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Prince Charming
Things couldn’t get much more ridiculous for Andy over the holiday season. After agreeing to pretend to be his roommate’s boyfriend for a family Christmas in the English countryside, regular Brooklyn boy Andy finds himself thrust into a world of country manors, dukes, marquesses, earls, complicated titles, household staff, and delicate china.
Not only that, he’s also forced to tread the line between real and fake with Kit—a man he’s had a crush on since they met three years ago.
And it’s not even Christmas yet.
But mistletoe kisses are sweet, and knights in shining armour are sexy, and when Kit and Andy finally fall into bed together, everything seems right in the world.
Now they just have to survive the rest of the holidays.
Not only that, he’s also forced to tread the line between real and fake with Kit—a man he’s had a crush on since they met three years ago.
And it’s not even Christmas yet.
But mistletoe kisses are sweet, and knights in shining armour are sexy, and when Kit and Andy finally fall into bed together, everything seems right in the world.
Now they just have to survive the rest of the holidays.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2020
169 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Sean Ashcroft
44 books460 followersSean Ashcroft likes rainy days, white hot chocolates (don't knock it 'til you've tried it!) and boys kissing in books. He currently resides in Australia, all the way down at the bottom of the mainland in a sleepy little seaside town.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
He writes sweet, hot books about sweet, hot boys who absolutely deserve each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 9, 2020
2.5 Stars
Had I written this review a few days ago, I would've written, "I hate this book," and left it at that. So I'm glad that I waited because I don't actually hate it. Well, I don't hate the first half; the second half can fuck off. Seriously, the book would've been so much better as a novella. But I'm getting ahead here. Synopsis first:
It's about two guys, Andy and Kit, who are best friends. They have a crush on each other but are both oblivious to the other's feelings. Then Kit's invited home, to England, by his mother, and some secrets are revealed. The first is that Kit's been telling his parents that he's in a relationship with Andy so that his mother would stop trying to set him up with the richest guy, with a title, that she can find. And the second is that Kit's family is also rich and has titles.
For the first half, things worked well. The book didn't fall into certain common tropes. Andy, for example, is a confident guy, and he didn't let Kit's mother make him feel bad about himself or distance him from Kit. In fact, it was quite refreshing how Andy handled all the high society crap. Even the discovery-of-feelings portion of the story wasn't stretched out. But things starting falling apart soon after.
If you've read enough romance, then you know that many books have this thing where they go, "We interrupt your regularly scheduled plot to bring you... sex!" And it's just a bunch of sex scenes, one-after-the-other, that get boring even when they're written really well. Seriously authors, if your book isn't erotica, spread the sex scenes out!
Anyway, we'd usually get back to the plot after the sex-fest, and things would become interesting again. Here, we got a lot of unnecessary drama instead. But more importantly, we saw a level of miscommunication that made me wonder how Kit and Andy could ever have been friends. It didn't even make sense for the book because they'd been doing fairly well about talking things through. Well, Andy had been doing well. Until he wasn't, because the author couldn't come up with a better conflict.
The book ended with what felt like three chapters of epilogue. And so, for me, there was barely anything good in the second half. If the author has just scrapped the conflict (or at least the drama) and condensed some other parts, the book would've been much better. Hence why I think it should've been a novella. But since it isn't, I don't recommend it.
Had I written this review a few days ago, I would've written, "I hate this book," and left it at that. So I'm glad that I waited because I don't actually hate it. Well, I don't hate the first half; the second half can fuck off. Seriously, the book would've been so much better as a novella. But I'm getting ahead here. Synopsis first:
It's about two guys, Andy and Kit, who are best friends. They have a crush on each other but are both oblivious to the other's feelings. Then Kit's invited home, to England, by his mother, and some secrets are revealed. The first is that Kit's been telling his parents that he's in a relationship with Andy so that his mother would stop trying to set him up with the richest guy, with a title, that she can find. And the second is that Kit's family is also rich and has titles.
