princess Plan and definitely look forward to reading Hollis's story in A Princess by Christmas, due for release in October.
Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 12, 2020
A Royal Kiss & Tell
A Royal Wedding Series #2
Julia London
https://www.facebook.com/JuliaLondon/
Release date 05/19/2020
Publisher HQN Books
Blurb :
Every prince has his secrets. And she’s determined to unravel his… Every young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. Handsome roué Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember Caroline’s name, and the insult is not to be tolerated. So Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure Leo never again forgets: sees that scandalous morsels about his reputation are printed in a ladies’ gossip gazette…all while secretly setting her cap for the rakish royal.
Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who? Socially, it is ruining him. More important, it jeopardizes his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of British government. Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society. But this charming prince is about to discover that enlisting the deceptively sweet and sexy Lady Caroline might just cost him his heart, his soul and both their reputations…
My review :
Will a self-conceited Lady find love with a profligate Prince ...
I must confess I was put off by this book, the heroine is really someone difficult to like.
I did not know what to think about Caroline, she can be cheerful and kind with anyone from paupers to peers, yet she accosts everyone, talks with emphasis without care if she is welcome or not, plus she appears so fickle and shallow, only thinking about herself, her self importance, to be seen and if not adored, worse she seems to take umbrage if she is not revered. A very ambivalent character. She longs to be seen for herself but plays a game with everybody.
After she looked well assorted with Prince Léopold, the spare royalty, in appearance happy of his own statut as he could engage in every excesses available to a man of his rank. Yet it looks like that at one time he had wanted more but he had been relegated to the second son’s role, just smiling and standing at Royal’s fonctions.
So when he decides to follow the lead he has, he is totally unprepared, why he makes a mess of things. He has no plan and it is really showing.
It took me age to read this book, I struggled and even skipped pages. At one time I thought with Leo in a quest, the story will become more interesting, but no, worse, they move in a parallel life, he tries to right some wrongs done, she disparages him in some gossips rag.
I very much loved the first book in this series, but this one leaves me quite lost, the characters when not vain or engaged in meaningless parties, they lack a purpose and/or a reason to go on.
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
A Royal Wedding Series #2
Julia London
https://www.facebook.com/JuliaLondon/
Release date 05/19/2020
Publisher HQN Books
Blurb :
Every prince has his secrets. And she’s determined to unravel his… Every young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. Handsome roué Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember Caroline’s name, and the insult is not to be tolerated. So Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure Leo never again forgets: sees that scandalous morsels about his reputation are printed in a ladies’ gossip gazette…all while secretly setting her cap for the rakish royal.
Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who? Socially, it is ruining him. More important, it jeopardizes his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of British government. Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society. But this charming prince is about to discover that enlisting the deceptively sweet and sexy Lady Caroline might just cost him his heart, his soul and both their reputations…
My review :
Will a self-conceited Lady find love with a profligate Prince ...
I must confess I was put off by this book, the heroine is really someone difficult to like.
I did not know what to think about Caroline, she can be cheerful and kind with anyone from paupers to peers, yet she accosts everyone, talks with emphasis without care if she is welcome or not, plus she appears so fickle and shallow, only thinking about herself, her self importance, to be seen and if not adored, worse she seems to take umbrage if she is not revered. A very ambivalent character. She longs to be seen for herself but plays a game with everybody.
After she looked well assorted with Prince Léopold, the spare royalty, in appearance happy of his own statut as he could engage in every excesses available to a man of his rank. Yet it looks like that at one time he had wanted more but he had been relegated to the second son’s role, just smiling and standing at Royal’s fonctions.
So when he decides to follow the lead he has, he is totally unprepared, why he makes a mess of things. He has no plan and it is really showing.
It took me age to read this book, I struggled and even skipped pages. At one time I thought with Leo in a quest, the story will become more interesting, but no, worse, they move in a parallel life, he tries to right some wrongs done, she disparages him in some gossips rag.
I very much loved the first book in this series, but this one leaves me quite lost, the characters when not vain or engaged in meaningless parties, they lack a purpose and/or a reason to go on.
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
October 19, 2020
I really fell in love with Eliza Tricklebank and her love story in A Royal Wedding #1. It was a treat to revisit the world of Eliza and Bas. Caroline Hawke, however, was not as likable a character as Eliza. And Leo was not as appealing as his older brother. So, this book technically ranks a bit lower than the first for me. The white slavery story line did help make this one more intriguing, but it took SO long for Leo to enlist Caroline for help. . . The romance was a bit spicier this time so that will appeal to the readers who love that aspect of this series. Two things redeemed this particular title in my esteem: The regular Honeycutt's Gazette of Fashion and Domesticity for Ladies (and the part Charles Dickens plays in the addition of more serious content) and the satisfying ending. Looking forward to reading more about Hollis in Book #3 (and to hopefully see more of her father, the Judge).
June 28, 2020
It was very hard to like this spoiled vain heroine and the hero was not much better.
May 26, 2020
For other fun bookish stuff, check out my blog!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for sending me a free advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review. A Royal Kiss and Tell debuted May 19th.
I adored the first book in this series, The Princess Plan, last year, and was so excited to get a chance to read this second book! Like the previous book, the characters in this book are excellent; one thing that London does so well is craft characters who feel solid and utterly unique. On that note, I can see a potential for some readers to be turned off by the MC, Caroline; she’s impetuous to an extreme and isn’t shy about making her opinions known. These traits often land her in sticky situations that can get cringy, so anyone super sensitive to cringe might find this a tougher couple to fall in love with. I was quite taken with her, though. 🙂
Due to the royal focus and the invented kingdom of Alucia, this series has a slightly more fantasy feel than your typical historical romance (a genre which, let’s be honest, is its own strain of fantasy, anyway.) Anyone looking for historical accuracy should perhaps keep browsing, but for those of us who just want to imagine a scenario where we get to fall in love with a dashing prince, this book is just perfect. The dialogue is great and the prose is strong, with the right amount of whimsy that doesn’t cross into saccharine sweet or precious territory. I also appreciated the court intrigue plot thread; astute mystery readers might unravel the mystery before the end, but I didn’t anticipate the twists and turns myself. All in all, this was a great read, and I’ll definitely be first in line for the next in series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for sending me a free advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review. A Royal Kiss and Tell debuted May 19th.
I adored the first book in this series, The Princess Plan, last year, and was so excited to get a chance to read this second book! Like the previous book, the characters in this book are excellent; one thing that London does so well is craft characters who feel solid and utterly unique. On that note, I can see a potential for some readers to be turned off by the MC, Caroline; she’s impetuous to an extreme and isn’t shy about making her opinions known. These traits often land her in sticky situations that can get cringy, so anyone super sensitive to cringe might find this a tougher couple to fall in love with. I was quite taken with her, though. 🙂
Due to the royal focus and the invented kingdom of Alucia, this series has a slightly more fantasy feel than your typical historical romance (a genre which, let’s be honest, is its own strain of fantasy, anyway.) Anyone looking for historical accuracy should perhaps keep browsing, but for those of us who just want to imagine a scenario where we get to fall in love with a dashing prince, this book is just perfect. The dialogue is great and the prose is strong, with the right amount of whimsy that doesn’t cross into saccharine sweet or precious territory. I also appreciated the court intrigue plot thread; astute mystery readers might unravel the mystery before the end, but I didn’t anticipate the twists and turns myself. All in all, this was a great read, and I’ll definitely be first in line for the next in series.
July 22, 2020
RATING: 3 STARS
2020; HQN; HarperCollins
I really enjoyed the first novel in the Royal Wedding series (The Princess Plan) and was excited to read Caroline's story. I loved that we were able to see more of Sebastian's brother, Leo too. Caroline is Eliza's (Sebastian's wife) friend, and doesn't seem to understand that she is now a Princess. I liked Caroline in the first book, but in this one I found her obnoxious and was annoyed with her early on. She wanted to be treated a certain way, but couldn't acknowledge other people's rules. It was purely because of Leo that I kept reading this story. I like Hollis so I am excited for the next book. I don't want to jinx though...so won't get myself hyped up.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2020; HQN; HarperCollins
I really enjoyed the first novel in the Royal Wedding series (The Princess Plan) and was excited to read Caroline's story. I loved that we were able to see more of Sebastian's brother, Leo too. Caroline is Eliza's (Sebastian's wife) friend, and doesn't seem to understand that she is now a Princess. I liked Caroline in the first book, but in this one I found her obnoxious and was annoyed with her early on. She wanted to be treated a certain way, but couldn't acknowledge other people's rules. It was purely because of Leo that I kept reading this story. I like Hollis so I am excited for the next book. I don't want to jinx though...so won't get myself hyped up.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
September 6, 2021
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
A Royal Kiss and Tell is a book I have been meaning to get to for a while. But when I was able to read this for my book club of the month I was beyond excited. Now if you want to hear our thoughts on that ...check out Remarkably Lisa's channel on YouTube to watch. I absolutely had such a fun time with the first book "A Princess Plan" and just couldn't wait to delve into this one and I will be honest that I am not even sure why I waited so long for this one here. But I am so happy that I finally took a chance on this one because it was such a delightful read and offered some valuable romantic elements in it that worked for me.