For the first half, things worked well. The book didn't fall into certain common tropes. Andy, for example, is a confident guy, and he didn't let Kit's mother make him feel bad about himself or distance him from Kit. In fact, it was quite refreshing how Andy handled all the high society crap. Even the discovery-of-feelings portion of the story wasn't stretched out. But things starting falling apart soon after.
If you've read enough romance, then you know that many books have this thing where they go, "We interrupt your regularly scheduled plot to bring you... sex!" And it's just a bunch of sex scenes, one-after-the-other, that get boring even when they're written really well. Seriously authors, if your book isn't erotica, spread the sex scenes out!
Anyway, we'd usually get back to the plot after the sex-fest, and things would become interesting again. Here, we got a lot of unnecessary drama instead. But more importantly, we saw a level of miscommunication that made me wonder how Kit and Andy could ever have been friends. It didn't even make sense for the book because they'd been doing fairly well about talking things through. Well, Andy had been doing well. Until he wasn't, because the author couldn't come up with a better conflict.
The book ended with what felt like three chapters of epilogue. And so, for me, there was barely anything good in the second half. If the author has just scrapped the conflict (or at least the drama) and condensed some other parts, the book would've been much better. Hence why I think it should've been a novella. But since it isn't, I don't recommend it.
December 10, 2020
Lately I feel like the Grinch with books because I've been giving too many low ratings *sighs*. So I'll keep this short:
- The story was going really well until 45% or so and it became so predictable that I knew what was coming all the time and couldn't help rolling my eyes.
- There was also another change on that mark. The personalities of the characters changed in the sense that they were being shown as actually mature people who communicate to solve issues, then all the predictable tropes happened and bye bye communication.
- There were so many "uh" and "umm" that it interrupted in a very bad way the conversations, and even though one character was shy so he used those terms, the other one wasn't and he still used them. So why?
- The mother as always was the bitch, no surprise there.
So that's all, I don't know if I'm in a weird mood but I hope whatever It is passes quickly. 🤞🏻🥰💜
- The story was going really well until 45% or so and it became so predictable that I knew what was coming all the time and couldn't help rolling my eyes.
- There was also another change on that mark. The personalities of the characters changed in the sense that they were being shown as actually mature people who communicate to solve issues, then all the predictable tropes happened and bye bye communication.
- There were so many "uh" and "umm" that it interrupted in a very bad way the conversations, and even though one character was shy so he used those terms, the other one wasn't and he still used them. So why?
- The mother as always was the bitch, no surprise there.
So that's all, I don't know if I'm in a weird mood but I hope whatever It is passes quickly. 🤞🏻🥰💜
July 4, 2021
put down @ 65%
Things begin to veer over to the hetero side (for me) when two guys begin calling each other 'darling'.
How would they put it across the pond? Not my cup of tea?
Things begin to veer over to the hetero side (for me) when two guys begin calling each other 'darling'.
How would they put it across the pond? Not my cup of tea?
Read
December 17, 2021DNF at 74% - I had a glowing review started up but then we got to the completely unnecessary drama thrown in at the last quarter and between that and the OTT corny and repetitive dialogue and constant introspection that I was forgiving, I had to call it quits. It was becoming a slog.
Loved Teddy though.
Loved Teddy though.
December 17, 2020
sometimes i’m just hankerin’ for something light and fluffy and sweet, and this was everything i was in the mood to read tonight. Kit and Andy were both completely adorable and charming and i was so invested in their relationship that, despite knowing a happily ever after was surely coming, i still teared up when shit hit the fan towards the end of the book.
Sean Ashcroft is quickly becoming a new fave of mine when it comes to sweet, angst-light m/m reads.
Sean Ashcroft is quickly becoming a new fave of mine when it comes to sweet, angst-light m/m reads.
January 24, 2021
Cute. But not much more than that.
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December 19, 2021
MM Romance
Best Friends to lovers/Royalty drama
2 stars
Ugh 😑 This is one of those books that pains me to review because it started off so well. I had a sample of a three book Christmas pack from this author and this book just reeled me in. Best friends to lovers, sign me up! I probably should have looked into it more as I’m not usually a fan of the “royalty” trope so I was unknowingly fucked from the start. This appeared to just be a Christmas romance and I wanted something fluffy to read. Yes, the title mentions a prince but most romance book titles don’t match wtfever I’m reading. 🤷🏻♀️😂
What really put me off this book was the cringey sex scenes. These two are supposedly best friends and their encounters felt super awkward. Even their banter felt off like there was constant blushing, looking at their feet and using the phrase “Ummmm” repeatedly. The final nail in the coffin was the dumb fight near the end that almost made me DNF. So predictable, so corny. It wasn’t needed and I could have lived my entire life without the creepy crying sex scene that followed. All that mixed within a book that was screaming for an editor to fix its many errors and I had enough. 🤦🏻♀️
I’m done with Christmas romances for the year. I dont know why I even attempt them as I’m not a fan of this time of year in general. I’m such a masochist sometimes. Why do I do this to myself? 😂😂😂
Best Friends to lovers/Royalty drama
2 stars
Ugh 😑 This is one of those books that pains me to review because it started off so well. I had a sample of a three book Christmas pack from this author and this book just reeled me in. Best friends to lovers, sign me up! I probably should have looked into it more as I’m not usually a fan of the “royalty” trope so I was unknowingly fucked from the start. This appeared to just be a Christmas romance and I wanted something fluffy to read. Yes, the title mentions a prince but most romance book titles don’t match wtfever I’m reading. 🤷🏻♀️😂
What really put me off this book was the cringey sex scenes. These two are supposedly best friends and their encounters felt super awkward. Even their banter felt off like there was constant blushing, looking at their feet and using the phrase “Ummmm” repeatedly. The final nail in the coffin was the dumb fight near the end that almost made me DNF. So predictable, so corny. It wasn’t needed and I could have lived my entire life without the creepy crying sex scene that followed. All that mixed within a book that was screaming for an editor to fix its many errors and I had enough. 🤦🏻♀️
I’m done with Christmas romances for the year. I dont know why I even attempt them as I’m not a fan of this time of year in general. I’m such a masochist sometimes. Why do I do this to myself? 😂😂😂
did-not-finish
August 13, 2022DNF @ 9%. No rating.
In my continued search for modern royalty romances that I'll enjoy, I ignored the obvious clues that this is a rom-com, so this one's on me. Since I'm in a ranty mood and I'm tired of not finding modern royalty romances that I don't DNF, here's a list of things that I made me want to throw the book across the room:
+ Annoying side characters who serve no purpose other than being irritating
+ BONUS: the annoying side characters are introduced right at the start of the story and their presence pushes Kit and Andy into the background until the side characters thankfully disappear for a bit
+ BONUS #2: the female side characters spend their time having inappropriate (sexual) conversations about Kit (their co-worker), which is just the MOST HILARIOUS THING EVER and isn't disgusting in the least. Because you know - sexual harassment isn't a thing when it's a woman doing it to a man. There's also no such thing as professionalism where women in the workplace are concerned and it's perfectly normal to discuss whether a co-worker would like to be called 'daddy' in bed when the co-worker isn't around
+ Amateur writing, including an overuse of italics to the point of distraction and having Kit saying 'umm' constantly
+ Andy and Kit supposedly having been best friends/roommates for 3 years and supposedly being super close buds, but there's zero chemistry between them and they interact as if they're strangers who just met
+ Andy is dumber than a pile of rocks. I'm not sure why this was the case, but the guy seemed to lack basic knowledge that anybody living in the 21st century in a place like New York would know. For example, the dumbass doesn't remember the word 'orientation' and comes up with 'orienteering' instead (a word which is just as complex as orientation), he has never heard of Earl Grey tea and doesn't understand that the phrase 'butter his crumpet' is sexual innuendo, despite the obvious context clues and direct parallels with similar phrases. He also thinks that Kit going along with his parents' assumptions about something is 'very British'...? So not correcting other people's assumptions about something = British. Right. Gotcha.