A Royal Kiss and Tell features some delightful characters:
Prince Leopold of Alucia-Beta hero, protective, has alpha-like moments, honorable, stoic
Caroline Hawke-Aristocrat, obsessed with image, loves clothing, and to be the center of the party
A Royal Kiss and Tell is the second book in the series and this book takes us to the wedding of Bas and Eliza. Caroline is determined to be the center of the party, she craves the attention and is thrilled for her best friend in her marriage to a prince and this fairy tale wedding. Caroline is attracted to Bas's brother, Leopold, who clearly doesn't like her or barely even notices her. But Caroline is determined to be noticed by him, and both of them get into verbal matches, and to anyone on the outside, they are enemies. But when circumstances have Leopold and Caroline together, building intimacy is growing between them. But when Leopold learns of a plot against the royals and women being trafficked from his country into England, he is appalled and determined to get to the bottom of it. But when scandal erupts Leopold wonders if he will be able to reveal the scandal to all and give these women a safe place to harbor. A love forms between Caroline and Leopold, but they are worlds apart, and will they be able to find their HEA?
A Royal Kiss and Tell is a story that I will admit I was highly apprehensive about. The first third of the story I was on the fence about and was really hoping that this one wouldn't turn into a DNF of a read because I REALLY didn't want to have to do that at all. I wanted this one to be enjoyable and especially with it being a group read with a live show discussion, I wanted to be able to have some affection for this story. But Julia London worked her magic for me and once I hit about 40% I was HOOKED into this book so well. I just didn't want to put it down. I think this is where the turn of the relationship builds between Leopold and Caroline, seeing the growing intimacy and also the hidden crime-filled plot that builds in the storyline. I honestly never expected this plotline to happen. So I do want to warn readers who want to read this book, that there are elements of human trafficking and it does have its darker moments, so please know that going in. The blurb of this book does NOT convey this aspect and it really should. So fair warning on that.
The romance that builds between Leopold and Caroline was so captivating and I had a blast with their bantering but once we get to the point where their walls come down, and transparency enters the relationship and they connect on a deeper level, is when the romance explodes in so much beauty and swoon-worthy moments. These two make such a great time and when Leo truly shares what he is dealing with, this is when I truly fell in love with her. I struggled so much with her character, that seeing this part of her really sealed the deal for me. I couldn't get enough of seeing how her unique outlook adds something different to the mystery they are both trying to solve. I just wanted them to have their happy ending, because they truly deserved it, especially in seeing how much Leopold sacrifices. There are some side characters that I am hoping get their story told.
Overall I found A Royal Kiss and Tell to be a stunning story that delves into some difficult issues, builds a plot of intrigue and danger, and a romance that is passionate and angsty filled in its entertaining ways of this world this author has built. Guaranteed to deliver a delightful journey to its readers.
A Royal Kiss and Tell is a book I have been meaning to get to for a while. But when I was able to read this for my book club of the month I was beyond excited. Now if you want to hear our thoughts on that ...check out Remarkably Lisa's channel on YouTube to watch. I absolutely had such a fun time with the first book "A Princess Plan" and just couldn't wait to delve into this one and I will be honest that I am not even sure why I waited so long for this one here. But I am so happy that I finally took a chance on this one because it was such a delightful read and offered some valuable romantic elements in it that worked for me.
But looking at Eliza, Caroline realized that she did indeed want one day to be in love with a man who would be as devoted to her as Prince Sebastian was to his bride. She wanted to feel everything Eliza was feeling, to understand just how that sort of love changed a person.
A Royal Kiss and Tell features some delightful characters:
Prince Leopold of Alucia-Beta hero, protective, has alpha-like moments, honorable, stoic
Caroline Hawke-Aristocrat, obsessed with image, loves clothing, and to be the center of the party
A Royal Kiss and Tell is the second book in the series and this book takes us to the wedding of Bas and Eliza. Caroline is determined to be the center of the party, she craves the attention and is thrilled for her best friend in her marriage to a prince and this fairy tale wedding. Caroline is attracted to Bas's brother, Leopold, who clearly doesn't like her or barely even notices her. But Caroline is determined to be noticed by him, and both of them get into verbal matches, and to anyone on the outside, they are enemies. But when circumstances have Leopold and Caroline together, building intimacy is growing between them. But when Leopold learns of a plot against the royals and women being trafficked from his country into England, he is appalled and determined to get to the bottom of it. But when scandal erupts Leopold wonders if he will be able to reveal the scandal to all and give these women a safe place to harbor. A love forms between Caroline and Leopold, but they are worlds apart, and will they be able to find their HEA?
I prefer women, Caroline,” he murmured. “I prefer women who are confident of their place in this world...but perhaps those who hold their tongues when they ought."
A Royal Kiss and Tell is a story that I will admit I was highly apprehensive about. The first third of the story I was on the fence about and was really hoping that this one wouldn't turn into a DNF of a read because I REALLY didn't want to have to do that at all. I wanted this one to be enjoyable and especially with it being a group read with a live show discussion, I wanted to be able to have some affection for this story. But Julia London worked her magic for me and once I hit about 40% I was HOOKED into this book so well. I just didn't want to put it down. I think this is where the turn of the relationship builds between Leopold and Caroline, seeing the growing intimacy and also the hidden crime-filled plot that builds in the storyline. I honestly never expected this plotline to happen. So I do want to warn readers who want to read this book, that there are elements of human trafficking and it does have its darker moments, so please know that going in. The blurb of this book does NOT convey this aspect and it really should. So fair warning on that.
“What is it that women do in their boudoir? It seems fairly straightforward, does it not? A petticoat, a few pins in the hair,” he said, fluttering his fingers at his head.
The romance that builds between Leopold and Caroline was so captivating and I had a blast with their bantering but once we get to the point where their walls come down, and transparency enters the relationship and they connect on a deeper level, is when the romance explodes in so much beauty and swoon-worthy moments. These two make such a great time and when Leo truly shares what he is dealing with, this is when I truly fell in love with her. I struggled so much with her character, that seeing this part of her really sealed the deal for me. I couldn't get enough of seeing how her unique outlook adds something different to the mystery they are both trying to solve. I just wanted them to have their happy ending, because they truly deserved it, especially in seeing how much Leopold sacrifices. There are some side characters that I am hoping get their story told.
She knew herself well enough to know that she was in desperate trouble. Her heart was headed for collision with reality, and it was going to shatter into pieces very soon, because Hollis was right—she loved Leopold. And now he was going to ruin everything by being a good man.
Overall I found A Royal Kiss and Tell to be a stunning story that delves into some difficult issues, builds a plot of intrigue and danger, and a romance that is passionate and angsty filled in its entertaining ways of this world this author has built. Guaranteed to deliver a delightful journey to its readers.
There seems quite a lot that should be said, but time restricts me, so I will write this: I never believed love would find me. I never believed that in my position, I would know the luxury of love. My world was a fog of pleasure and privilege, but then you came along and pierced that fog. I never dreamed I would meet someone like you, much less love someone like you. I fear this love I hold for you will drive me to madness. I think of you every day and I will for the rest of my life. I will hold dear what we have shared. I will never have the strength to feel this way again, and I want you to know, no matter what else, I loved you beyond compare and will burn for you for the rest of my days.
May 18, 2020
I have been a huge fan of Julia London’s books for many years now, I have always loved her witty, clever and passionately romantic writing, her historical’s are in a league of their own – especially those Highlander…phew, those are scorching!! But, I do have to admit that the first book in this series wasn’t the huge boom I had expected it to be, which I do hate saying.
You know me, I hate saying anything negative. But that wouldn’t stop me from continuing with this series after all this is the great Julia London we are talking about, and I am pleased to say that this is soooo darn good!
Don’t you just love a proper rogue, a scandalous, cavorting and debauched; rake? Off course you do, and with gorgeous, sexy, exciting, mysterious, scandalous and aloof; Prince Leopold of Alucia …sigh!! We have got one hell of a swoon-some hero!
Lady Caroline Hawke is the shining star of society, she is lusted over by every man except the man she would like to lust over; he doesn’t seem to like her at all which makes him hugely fascinating to her but also infuriates her, for our Caroline is exceedingly vain, it’s not actually her fault it’s just how she has been treated that has made her that way. But she cannot abide the fact that the such a man can’t even remember who she is, so she thinks up a way to make sure she is well and truly imprinted on to his mind and suddenly scandalous stories about him start appearing in a ladies gossip rag. Which is the last thing that our hero needs at the moment as he has bigger fish to fry, one that could very well cost lives? Leo needs help so what does a prince with a blackened reputation do? Go straight to the source of all of his problems – even though at the time he doesn’t realise it.