+ Kit makes a very big deal about 'real tea' not being available outside the UK. And no, this book wasn't taking place in the 1980s or earlier. In the author's version of our current world, it's IMPOSSIBLE for a person living in New York to gain access to decent quality tea. Never mind the ability to buy any type of tea using the countless online shopping options that are available, but no, apparently none of the tea/coffee shops in New York serve high quality tea. None. Right.
In my continued search for modern royalty romances that I'll enjoy, I ignored the obvious clues that this is a rom-com, so this one's on me. Since I'm in a ranty mood and I'm tired of not finding modern royalty romances that I don't DNF, here's a list of things that I made me want to throw the book across the room:
+ Annoying side characters who serve no purpose other than being irritating
+ BONUS: the annoying side characters are introduced right at the start of the story and their presence pushes Kit and Andy into the background until the side characters thankfully disappear for a bit
+ BONUS #2: the female side characters spend their time having inappropriate (sexual) conversations about Kit (their co-worker), which is just the MOST HILARIOUS THING EVER and isn't disgusting in the least. Because you know - sexual harassment isn't a thing when it's a woman doing it to a man. There's also no such thing as professionalism where women in the workplace are concerned and it's perfectly normal to discuss whether a co-worker would like to be called 'daddy' in bed when the co-worker isn't around
+ Amateur writing, including an overuse of italics to the point of distraction and having Kit saying 'umm' constantly
+ Andy and Kit supposedly having been best friends/roommates for 3 years and supposedly being super close buds, but there's zero chemistry between them and they interact as if they're strangers who just met
+ Andy is dumber than a pile of rocks. I'm not sure why this was the case, but the guy seemed to lack basic knowledge that anybody living in the 21st century in a place like New York would know. For example, the dumbass doesn't remember the word 'orientation' and comes up with 'orienteering' instead (a word which is just as complex as orientation), he has never heard of Earl Grey tea and doesn't understand that the phrase 'butter his crumpet' is sexual innuendo, despite the obvious context clues and direct parallels with similar phrases. He also thinks that Kit going along with his parents' assumptions about something is 'very British'...? So not correcting other people's assumptions about something = British. Right. Gotcha.
+ Kit makes a very big deal about 'real tea' not being available outside the UK. And no, this book wasn't taking place in the 1980s or earlier. In the author's version of our current world, it's IMPOSSIBLE for a person living in New York to gain access to decent quality tea. Never mind the ability to buy any type of tea using the countless online shopping options that are available, but no, apparently none of the tea/coffee shops in New York serve high quality tea. None. Right.
November 5, 2024
3⭐️ This was cute and sweet and I liked the lead up to Andy and Kit admitting their feelings to one another but I found the big reveal lackluster and anticlimactic. And after the 50% mark, it all became too fluffy and predictable.
November 20, 2020
I am a huge Sean Ashcroft fan, and this is my favourite title so far (and that's saying a lot, because I love almost all the ones I've read!). I wish there was a hard copy to buy to add to my real-life favourites collection. *sad eyes*
Kit and Andy are both too adorable for words. They've been roommates for three years, and each has had the hots for the other since they met, but neither has acted on it, fearing it might not be reciprocated. Andy agrees to pretend to be Kit's boyfriend for a Christmas visit to Kit's family in England after he hears Kit blurt to his mother during a phone call that he and Andy are together, hoping to get out of visiting by claiming plans with his man. Blocking his move, Kit's mother instead books plane tickets for both of them.
Since Andy actually does want to be Kit's boyfriend, he agrees to the deception, since being with Kit and pretending is better than not being with him.
Kit has a secret though, that he hasn't told Andy - he's actually the son of a Marquess, and is nobility. He hasn't told him because he didn't want to scare Andy off, because titles and lots of money tend to do that. When Andy finds out, it's a lot to digest, but considering how it was sprung on him, he acclimates remarkably well, even if he doesn't like that Kit has been lying to him for three years.