This is the second book in the hilarious romantic comedy series; A Royal Wedding by Julia London, this is marked as a stand-alone which it could very easily be read as such, but my personal opinion is that you should read the previous book first. Even though with all of Julia’s books each story is very central to the two lead characters I do think to really grasp the entirety of the series then you should read the first book – just a suggestion. I personally think that this one is far better than the first book, there is far more wit and well I can’t put my finger on it but this one has that Julia London magical feel which we all know and love back which I don’t think the first book in the series had. This is full of belly laughs, I was happily giggling away at Leo and Caro’s shenanigans, what a marvellous could they are even though they both have huge flaws.
I will admit that as much as I loved the sexy banter, chemistry and blossoming romance between Caroline and Leopold, it did take a while for me to see past her vanity. I was in two frames of minds about her, she is beautiful there is no questioning that and she knows it, but she has this marvellous catty wit and brilliant mind hidden beneath the mask she wears, at times I found her to be quite the enigma; rather aloof and then thoroughly passionate. But deep down past all that bravado she just wants a good man to actually see the true her; the brainy owl and not just the beautiful swan. But, the more you get to know her, and see her with Leo; how she shines, I did start to warm to her and ended up really liking her.
Another winner for Julia London, it captivates and entertains; its full of danger, passion and intrigue. Highly recommend, I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.
This was an arc copy via the author, which I voluntarily reviewed. Thank you, Julia and Nitty.
You know me, I hate saying anything negative. But that wouldn’t stop me from continuing with this series after all this is the great Julia London we are talking about, and I am pleased to say that this is soooo darn good!
Don’t you just love a proper rogue, a scandalous, cavorting and debauched; rake? Off course you do, and with gorgeous, sexy, exciting, mysterious, scandalous and aloof; Prince Leopold of Alucia …sigh!! We have got one hell of a swoon-some hero!
Lady Caroline Hawke is the shining star of society, she is lusted over by every man except the man she would like to lust over; he doesn’t seem to like her at all which makes him hugely fascinating to her but also infuriates her, for our Caroline is exceedingly vain, it’s not actually her fault it’s just how she has been treated that has made her that way. But she cannot abide the fact that the such a man can’t even remember who she is, so she thinks up a way to make sure she is well and truly imprinted on to his mind and suddenly scandalous stories about him start appearing in a ladies gossip rag. Which is the last thing that our hero needs at the moment as he has bigger fish to fry, one that could very well cost lives? Leo needs help so what does a prince with a blackened reputation do? Go straight to the source of all of his problems – even though at the time he doesn’t realise it.
This is the second book in the hilarious romantic comedy series; A Royal Wedding by Julia London, this is marked as a stand-alone which it could very easily be read as such, but my personal opinion is that you should read the previous book first. Even though with all of Julia’s books each story is very central to the two lead characters I do think to really grasp the entirety of the series then you should read the first book – just a suggestion. I personally think that this one is far better than the first book, there is far more wit and well I can’t put my finger on it but this one has that Julia London magical feel which we all know and love back which I don’t think the first book in the series had. This is full of belly laughs, I was happily giggling away at Leo and Caro’s shenanigans, what a marvellous could they are even though they both have huge flaws.
I will admit that as much as I loved the sexy banter, chemistry and blossoming romance between Caroline and Leopold, it did take a while for me to see past her vanity. I was in two frames of minds about her, she is beautiful there is no questioning that and she knows it, but she has this marvellous catty wit and brilliant mind hidden beneath the mask she wears, at times I found her to be quite the enigma; rather aloof and then thoroughly passionate. But deep down past all that bravado she just wants a good man to actually see the true her; the brainy owl and not just the beautiful swan. But, the more you get to know her, and see her with Leo; how she shines, I did start to warm to her and ended up really liking her.
Another winner for Julia London, it captivates and entertains; its full of danger, passion and intrigue. Highly recommend, I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.
This was an arc copy via the author, which I voluntarily reviewed. Thank you, Julia and Nitty.
May 13, 2020
A Royal Kiss & Tell opens with Eliza and Prince Sebastian’s wedding (The Princess Plan). Dear friend Caroline is all about the show; she wants the attention that the others shun. She is hurt that Eliza didn’t ask her to be part of the wedding, even though the Alucian custom doesn’t allow for it. She’s got a thing for the prince’s brother, Leopold, who has been living in Cambridge, attending school. They met briefly, and she is appalled that he doesn’t remember her. It becomes her mission to gain his attention.
Leo does not like the princely life and its trappings. He prefers Cambridge and friends. He used to be mostly anonymous there, but after his brother’s dealings in England (the subject of a kidnapping plot and murder of his personal secretary), Leo’s every movement is monitored by the gossips. When Leo is confronted by a well-known activist who tells him of a human-trafficking plot involving highly-influential and powerful men, Leo must decide if he’ll continue with his ways or stand up and be a leader.
Although Leo he doesn’t remember meeting Caro, he does notice her. He can’t help it. And he wonders why she isn’t embarrassed by her (as he sees it) crass behavior. He can’t stop thinking about it, fascinated like as if she were a train wreck. And I love that Caro makes no apologies; she is who she is, and she is fabulous. There is an invisible force that tugs on each, bringing them together. Like Leo and Caro themselves, I don’t know when they actually fell in love. But spending time together, teasing and later working together for a common cause, allows the pair to develop interest, attraction, respect, and eventually love. And once each realizes it, they know they can’t live without it.
***potential spoilers ahead***
Similar to the resolution of the murder plot in first book in the series, the meat and climax of the slave-trade conflict is handled off page. The confrontations necessary to put an end to the trafficking and the affirmation of Leo as a hero are barely mentioned. Unlike the first book where I was mostly okay with the off-page resolutions, this time around I was left a bit frustrated. Leo and Caroline put much into saving these women, and without the details, I felt the story was incomplete. Yes, the couple gets their HEA, but these events changed both while ruining their reputations. The jump in time at the conclusion of the story, along with an abrupt conclusion, felt like a pat on the head when I wanted the explanation.
***end of potential spoilers***
In the end, A Royal Kiss & Tell is an entertaining story and lovely romance. I also enjoy the supporting cast and can see the pairings for at least two more titles. I am really looking forward to seeing Caro’s brother, Beck, get his match and settle down!!
My Rating: B Liked It — Recommend
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Leo does not like the princely life and its trappings. He prefers Cambridge and friends. He used to be mostly anonymous there, but after his brother’s dealings in England (the subject of a kidnapping plot and murder of his personal secretary), Leo’s every movement is monitored by the gossips. When Leo is confronted by a well-known activist who tells him of a human-trafficking plot involving highly-influential and powerful men, Leo must decide if he’ll continue with his ways or stand up and be a leader.
Although Leo he doesn’t remember meeting Caro, he does notice her. He can’t help it. And he wonders why she isn’t embarrassed by her (as he sees it) crass behavior. He can’t stop thinking about it, fascinated like as if she were a train wreck. And I love that Caro makes no apologies; she is who she is, and she is fabulous. There is an invisible force that tugs on each, bringing them together. Like Leo and Caro themselves, I don’t know when they actually fell in love. But spending time together, teasing and later working together for a common cause, allows the pair to develop interest, attraction, respect, and eventually love. And once each realizes it, they know they can’t live without it.
***potential spoilers ahead***
Similar to the resolution of the murder plot in first book in the series, the meat and climax of the slave-trade conflict is handled off page. The confrontations necessary to put an end to the trafficking and the affirmation of Leo as a hero are barely mentioned. Unlike the first book where I was mostly okay with the off-page resolutions, this time around I was left a bit frustrated. Leo and Caroline put much into saving these women, and without the details, I felt the story was incomplete. Yes, the couple gets their HEA, but these events changed both while ruining their reputations. The jump in time at the conclusion of the story, along with an abrupt conclusion, felt like a pat on the head when I wanted the explanation.
***end of potential spoilers***
In the end, A Royal Kiss & Tell is an entertaining story and lovely romance. I also enjoy the supporting cast and can see the pairings for at least two more titles. I am really looking forward to seeing Caro’s brother, Beck, get his match and settle down!!
My Rating: B Liked It — Recommend
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
May 14, 2020
A royal kiss and tell 5*
This book had me smiling most of the way through. Lady Caroline Hawkes is certainly vain but she know she is. She also says what she thinks with little or no filter but she does have a good heart where her friends are concerned. I enjoyed the sibling banter with her brother. What Caroline really wants is someone to love her for herself. Prince Leopold enjoyed the party life but he does have a conscience. He has always been overlooked by his parents until he could be of use to them. Leopold and Caroline had a love/hate relationship at first but as they spent more time in each other’s company so did their awareness of what they meant to each other. Of course, nothing could come of it as arrangements had been made for Leopold in his home country. Although there was much amusement, including the advice from Honeycutt’s Gazette, there was a serious activity taking place. Something that led to much misunderstanding. There are also some heartfelt moments too but a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my.