It wouldn't be a contemporary romance without the usual cast of despicable characters, and because they're English, they come off that much more dislikable because you can hear all the snottiness in one of those posh English accents. :-) Kit's mother is obsessed with how the family is viewed, and wants to see Kit married to someone of acceptable social standing, and that does not include an American from Brooklyn. She had tried to partner him off with Pippa, who is the sister of douchebag Will, who is a Duke, but when Kit came out as gay, she was just as happy to try to have him Marry Up with Will. She tries to buy Andy's departure with a cheque for half a million pounds. Will is a snotty, arrogant dickhead, and so are his sister Pippa, and her (girl)friend Flick. At a party that Kit has no choice but to attend, all three are casually and gleefully cruel to Andy before Andy has enough and takes off, but not far, and so he is able to hear Kit dress his "friends" down by speaking in glowing terms of Andy. And when they talk, they are honest about their feelings for each other, and then we get sexy times!
Kit's father, the Marquess, is a wonderful man who is down to earth, and takes a liking to Andy, and seeing him interact with both Kit and Andy was heartwarming to see.
I was reading along, getting happier and happier to see that I wasn't coming up on any Great Misunderstanding that would tear the MC's apart (low angst is my jam), when, almost out of nowhere, BAM. Instead of a Great Misunderstanding, we were hit with Life Altering News for Kit, and Hurt for and Martyrdom from Andy instead, that had me in tears right along with Kit and Andy. Luckily for Sean Ashcroft (yeah, I said it!), it only lasted for a few hours, and Kit and Andy TALKED TO EACH OTHER. It's amazing what being open and honest with each other can do for a relationship!
My heart is full, but my bookshelf is left wanting, because there is no paperback version for this. I want! Gimme!
Kit and Andy are both too adorable for words. They've been roommates for three years, and each has had the hots for the other since they met, but neither has acted on it, fearing it might not be reciprocated. Andy agrees to pretend to be Kit's boyfriend for a Christmas visit to Kit's family in England after he hears Kit blurt to his mother during a phone call that he and Andy are together, hoping to get out of visiting by claiming plans with his man. Blocking his move, Kit's mother instead books plane tickets for both of them.
Since Andy actually does want to be Kit's boyfriend, he agrees to the deception, since being with Kit and pretending is better than not being with him.
Kit has a secret though, that he hasn't told Andy - he's actually the son of a Marquess, and is nobility. He hasn't told him because he didn't want to scare Andy off, because titles and lots of money tend to do that. When Andy finds out, it's a lot to digest, but considering how it was sprung on him, he acclimates remarkably well, even if he doesn't like that Kit has been lying to him for three years.
It wouldn't be a contemporary romance without the usual cast of despicable characters, and because they're English, they come off that much more dislikable because you can hear all the snottiness in one of those posh English accents. :-) Kit's mother is obsessed with how the family is viewed, and wants to see Kit married to someone of acceptable social standing, and that does not include an American from Brooklyn. She had tried to partner him off with Pippa, who is the sister of douchebag Will, who is a Duke, but when Kit came out as gay, she was just as happy to try to have him Marry Up with Will. She tries to buy Andy's departure with a cheque for half a million pounds. Will is a snotty, arrogant dickhead, and so are his sister Pippa, and her (girl)friend Flick. At a party that Kit has no choice but to attend, all three are casually and gleefully cruel to Andy before Andy has enough and takes off, but not far, and so he is able to hear Kit dress his "friends" down by speaking in glowing terms of Andy. And when they talk, they are honest about their feelings for each other, and then we get sexy times!
Kit's father, the Marquess, is a wonderful man who is down to earth, and takes a liking to Andy, and seeing him interact with both Kit and Andy was heartwarming to see.