This book had me smiling most of the way through. Lady Caroline Hawkes is certainly vain but she know she is. She also says what she thinks with little or no filter but she does have a good heart where her friends are concerned. I enjoyed the sibling banter with her brother. What Caroline really wants is someone to love her for herself. Prince Leopold enjoyed the party life but he does have a conscience. He has always been overlooked by his parents until he could be of use to them. Leopold and Caroline had a love/hate relationship at first but as they spent more time in each other’s company so did their awareness of what they meant to each other. Of course, nothing could come of it as arrangements had been made for Leopold in his home country. Although there was much amusement, including the advice from Honeycutt’s Gazette, there was a serious activity taking place. Something that led to much misunderstanding. There are also some heartfelt moments too but a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my.
October 30, 2020
Caroline and Leo. To me, the romance was off in this one and the mystery part of the forced sex/slavery plot was boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2020
Ok, I actually began this book being thoroughly unimpressed with Caroline. She was spoiled and vain and seemed incredibly empty headed. She certainly made matters more difficult for Leopold multiple times. However, somewhere along the way she found herself and really came into her own. Leopold was adorable the whole time, trying to figure out how to do the right thing and messing up again and again. Overall, this was a wonderful story and I can’t wait to read the next in the series!!
March 5, 2020
I found this story to be an entertaining read and I enjoyed the humor peppered throughout. This is Caroline and Leopold's story and what a mess they get themselves in! lol
Caroline is quite the character, quite vain in fact, but it's more for show, she's just waiting to find someone who will see her for "her" and not her beauty and dowry. She can be quite direct and honest, much to the chagrin of the ton and royalty! lol Leopold is a prince and as the "spare heir", he spends his time drinking and carousing. He takes nothing seriously until he suddenly finds himself trying to save young women from slavery and really trashing his reputation all to bits.
Having no use for Caroline when he meets her the first few times, thinking her much too forward and direct, he soon changes his mind and sees her as a most unique character that brings light into his life. Wish passions flaring and abounding danger, they will soon run out of time before he has to return to his own country.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Caroline is quite the character, quite vain in fact, but it's more for show, she's just waiting to find someone who will see her for "her" and not her beauty and dowry. She can be quite direct and honest, much to the chagrin of the ton and royalty! lol Leopold is a prince and as the "spare heir", he spends his time drinking and carousing. He takes nothing seriously until he suddenly finds himself trying to save young women from slavery and really trashing his reputation all to bits.
Having no use for Caroline when he meets her the first few times, thinking her much too forward and direct, he soon changes his mind and sees her as a most unique character that brings light into his life. Wish passions flaring and abounding danger, they will soon run out of time before he has to return to his own country.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 14, 2020
My first time reading this series and it surprised me.
Caroline doesn't have a self confidence problem, but things tend to go wrong whenever it involves Prince Leopold of Alucia. For some reason, he keeps showing up and even became one of her brother's best friends.
I hadn't noticed this story was about a prince of some made-up place, it was a bit disappointing because this came with a lot of back story of a country that doesn't even exist for me to care about. It's also the second in a series and I was actually lost in the beginning. There was so much information there, I felt overwhelmed. That overcome, I can say this can be read as a standalone. It's just the beginning that was too much, once the story actually starts, you're good to go.
The story deals with a conspiracy I never really got much about. My guess is that it'll be really dealt with in a later volume. To be honest, I was not a fan of the subplot. It did make Leo more trustworthy than the party-goer persona we think he is in the initial chapters, plus a bit of investigation can be excited in a book. Still, I never really got to care for it to even feel intrigued.
Even so, I liked the book overall and I'd love to read the first volume, if I get the time. I've been looking for new historical romance authors and even if I can't say Julia London became a favorite, she's surely on my list of those to look forward to. The building of the main characters and their development was well done and the plot progressed well too. Plus, even if the book wasn't that exciting, for a book two, which is always the least favorite in my experience, it held my attention. I think fans who grew up reading The Princess Diaries should enjoy this series.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
Caroline doesn't have a self confidence problem, but things tend to go wrong whenever it involves Prince Leopold of Alucia. For some reason, he keeps showing up and even became one of her brother's best friends.
I hadn't noticed this story was about a prince of some made-up place, it was a bit disappointing because this came with a lot of back story of a country that doesn't even exist for me to care about. It's also the second in a series and I was actually lost in the beginning. There was so much information there, I felt overwhelmed. That overcome, I can say this can be read as a standalone. It's just the beginning that was too much, once the story actually starts, you're good to go.
The story deals with a conspiracy I never really got much about. My guess is that it'll be really dealt with in a later volume. To be honest, I was not a fan of the subplot. It did make Leo more trustworthy than the party-goer persona we think he is in the initial chapters, plus a bit of investigation can be excited in a book. Still, I never really got to care for it to even feel intrigued.
Even so, I liked the book overall and I'd love to read the first volume, if I get the time. I've been looking for new historical romance authors and even if I can't say Julia London became a favorite, she's surely on my list of those to look forward to. The building of the main characters and their development was well done and the plot progressed well too. Plus, even if the book wasn't that exciting, for a book two, which is always the least favorite in my experience, it held my attention. I think fans who grew up reading The Princess Diaries should enjoy this series.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
October 13, 2021
Having read and loved the first book, I was prepared for another bold Lady to give a Prince a piece of her mind, but I honestly didn’t predict how hard the heroine in here would go at it . . .
If etiquette never applied—not that it does now—to Eliza around Prince Sebastian, it is most certainly thrown out of the window when Caroline is around Prince Leopold, or everyone else, really. She is quite the brazen lady who challenges readers to see past her vanity, and to embrace her confidence in a way that intrigues them on a level they probably didn’t think possible. Being this part of the charm of this book, you can see how Leopold can’t stay completely indifferent to this lady even if there’s nothing he would love more than have anything to do with her—do you, Leo? Let the banters begin and a risky sub-plot drag you in, because something you can rest assured these books never run out of is a nice dose of intrigue that is as good as the romance.
With daring characters, a secret investigation, and ravishing kisses at their best, A Royal Kiss and Tell is a charming second instalment in a unique historical romance series.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review. This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review—originally posted on Darkest Sins.
If etiquette never applied—not that it does now—to Eliza around Prince Sebastian, it is most certainly thrown out of the window when Caroline is around Prince Leopold, or everyone else, really. She is quite the brazen lady who challenges readers to see past her vanity, and to embrace her confidence in a way that intrigues them on a level they probably didn’t think possible. Being this part of the charm of this book, you can see how Leopold can’t stay completely indifferent to this lady even if there’s nothing he would love more than have anything to do with her—do you, Leo? Let the banters begin and a risky sub-plot drag you in, because something you can rest assured these books never run out of is a nice dose of intrigue that is as good as the romance.
With daring characters, a secret investigation, and ravishing kisses at their best, A Royal Kiss and Tell is a charming second instalment in a unique historical romance series.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review. This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review—originally posted on Darkest Sins.
June 9, 2020
A delightful story that captured me from the start! Julie London is one of my automatic go to authors who never fails to pen a marvelous tale full of her descriptive prose laced with humor and a wonderful storyline.
Just image, your dearest fiend marries a Prince, who would one day be King and she Queen? Lady Caroline Hawke was so happy for her friend, Eliza Tricklebank (yes, I love that name!) who married Prince Sebastian.
But Caroline has her eye on Prince Leopold, Sebastian's brother. What would it take for him to notice her?
Oh he notices her alright, with her loud brass talk and hand gestures!
Leo just wants to get back to England to his entertainments and rakish life, but several things happen. First he father tells him he is going to marry a young lady who will help unite the country. Then he hears about the women who are being kidnapped from his country and taken and sold in England. It becomes his mission to save them. Well at least until things go awry!
I love the verbal sparring between Caro and Leo and how each seems to come together and eventually for a joint cause.
So sit back and enjoy this scrumptious story of how the royal fall, in love that is, and the wonderful journey to get there!
Just image, your dearest fiend marries a Prince, who would one day be King and she Queen? Lady Caroline Hawke was so happy for her friend, Eliza Tricklebank (yes, I love that name!) who married Prince Sebastian.
But Caroline has her eye on Prince Leopold, Sebastian's brother. What would it take for him to notice her?
Oh he notices her alright, with her loud brass talk and hand gestures!
Leo just wants to get back to England to his entertainments and rakish life, but several things happen. First he father tells him he is going to marry a young lady who will help unite the country. Then he hears about the women who are being kidnapped from his country and taken and sold in England. It becomes his mission to save them. Well at least until things go awry!
I love the verbal sparring between Caro and Leo and how each seems to come together and eventually for a joint cause.
So sit back and enjoy this scrumptious story of how the royal fall, in love that is, and the wonderful journey to get there!
February 10, 2021
Si je n'ai pas accroché au premier tome de cette saga, ici, j'ai été transportée par l'histoire.
Il faut certes prendre le temps de se faire à l'univers un peu lent de cette romance. Les choses se déroulent lentement au début, mais je trouve que si les choses avaient été différentes, je ne pense pas que cela aurait un effet bénéfique. En effet, ici, on peut voir les sentiments des protagonistes évoluer petit à petit. On peut savourer ce développement.
La plume de l'auteure est relativement fluide. Le vocabulaire était bien pour le contexte historique dans lequel on se trouve.
L'alchimie entre les personnages se construit de manière simple, mais efficace.
Pour une fois, la fin change légèrement de ce que l'on pouvait penser au départ. La fin à sa petite touche d'originalité même si elle n'est pas énorme.
L'intrigue secondaire du roman est assez intéressante à explorer. J'ai aussi beaucoup aimé cet aspect. Cela a ajouté une grosse plus-value au roman.
August 13, 2020
DNF - The characters were so self centered and self involved. I couldn't do it y'all. I was so annoyed.
May 9, 2020
Caroline Hawkes and Prince Leopold met long before her dearest friend and his brother wed, but clearly the introduction meant more to Caroline than it did to Leo. Caroline is used to being admired and pursued, so she can’t seem to accept that Leo not only doesn’t remember her, but isn’t interested and finds her to be annoying, conceited and ill mannered.
A royal prince in Alucia, Leo is the younger son and has never had any real responsibility, he is well liked, well received and welcome everywhere. But lately he has been discontented and bored, he enjoys his life in England, but wants more. While attending his brother’s wedding, his father tells him that he has arranged a political marriage for Leo and that he can return to England to button up his affairs and then return to Alucia by summer’s end to announce his betrothal. Leo is not happy with this turn of events, but will do his duty. He is preparing to return to England when he is approached by a man and told of a serious and concerning situation involving several young women from Wesloria (the neighboring country to Alucia) who have gone missing. The man askes Leo to look into it because he thinks the men involved are members of the upper echelons of society.
Caroline is miffed that Leo doesn’t remember her, it is unacceptable and she goes out of her way to make him acknowledge her. But it isn’t until they return to England that things between them begin to heat up. Leo is having a hard time with his “mission” thanks to gossip written about him in the Honeycutt Gazette – gossip supplied by Caroline. But even as his reputation is tanking, Leo doesn’t give up trying to save the women and bring the men responsible to justice. As Leo continues his investigation, he begins to rely on Caroline for help and they both begin to develop deeper feelings, but theirs is a love that can never be, or can it?
I have to admit, I didn’t like this book as much as the first one, it is a decent read, but I just never really felt the connection between Leo and Caroline. The book itself is well written and the “mystery” portion is well done and paced nicely, but unfortunately, the romance definitely took a backseat and didn’t develop at the same pace. The book does have a bit of witty dialogue, a hero who is misunderstood and underestimated, a very conceited, yet likeable heroine, warmish love scenes, cameos from previous characters, a decent mystery concerning slave trade and some surprising twists and turns that make an impossible HEA, possible. The incorrect title use that annoyed me in the first book is sadly still running rampage in this book and the romance leaves much to be desired – so for me, this was an “OK” read, nothing to get excited about, but still entertaining. This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone title with no problem at all.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
A royal prince in Alucia, Leo is the younger son and has never had any real responsibility, he is well liked, well received and welcome everywhere. But lately he has been discontented and bored, he enjoys his life in England, but wants more. While attending his brother’s wedding, his father tells him that he has arranged a political marriage for Leo and that he can return to England to button up his affairs and then return to Alucia by summer’s end to announce his betrothal. Leo is not happy with this turn of events, but will do his duty. He is preparing to return to England when he is approached by a man and told of a serious and concerning situation involving several young women from Wesloria (the neighboring country to Alucia) who have gone missing. The man askes Leo to look into it because he thinks the men involved are members of the upper echelons of society.
Caroline is miffed that Leo doesn’t remember her, it is unacceptable and she goes out of her way to make him acknowledge her. But it isn’t until they return to England that things between them begin to heat up. Leo is having a hard time with his “mission” thanks to gossip written about him in the Honeycutt Gazette – gossip supplied by Caroline. But even as his reputation is tanking, Leo doesn’t give up trying to save the women and bring the men responsible to justice. As Leo continues his investigation, he begins to rely on Caroline for help and they both begin to develop deeper feelings, but theirs is a love that can never be, or can it?
I have to admit, I didn’t like this book as much as the first one, it is a decent read, but I just never really felt the connection between Leo and Caroline. The book itself is well written and the “mystery” portion is well done and paced nicely, but unfortunately, the romance definitely took a backseat and didn’t develop at the same pace. The book does have a bit of witty dialogue, a hero who is misunderstood and underestimated, a very conceited, yet likeable heroine, warmish love scenes, cameos from previous characters, a decent mystery concerning slave trade and some surprising twists and turns that make an impossible HEA, possible. The incorrect title use that annoyed me in the first book is sadly still running rampage in this book and the romance leaves much to be desired – so for me, this was an “OK” read, nothing to get excited about, but still entertaining. This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone title with no problem at all.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
April 29, 2020
Safety warning attached at end
This is my very first Julia London. This book is okay to read as a stand alone, but might be better in order. There was recap in it, so I'm not sure if that would be annoying for a person that read the first book, but it was brief. I'm thinking both hero and heroine from this book were in the first book so again I'm not sure how much you got to know them in that book.
Caroline's good friend Eliza (heroine from the first book) has married the crown prince of Alucia, Sebastian (hero from first book). She is so offended when the prince's brother, Leopold, doesn't notice or even remember her. Leopold is rather tired of being the useless second prince with no responsibilities. His father demands a marriage to secure relations with another country, but before he does, he wants one last trip to England.
Give this book a try if you like
-Royalty tropes. The hero is a prince for a fictional country.
-A bit of a different location. About 1/3 of this book takes place in Alucia, which was really fun. The rest is England.
-Where the heroine is the more aggressive one in the relationship
-A story with a bit of humor and a bit of mystery
-Lighter on the sex, only 1 full scene, 1 partial scene, and a few kisses
-A very light sprinkling of enemies to lovers (doesn't really have that feel for most of the book, but there's a bit where there's banter and some dislike.)
I have never loved a heroine as much as I loved this one. Many reviewers disliked her, and honestly thinking about her personality traits – being a bit vain, over confident, a tad spoiled – I would have thought I would too. But I just loved her. She was just so HAPPY. I felt her smile light up the book. She was so spunky never gave up her beliefs and freely shared her feelings. I adored the first half of the book with her attending the wedding in Alucia. She had me grinning and laughing and I just wanted to see her, be her friend. Leo doesn't want much to do with her in the beginning and she at first seems just determined to prove him wrong.
As the book goes on though, I felt like the romance was so lacking. It was so slow in the beginning already, and then once they return to England, this mystery takes over the book. Leo is given sensitive information about plots against his country and he tries to make headway into solving the mystery and protecting those who are vulnerable. But I felt like a lot of it was him doing it himself. Maybe I would have liked this more if the two were doing it all together, but that doesn't happen until the end of the book. I felt like a lot of their time was spent apart from each other. I will say I just adored all the parts they were together. I enjoyed every scene of that. But it felt like it was only half the book. And they didn't have sex until after 90% and I just don't think I'm that patient hahaha.
This definitely has not turned me off Julia London. So many parts I just treasured and she made me laugh and smile quite a few times. The kisses were so sweet and full of feeling. I think she could be a hit for me in another book.
Thank you netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Safety warnings (slight possible spoilers)
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This is my very first Julia London. This book is okay to read as a stand alone, but might be better in order. There was recap in it, so I'm not sure if that would be annoying for a person that read the first book, but it was brief. I'm thinking both hero and heroine from this book were in the first book so again I'm not sure how much you got to know them in that book.
Caroline's good friend Eliza (heroine from the first book) has married the crown prince of Alucia, Sebastian (hero from first book). She is so offended when the prince's brother, Leopold, doesn't notice or even remember her. Leopold is rather tired of being the useless second prince with no responsibilities. His father demands a marriage to secure relations with another country, but before he does, he wants one last trip to England.
Give this book a try if you like
-Royalty tropes. The hero is a prince for a fictional country.
-A bit of a different location. About 1/3 of this book takes place in Alucia, which was really fun. The rest is England.
-Where the heroine is the more aggressive one in the relationship
-A story with a bit of humor and a bit of mystery
-Lighter on the sex, only 1 full scene, 1 partial scene, and a few kisses
-A very light sprinkling of enemies to lovers (doesn't really have that feel for most of the book, but there's a bit where there's banter and some dislike.)