I was reading along, getting happier and happier to see that I wasn't coming up on any Great Misunderstanding that would tear the MC's apart (low angst is my jam), when, almost out of nowhere, BAM. Instead of a Great Misunderstanding, we were hit with Life Altering News for Kit, and Hurt for and Martyrdom from Andy instead, that had me in tears right along with Kit and Andy. Luckily for Sean Ashcroft (yeah, I said it!), it only lasted for a few hours, and Kit and Andy TALKED TO EACH OTHER. It's amazing what being open and honest with each other can do for a relationship!
My heart is full, but my bookshelf is left wanting, because there is no paperback version for this. I want! Gimme!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2020
•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´I was just… falling in love with my best friend.
Sean Ashcroft did it once again. He brought two lovable guys together, and made them even more special. I always know what I am getting when I pick up a S.A. book. Laughter, romance and a lot of awkwardness. And I love it. Bringing charm to this book was easy. And for me, growing up with both British and American culture infused with Caribbean sass, I completely got the eye rolling jokes.
As the premise goes: Roommates for three years, Kit and Andy had a great friendship. One that was being threatened by the secret that Kit was harbouring. One that would alter the course of who they were once Kit let it slip that Andy was his boyfriend and it was suggested that Andy would accompany him back home to England.
Andy was a simple man. He liked his friend Kit...maybe more than he should. So when he got the opportunity to see Kit in his natural environment, he jumped to the chance, playing boyfriends. But what await them was not what he ever would have dreamed of. Life as he'd known it would never be the same again. And Andy knew Kit would forever be outside of his lane.
With an insufferable mother, friends and family who thought nothing of insulting someone who was not one of their "caliber" and Teddy, the sweet and accepting father; this was going to be a Christmas they'd both never forget. I was all for this romance, and was right there for Kit in the hardest decision he would ever make and Andy, who had to learn that love came with exceptions. I'd say one click and discover why Kit was really a prince charming.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
And once again via KU.
✮ (¸.•´I was just… falling in love with my best friend.
Sean Ashcroft did it once again. He brought two lovable guys together, and made them even more special. I always know what I am getting when I pick up a S.A. book. Laughter, romance and a lot of awkwardness. And I love it. Bringing charm to this book was easy. And for me, growing up with both British and American culture infused with Caribbean sass, I completely got the eye rolling jokes.
As the premise goes: Roommates for three years, Kit and Andy had a great friendship. One that was being threatened by the secret that Kit was harbouring. One that would alter the course of who they were once Kit let it slip that Andy was his boyfriend and it was suggested that Andy would accompany him back home to England.
Andy was a simple man. He liked his friend Kit...maybe more than he should. So when he got the opportunity to see Kit in his natural environment, he jumped to the chance, playing boyfriends. But what await them was not what he ever would have dreamed of. Life as he'd known it would never be the same again. And Andy knew Kit would forever be outside of his lane.
With an insufferable mother, friends and family who thought nothing of insulting someone who was not one of their "caliber" and Teddy, the sweet and accepting father; this was going to be a Christmas they'd both never forget. I was all for this romance, and was right there for Kit in the hardest decision he would ever make and Andy, who had to learn that love came with exceptions. I'd say one click and discover why Kit was really a prince charming.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
And once again via KU.
December 9, 2021
While I love the fake relationship trope I really don't love " royalty " romances. Either way a decent holiday romance
Rep: Gay MC + Bi MC
Rep: Gay MC + Bi MC
March 12, 2021
i told y'all i was spiraling this was the best one yet
November 22, 2020
Awww! This one gives me ALL THE FEELS. What a great story! I think this is my favorite work by Sean Ashcroft so far. It's also my favorite holiday story so far as well. Fantastic read. Highly recommended!
November 21, 2020
I like this author a great deal and I did enjoy this book although a few times Kit frustrated me. I wanted to do this
Once they got through that it was better. I did get a bit annoyed that Kit just rolled over and took the treatment by his "friends" but I loved that Andy didn't back down, even from Kit's mother. Also they didn't keep any secrets (much). But I was afraid after Kit's mother that he wouldn't tell Kit about it. I was kind of groaning thinking "Oh no, he's going to keep it a secret" but I was glad he was open about what was happening.