I have never loved a heroine as much as I loved this one. Many reviewers disliked her, and honestly thinking about her personality traits – being a bit vain, over confident, a tad spoiled – I would have thought I would too. But I just loved her. She was just so HAPPY. I felt her smile light up the book. She was so spunky never gave up her beliefs and freely shared her feelings. I adored the first half of the book with her attending the wedding in Alucia. She had me grinning and laughing and I just wanted to see her, be her friend. Leo doesn't want much to do with her in the beginning and she at first seems just determined to prove him wrong.
As the book goes on though, I felt like the romance was so lacking. It was so slow in the beginning already, and then once they return to England, this mystery takes over the book. Leo is given sensitive information about plots against his country and he tries to make headway into solving the mystery and protecting those who are vulnerable. But I felt like a lot of it was him doing it himself. Maybe I would have liked this more if the two were doing it all together, but that doesn't happen until the end of the book. I felt like a lot of their time was spent apart from each other. I will say I just adored all the parts they were together. I enjoyed every scene of that. But it felt like it was only half the book. And they didn't have sex until after 90% and I just don't think I'm that patient hahaha.
This definitely has not turned me off Julia London. So many parts I just treasured and she made me laugh and smile quite a few times. The kisses were so sweet and full of feeling. I think she could be a hit for me in another book.
Thank you netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Safety warnings (slight possible spoilers)
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.
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May 23, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
As soon as I finished The Princess Plan, I knew I needed to start book 2, so was so happy I was approved for A Royal Kiss and Tell on NetGalley. This time around, we are following Lady Caroline Hawke, who can't believe that of all the people who aren't impressed by her, it's Prince Leopold of Alucia. After some disastrous meetings while in Helanamar, at Eliza and Sebastian's wedding, Caroline is adamant she doesn't want to see Leopold again, but it seems he's made friends with her brother, Beck, and is always hanging around. Leopold, for his part, doesn't seem to know how to think about Caroline. She's brash and speaks her mind, and isn't deferential at all. After the royal wedding, his parents want him to marry soon, and to a Westlorian lady for diplomatic relations, which is not what Leo wants at all. He's also found himself entangled in a plot to find and recover a number of Westlorian women who have been sold into slavery in England, and all of his efforts to help them is leaving him with a reputation that is bound to ruin all his social standing, and hinder his future efforts to bring down the scheme. Will Caroline help him regain his reputation and save the girls, or will he be called back to Alucia before he can finish his task?
Now after adoring The Princess Plan so much, I was expecting the same for this one, but it took me a bit too long to warm to Caroline, so it's a four star read for me. The first 5 chapters or so, Caroline was a bit too annoying, but after an illness, she grew on me, and I found myself understanding her more than I had. Losing her parents so young, and being raised by her brother who wanted her to marry as soon as possible, I saw why she was a bit too much at first, because she'd always known she was beautiful, and hadn't really been parented enough. She also was acting a part, too, as society expected her to be one type of person, and it was easier acting as if she was, rather than changing their minds. The subplot of her creating gowns for other ladies was a nice one, as we saw something she really cared about, and with how Beck acted towards it, we saw their own relationship a bit more clearly.
I loved the character growth in Leopold, as he was quite rakish when we met him in The Princess Plan, but after we see how he was treated in Alucia by his parents, and then his care and compassion to recover the Westlorian women sold into slavery, or worse, in England, he was neigh on perfect. His actions might not have been the most thought out, but his intentions were pure, even if they could bring about his own downfall.
Both Caroline and Leopold together was enjoyable from the get go. Their banter and chemistry was undeniable, and we really saw their affection for one another grow the more time they spent together, and excessively so after Caroline was made aware of the heinous scheme and Leopold's rescue efforts. The ending of the book was fantastic, and really made me desperate for A Princess for Christmas because I need to see more of both these couples, and also need to see Hollis happy and in love!
As soon as I finished The Princess Plan, I knew I needed to start book 2, so was so happy I was approved for A Royal Kiss and Tell on NetGalley. This time around, we are following Lady Caroline Hawke, who can't believe that of all the people who aren't impressed by her, it's Prince Leopold of Alucia. After some disastrous meetings while in Helanamar, at Eliza and Sebastian's wedding, Caroline is adamant she doesn't want to see Leopold again, but it seems he's made friends with her brother, Beck, and is always hanging around. Leopold, for his part, doesn't seem to know how to think about Caroline. She's brash and speaks her mind, and isn't deferential at all. After the royal wedding, his parents want him to marry soon, and to a Westlorian lady for diplomatic relations, which is not what Leo wants at all. He's also found himself entangled in a plot to find and recover a number of Westlorian women who have been sold into slavery in England, and all of his efforts to help them is leaving him with a reputation that is bound to ruin all his social standing, and hinder his future efforts to bring down the scheme. Will Caroline help him regain his reputation and save the girls, or will he be called back to Alucia before he can finish his task?
Now after adoring The Princess Plan so much, I was expecting the same for this one, but it took me a bit too long to warm to Caroline, so it's a four star read for me. The first 5 chapters or so, Caroline was a bit too annoying, but after an illness, she grew on me, and I found myself understanding her more than I had. Losing her parents so young, and being raised by her brother who wanted her to marry as soon as possible, I saw why she was a bit too much at first, because she'd always known she was beautiful, and hadn't really been parented enough. She also was acting a part, too, as society expected her to be one type of person, and it was easier acting as if she was, rather than changing their minds. The subplot of her creating gowns for other ladies was a nice one, as we saw something she really cared about, and with how Beck acted towards it, we saw their own relationship a bit more clearly.
I loved the character growth in Leopold, as he was quite rakish when we met him in The Princess Plan, but after we see how he was treated in Alucia by his parents, and then his care and compassion to recover the Westlorian women sold into slavery, or worse, in England, he was neigh on perfect. His actions might not have been the most thought out, but his intentions were pure, even if they could bring about his own downfall.
Both Caroline and Leopold together was enjoyable from the get go. Their banter and chemistry was undeniable, and we really saw their affection for one another grow the more time they spent together, and excessively so after Caroline was made aware of the heinous scheme and Leopold's rescue efforts. The ending of the book was fantastic, and really made me desperate for A Princess for Christmas because I need to see more of both these couples, and also need to see Hollis happy and in love!
May 25, 2020
A Royal Kiss And Tell is the very sweet tale of a prince finding his purpose.
Prince Leopold of Alucia, is a second son. A man never expected to hold an office, serve in the military, or do anything of note. Other than live the "good life," be attractive, and get married.
And now that his brother, Prince Sebastian, has finally found his "happily ever after" with his lady love, Eliza Tricklebank. In The Princess Plan (A Royal Wedding #1).
Choosing to marry for love instead of marrying for political gain.
Leo has now been called to the forefront by his parents. And told that he must now take up the political marriage mantle.
Making matters worse for Leo.
The fact that he can't seem to get the opinionated, vivacious, and forthright, Coraline Hawke, out of his head.
And try as he might. He can't seem to avoid her in his daily comings and goings either.
Leo is a man it seems;who can't when for losing. Even when attempting to right the wrongs of human / sex trafficking. After learning that young girls from Alucia, are being stolen, sold and traded in the brothels and private homes of the English aristocracy.
Forcing him to secretly...
Well...
As secretly as a prince can, anyway.
Set about the task of finding his endangered subjects.
But as news of his comings and going in the streets and byways of London's sketchy addresses becomes fodder for the news rags.
People are quick to assume that he is a man who has allowed his baser appetites to get the better of him.
And the doors of entree to all of the glitz and glamour that is English society are closing to him faster than he can blink.
And he must find out who the "source" of all of the scandalous information about him is.
And stop the flood of infamy. Before it drowns not only his reputation. But any hope that he might have of saving the lost girls of his country as well.
A Royal Kiss And Tell is the perfect blend of royal watching, mystery and intrigue, and "girl gets her guy" romance.
This is a very sweet and fast paced story as a whole. Even though the back and forth between Caroline and Leo. "Will he or won't he" of their romantic beginnings gets a little tedious. Considering the fact that his private thoughts and unspoken reactions to Caro make it more than clear that she is the girl for him.
If you are looking for a fast, light, romance. Full of characters that you are bound to fall for.
A Royal Kiss And Tell will ring all of those bells and more.
Please be advised that this title is the second offering of the series. It mat be read alone. Or as part of its intended series.
*WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Netgally and Harlequin Books for providing the review copy on which this unsolicited and unbiased critique is based.
Prince Leopold of Alucia, is a second son. A man never expected to hold an office, serve in the military, or do anything of note. Other than live the "good life," be attractive, and get married.
And now that his brother, Prince Sebastian, has finally found his "happily ever after" with his lady love, Eliza Tricklebank. In The Princess Plan (A Royal Wedding #1).
Choosing to marry for love instead of marrying for political gain.
Leo has now been called to the forefront by his parents. And told that he must now take up the political marriage mantle.
Making matters worse for Leo.
The fact that he can't seem to get the opinionated, vivacious, and forthright, Coraline Hawke, out of his head.