I adored Kit's father. He claimed that inheriting his title changed his mother but she didn't used to be that way but ... I have my doubts. A social climber is a social climber and I'm sure she only married him because she knew he'd inherit. I have zero use for bad mothers. LOL But his Dad was awesome.
There were parts where I chuckled. When Andy realized Kit was short for Christopher and was shocked and what he said he thought Kit was short for made me laugh out loud. Despite some of the most repulsive characters (which may or may not be real - I've heard stories about snotty aristocracy) there were enough people that I just adored to make it a great read.
Once they got through that it was better. I did get a bit annoyed that Kit just rolled over and took the treatment by his "friends" but I loved that Andy didn't back down, even from Kit's mother. Also they didn't keep any secrets (much). But I was afraid after Kit's mother that he wouldn't tell Kit about it. I was kind of groaning thinking "Oh no, he's going to keep it a secret" but I was glad he was open about what was happening.
I adored Kit's father. He claimed that inheriting his title changed his mother but she didn't used to be that way but ... I have my doubts. A social climber is a social climber and I'm sure she only married him because she knew he'd inherit. I have zero use for bad mothers. LOL But his Dad was awesome.
There were parts where I chuckled. When Andy realized Kit was short for Christopher and was shocked and what he said he thought Kit was short for made me laugh out loud. Despite some of the most repulsive characters (which may or may not be real - I've heard stories about snotty aristocracy) there were enough people that I just adored to make it a great read.
November 19, 2020
Wow! I'm a huge Sean Ashcroft fan and I have to say this is my absolute favorite book so far. Kit is so sweet and caring, and Andy is so funny and loving, and they just fit so perfectly together. The secondary characters are a great mix of villains you really want bad things to happen to and wonderful people you just want to hug.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
November 19, 2020
I loved this story! The author quickly drew me into Andy and Kit’s story leaving me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what was going to happen next. There is something for everyone to enjoy from humor, villainous characters you love to hate, and of course love. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling anything. This book is definitely worth reading.
November 27, 2020
Cute story, but honestly there wasn’t enough tension for me. There are a few secrets here and there plus there was a moment I thought could have or should have been a way bigger deal but it was handled as a nonissue. And there are a lot of on page “ums” and “ahs” that didn’t need to be there. I understand that’s how most people speak, but for me it doesn’t really fit in books.
January 1, 2022
Eh.
I hate rating books poorly but not often do I need to skim through the end like this. I found the whole book rather irritating. I’ve read plenty of books with fake boyfriends and/or wealthy British nobles, but this book skipped so many things that were important to understanding the characters that I got frustrated.
+ How did they meet? Presumably at work… but what does Kit even do at work? How did nobody know he’s the heir? Workplace sleuths aren’t dumb enough to be fooled by a last name. He’d be called Prince Charming at work too.
+ Why are they both constantly feeling unworthy to the point that they keep fighting and breaking up? Go to therapy! I know that’s a common plot point but it would have been nice to see Andy have some character growth, not just Kit.
+ What is such a big deal about inheriting the title? I know from my own background knowledge that it can be a lot of work… but I also know most nobles have people to do their paperwork for them and run their estates. So that can’t be the issue. Also, nobles don’t have to live in England! They both act like they’re doomed, but it is never explained what inheriting a title entails and why it would be bad! They just say it is and have conflict about it.
+ They seemed to go from “He could never love me! I’m unworthy!” to “okay we’re boyfriends now” very quickly and without that much of a confession. One of them said something a little revealing and then they were suddenly both aware of the others’ feelings.