And try as he might. He can't seem to avoid her in his daily comings and goings either.
Leo is a man it seems;who can't when for losing. Even when attempting to right the wrongs of human / sex trafficking. After learning that young girls from Alucia, are being stolen, sold and traded in the brothels and private homes of the English aristocracy.
Forcing him to secretly...
Well...
As secretly as a prince can, anyway.
Set about the task of finding his endangered subjects.
But as news of his comings and going in the streets and byways of London's sketchy addresses becomes fodder for the news rags.
People are quick to assume that he is a man who has allowed his baser appetites to get the better of him.
And the doors of entree to all of the glitz and glamour that is English society are closing to him faster than he can blink.
And he must find out who the "source" of all of the scandalous information about him is.
And stop the flood of infamy. Before it drowns not only his reputation. But any hope that he might have of saving the lost girls of his country as well.
A Royal Kiss And Tell is the perfect blend of royal watching, mystery and intrigue, and "girl gets her guy" romance.
This is a very sweet and fast paced story as a whole. Even though the back and forth between Caroline and Leo. "Will he or won't he" of their romantic beginnings gets a little tedious. Considering the fact that his private thoughts and unspoken reactions to Caro make it more than clear that she is the girl for him.
If you are looking for a fast, light, romance. Full of characters that you are bound to fall for.
A Royal Kiss And Tell will ring all of those bells and more.
Please be advised that this title is the second offering of the series. It mat be read alone. Or as part of its intended series.
*WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Netgally and Harlequin Books for providing the review copy on which this unsolicited and unbiased critique is based.
June 8, 2020
If you missed the first in this series, (The Princess Plan), the basic gist is that Sebastian, Crown Prince of Alucia, fell for and married Eliza Tricklebank, an Englishwoman of no particular consequence. A Royal Kiss and Tell commences at their royal wedding in Alucia, full of pomp and circumstance. Lady Caroline Hawke is Eliza’s best friend and the heroine of this story, and honestly, she’s absolutely refreshing, in that she’s probably the most confident period romance heroine I’ve ever met. She knows, with complete certainty, that she’s beautiful, clever and charming, and she takes anyone who fails to recognise her as such as a personal challenge. Prince Leopold doesn’t even seem to be able to remember her name, so he’s the biggest challenge of all. Honestly, Caroline would be easy to dislike as a person in real life - I think I’d find her brash and obnoxious - but as a character, she’s certainly fascinating to read about.
Leopold’s the ‘spare’, and he’s never had to take anything seriously. Told about a shocking plot against his country and the dreadful plight of some young women sold into slavery in aristocratic English homes, he finds he wants to help, but doesn’t know how. He manages to bumble his way into a scandal, and eventually, ends up asking Caroline for help.
I really don’t get why Leopold didn’t just ask someone for help earlier. Caroline’s brother, for example, with whom he was such great friends. Hell, his bodyguards - he trusted them with his life, but not this secret? That didn’t make sense. Too much of the sub-plot about the trafficked women and the plot against the Alucian crown happened offscreen, including the resolution, which was just handwaved away as Leopold going off to fix things and then returning for Caroline. I wanted to see them fixing it together, not her sidelined and basically sitting around waiting for him to fix things so they could maybe, eventually, get together.
Too many things just didn’t gel here for me. I like Julia London’s writing style and despite Caroline’s character being very different from the expected Regency heroine, I really enjoyed reading her. I even believed in the way Leopold slowly but inevitably fell for her. But the sub-plot was just a hot mess and being on such a significant topic of human trafficking, the resolution mattered. Overall, I’ll give this three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Leopold’s the ‘spare’, and he’s never had to take anything seriously. Told about a shocking plot against his country and the dreadful plight of some young women sold into slavery in aristocratic English homes, he finds he wants to help, but doesn’t know how. He manages to bumble his way into a scandal, and eventually, ends up asking Caroline for help.
I really don’t get why Leopold didn’t just ask someone for help earlier. Caroline’s brother, for example, with whom he was such great friends. Hell, his bodyguards - he trusted them with his life, but not this secret? That didn’t make sense. Too much of the sub-plot about the trafficked women and the plot against the Alucian crown happened offscreen, including the resolution, which was just handwaved away as Leopold going off to fix things and then returning for Caroline. I wanted to see them fixing it together, not her sidelined and basically sitting around waiting for him to fix things so they could maybe, eventually, get together.
Too many things just didn’t gel here for me. I like Julia London’s writing style and despite Caroline’s character being very different from the expected Regency heroine, I really enjoyed reading her. I even believed in the way Leopold slowly but inevitably fell for her. But the sub-plot was just a hot mess and being on such a significant topic of human trafficking, the resolution mattered. Overall, I’ll give this three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
May 27, 2020
A Royal Kiss and Tell is the second book in A Royal Wedding series by Julia London. You don't necessarily have to read the first book before this one, but it will help you appreciate the characters and their backgrounds a little more if you do.
Lady Caroline Hawke is quite the vain character, but in fairness, she deserves to be. She is attractive and many men vie for her attention. The one gentleman that she wants to do that, but who doesn't is Prince Leopold of Alucia. Her best friend married his brother and that is how they know each other. Caroline flirted with him and visa versa at a house party prior to the wedding but whereas she thought it meant something, he was in his cups and totally forgot about her!
It surprises them both when after the wedding during the celebrations Caroline approaches Leo as if they are best friends and she is far too forward. She is upset that he doesn't remember her, and he is gobsmacked that she shows no decorum when it comes to his Princely status.
If he has his way they wouldn't have anything to do with each other especially in public but when he needs her to gain access to high society gatherings they start to spend time together. Time that makes them both realise that there is more to each other than they thought. Time that sees them become very attracted to each other.
Their budding romance was quite slow-moving, and I must admit that I wanted to shake them both or knock their heads together for not communicating properly. I suppose they had reason to keep their feelings to themselves apart from their lust because Leo was to be married to a woman back home by arrangement by their families. He also was earning himself a bad reputation that made Caroline wary.
The story really picked up towards the last third and it was then that I was really gripped and couldn't read quickly enough to see how everything would work out. Thankfully it was a happy ending and it made up for its slow start. Sometimes I didn't like either of the main characters but as their stories progressed and I discovered more about them I am happy to say that by the end I loved them both.
I enjoyed Caroline and Leo's story and am smiling as I remember it now.
Lady Caroline Hawke is quite the vain character, but in fairness, she deserves to be. She is attractive and many men vie for her attention. The one gentleman that she wants to do that, but who doesn't is Prince Leopold of Alucia. Her best friend married his brother and that is how they know each other. Caroline flirted with him and visa versa at a house party prior to the wedding but whereas she thought it meant something, he was in his cups and totally forgot about her!
It surprises them both when after the wedding during the celebrations Caroline approaches Leo as if they are best friends and she is far too forward. She is upset that he doesn't remember her, and he is gobsmacked that she shows no decorum when it comes to his Princely status.
If he has his way they wouldn't have anything to do with each other especially in public but when he needs her to gain access to high society gatherings they start to spend time together. Time that makes them both realise that there is more to each other than they thought. Time that sees them become very attracted to each other.
Their budding romance was quite slow-moving, and I must admit that I wanted to shake them both or knock their heads together for not communicating properly. I suppose they had reason to keep their feelings to themselves apart from their lust because Leo was to be married to a woman back home by arrangement by their families. He also was earning himself a bad reputation that made Caroline wary.
The story really picked up towards the last third and it was then that I was really gripped and couldn't read quickly enough to see how everything would work out. Thankfully it was a happy ending and it made up for its slow start. Sometimes I didn't like either of the main characters but as their stories progressed and I discovered more about them I am happy to say that by the end I loved them both.
I enjoyed Caroline and Leo's story and am smiling as I remember it now.
June 12, 2020
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.
A romance that will make you laugh and keep you on your toes, A ROYAL KISS AND TELL by Julia London is enjoyable from beginning to end.
Lady Caroline Hawke has watched her best friend find true love and happiness and cannot help but want that for herself. The handsome, yet bothersome, Prince Leopold stirs something within her but he seems oblivious to her in every way. Well, two can play at that game, and Caroline is determined to make him take notice, and she has just the plan to do it before he disappears from her life forever.
Leo has always been the spare son, good for nothing but carousing and being free. But with his older brother happily married, the focus is now on him and he is being married off for political gain. But when he is informed about an evil plot involving many trusted people in the palace, will Leo be able to find the courage to uncover the truth, regardless of the consequences? And will he be able to ignore the beautiful, yet infuriating Lady Hawke, whose smile he cannot seem to forget?
With plenty of twists and turns, laughs and longing looks, A ROYAL KISS AND TELL by Julia London is the second book in this enchanting historical romance series. Caroline is a very unique character - confident, sassy, outspoken, and content in who she really is regardless of what society says - and likeable from the beginning. She is the opposite of Leo who lives rigidly by protocol but underneath his hard exterior is a vulnerable man who has never really known where he belonged.
A ROYAL KISS AND TELL has everything you could possibly want - danger, sinister plots, gossip, ballrooms, romance, and everything in between - and I look forward to the next book in this series. This book is sure to be a huge hit with all historical romance fans.
A romance that will make you laugh and keep you on your toes, A ROYAL KISS AND TELL by Julia London is enjoyable from beginning to end.
Lady Caroline Hawke has watched her best friend find true love and happiness and cannot help but want that for herself. The handsome, yet bothersome, Prince Leopold stirs something within her but he seems oblivious to her in every way. Well, two can play at that game, and Caroline is determined to make him take notice, and she has just the plan to do it before he disappears from her life forever.
Leo has always been the spare son, good for nothing but carousing and being free. But with his older brother happily married, the focus is now on him and he is being married off for political gain. But when he is informed about an evil plot involving many trusted people in the palace, will Leo be able to find the courage to uncover the truth, regardless of the consequences? And will he be able to ignore the beautiful, yet infuriating Lady Hawke, whose smile he cannot seem to forget?
With plenty of twists and turns, laughs and longing looks, A ROYAL KISS AND TELL by Julia London is the second book in this enchanting historical romance series. Caroline is a very unique character - confident, sassy, outspoken, and content in who she really is regardless of what society says - and likeable from the beginning. She is the opposite of Leo who lives rigidly by protocol but underneath his hard exterior is a vulnerable man who has never really known where he belonged.
A ROYAL KISS AND TELL has everything you could possibly want - danger, sinister plots, gossip, ballrooms, romance, and everything in between - and I look forward to the next book in this series. This book is sure to be a huge hit with all historical romance fans.
May 17, 2020
A Royal Kiss & Tell is the second book in the 'A Royal Wedding' series. I did not read the first book in the series. This read fine as a stand-alone, however, the context provided in the first book might add depth to the storyline in this one. Since I didn't read it, it's hard to say.
Caroline Hawke and her brother, Beck, are attending their dear friend Eliza's wedding to Prince Sebastian, the heir to the kingdom of Alucia. Caro has had her eye on Prince Leopold, Sebastian's younger brother. Unfortunately for her, during the wedding festivities, he either ignores her or challenges her manners. He thinks she is oblivious to social expectations- for example, she keeps interrupting people who are ranked higher than she is. Caro is used to attention and is fit to be tied by Leo's reactions to her. She is outgoing and owns her own behavior.
Back in London, PrinceLeo continues his friendship with Beck, Caro's brother, so, of course, he crosses paths with Caro. Unfortunately, she keeps catching him in what appear to be compromising positions. However, the more they are thrown together, the more they spark off of each other and actually develop a bit of a friendship. The growing relationship is fun to watch and there is a mystery as Leo works to rescue girls that he learned were in situations not of their choosing. As he further investigates how the girls came to be in these unwanted roles, Caroline becomes more ally than foe. This is an easy, gentle read with a slow build of a relationship. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Harlequin-Romance for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Caroline Hawke and her brother, Beck, are attending their dear friend Eliza's wedding to Prince Sebastian, the heir to the kingdom of Alucia. Caro has had her eye on Prince Leopold, Sebastian's younger brother. Unfortunately for her, during the wedding festivities, he either ignores her or challenges her manners. He thinks she is oblivious to social expectations- for example, she keeps interrupting people who are ranked higher than she is. Caro is used to attention and is fit to be tied by Leo's reactions to her. She is outgoing and owns her own behavior.
Back in London, PrinceLeo continues his friendship with Beck, Caro's brother, so, of course, he crosses paths with Caro. Unfortunately, she keeps catching him in what appear to be compromising positions. However, the more they are thrown together, the more they spark off of each other and actually develop a bit of a friendship. The growing relationship is fun to watch and there is a mystery as Leo works to rescue girls that he learned were in situations not of their choosing. As he further investigates how the girls came to be in these unwanted roles, Caroline becomes more ally than foe. This is an easy, gentle read with a slow build of a relationship. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Harlequin-Romance for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
June 8, 2020
My thoughts
Would I recommend it? Yes , in fact I've already told some of my friends
about it while I was reading it.
Would I read more of this series? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Note:
there is mentioning of slave-trade and trafficking but its not the main part of the story
First off I want to thank HQN Books for inviting me to read and review it and for their help in finding a new author to read, second this is the first time I've read anything by this author and even though this is the second book to A Royal Wedding series I would say pick up book one first to read that way you can meet and understand who the characters are. As for the characters themselves there was one that got on my nerves and that was Caro, how she acted not only towards her friends but towards the other characters in the book ,well lets just say there was times I wanted to ring her neck. And even though she was put in her place by someone that just made her act more like a spoiled brat who thought that they was never in the wrong , but luckily she was able to redeem herself in my eyes, did she become a favorite no but it got to the point where I could stand to like her and could see her finally growing up and that was mostly to her spend time with Leo . As for the romance its self its not a fast growing one , in fact it slow , which helps the story along much better than a fast one would , because doing that time you see the characters start to coming in to themselves which is great but the only downside is to the story is that I wish the author had not down played the slave-trade and trafficking, over all its a 4 star read because of how strong the characters are, how the story was written and how it comes to life, and at times it even had me smiling at what was going on, and while it did take me a while to like Caro , I did enjoy the story so much so that I didn't want to stop reading it, with that said I also want to say thank you to NetGalley for also letting me read and review it
Would I recommend it? Yes , in fact I've already told some of my friends
about it while I was reading it.
Would I read more of this series? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Note:
there is mentioning of slave-trade and trafficking but its not the main part of the story
First off I want to thank HQN Books for inviting me to read and review it and for their help in finding a new author to read, second this is the first time I've read anything by this author and even though this is the second book to A Royal Wedding series I would say pick up book one first to read that way you can meet and understand who the characters are. As for the characters themselves there was one that got on my nerves and that was Caro, how she acted not only towards her friends but towards the other characters in the book ,well lets just say there was times I wanted to ring her neck. And even though she was put in her place by someone that just made her act more like a spoiled brat who thought that they was never in the wrong , but luckily she was able to redeem herself in my eyes, did she become a favorite no but it got to the point where I could stand to like her and could see her finally growing up and that was mostly to her spend time with Leo . As for the romance its self its not a fast growing one , in fact it slow , which helps the story along much better than a fast one would , because doing that time you see the characters start to coming in to themselves which is great but the only downside is to the story is that I wish the author had not down played the slave-trade and trafficking, over all its a 4 star read because of how strong the characters are, how the story was written and how it comes to life, and at times it even had me smiling at what was going on, and while it did take me a while to like Caro , I did enjoy the story so much so that I didn't want to stop reading it, with that said I also want to say thank you to NetGalley for also letting me read and review it
May 16, 2020
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. A Royal Kiss and Tell by Julia London is the second book in her delightful A Royal Wedding series. I do think you should read the first book in the series before reading this one. Lady Caroline Hawke is someone who knows her own worth, she’s funny and charming, has a talent for creating fabulous dresses and simply cannot comprehend why that annoying Prince Leopold wants to pretend they’ve never met. His Royal Highness Prince Leopold is a bit of a wastrel, a second son, he feels useless and unappreciated. His only value is to secure a treaty by marrying as his parents direct. When he discovers a plot to sell young girls into slavery in exchange for political favour, he determines to rescue the girls even at the risk of his own reputation. Along the way, his antagonism with Lady Caroline grows to friendship and then love. I found this story to be exciting and delightful, and highly recommend it. Medium Steam. Publishing Date May 19, 2020. #ARoyalKissAndTell #JuliaLondon #HistoricalRomance #HarlequinRomance #bookstagram #NetGalley
May 27, 2020
3.25 Stars
Every dashing young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. The handsome, delectable, rogue, Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember who Caroline is and the insult is not to be tolerated. So Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure a prince remembers her. Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard. Socially, it could ruin him. More important, it jeopardises his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of government in London. Now Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society.
This is the second book in the series & could very easily be read on its own. I’m sitting on the fence with this book, there was much I liked, I loved the humour & it did have me laughing out loud & raised my mood but I found it very hard to like Caroline, she grated on me. I also found the pace of the book was a bit erratic. Overall a well written book which dealt with some darker elements but also had humour, a very loveable hero but a heroine I couldn't relate to
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Every dashing young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. The handsome, delectable, rogue, Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember who Caroline is and the insult is not to be tolerated. So Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure a prince remembers her. Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard. Socially, it could ruin him. More important, it jeopardises his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of government in London. Now Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society.
This is the second book in the series & could very easily be read on its own. I’m sitting on the fence with this book, there was much I liked, I loved the humour & it did have me laughing out loud & raised my mood but I found it very hard to like Caroline, she grated on me. I also found the pace of the book was a bit erratic. Overall a well written book which dealt with some darker elements but also had humour, a very loveable hero but a heroine I couldn't relate to
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
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