So maybe it’s just me, but I felt that the tension and chemistry weren’t believable and the conflicts were poorly explained and repetitive with little character growth to move things along. Would not recommend
I hate rating books poorly but not often do I need to skim through the end like this. I found the whole book rather irritating. I’ve read plenty of books with fake boyfriends and/or wealthy British nobles, but this book skipped so many things that were important to understanding the characters that I got frustrated.
+ How did they meet? Presumably at work… but what does Kit even do at work? How did nobody know he’s the heir? Workplace sleuths aren’t dumb enough to be fooled by a last name. He’d be called Prince Charming at work too.
+ Why are they both constantly feeling unworthy to the point that they keep fighting and breaking up? Go to therapy! I know that’s a common plot point but it would have been nice to see Andy have some character growth, not just Kit.
+ What is such a big deal about inheriting the title? I know from my own background knowledge that it can be a lot of work… but I also know most nobles have people to do their paperwork for them and run their estates. So that can’t be the issue. Also, nobles don’t have to live in England! They both act like they’re doomed, but it is never explained what inheriting a title entails and why it would be bad! They just say it is and have conflict about it.
+ They seemed to go from “He could never love me! I’m unworthy!” to “okay we’re boyfriends now” very quickly and without that much of a confession. One of them said something a little revealing and then they were suddenly both aware of the others’ feelings.
So maybe it’s just me, but I felt that the tension and chemistry weren’t believable and the conflicts were poorly explained and repetitive with little character growth to move things along. Would not recommend
March 18, 2021
An Absolute Delight & Hoot
This is just one surprise after another, much of it very funny and much of it also filled with love and lust. A reviewer cannot improve upon the premise than to recommend you read the blurb and then grab yourself a toddy or so and hold on.
Kit and Andy are just perfectly drawn, as are the members of Kit's immediate family and coterie of former friends in England. Kit's father, Teddy, is a perfect catalyst for lots of what happens in this tale, but mostly it's Kit and Andy who set the stage, tone, and action. (My only hesitancy is that I think but am not sure that Andy is on the cover).
Don't mistake this as a Christmas story. It takes place during the holidays, and there is lots of sparkle and cheer. But this is a genuinely lovely romance that will put a mile on your face and keep it there--even during the times when one or more of the supporting characters is behaving like an "arsehole."
Grab it and wallow.
This is just one surprise after another, much of it very funny and much of it also filled with love and lust. A reviewer cannot improve upon the premise than to recommend you read the blurb and then grab yourself a toddy or so and hold on.
Kit and Andy are just perfectly drawn, as are the members of Kit's immediate family and coterie of former friends in England. Kit's father, Teddy, is a perfect catalyst for lots of what happens in this tale, but mostly it's Kit and Andy who set the stage, tone, and action. (My only hesitancy is that I think but am not sure that Andy is on the cover).
Don't mistake this as a Christmas story. It takes place during the holidays, and there is lots of sparkle and cheer. But this is a genuinely lovely romance that will put a mile on your face and keep it there--even during the times when one or more of the supporting characters is behaving like an "arsehole."
Grab it and wallow.
February 5, 2022
Like many reviews have said, the first third of this book was actually not too bad, but the rest was simply a hot mess of cheesy, cliched and annoying rubbish lol. From the plot to the characterisation to the writing; everything was bad and unenjoyable. The writing in particular is laughable too, because the setting was supposed to be a posh upperclass English estate, but all characters talk like Americans with 1 or 2 British words thrown in the mix just for the sake of it, which is especially jarring when half the book is told in the voice of one such “Englishman” lol. Not to mention that the writing style is also very repetitive and formulaic and makes the last two thirds of the book even more corny and annoying than it already was. You can bet it definitely wasn’t sexy at all either.
January 29, 2021
Hmmm
I really enjoyed the book...until the last 15%. I didn't understand the reasoning and choice that was made. There wasn't adequate explanation of why it was made and ruined the book for me.
I really enjoyed the book...until the last 15%. I didn't understand the reasoning and choice that was made. There wasn't adequate explanation of why it was made and ruined the book for me.
December 15, 2020
It might not have been real, but neither was the hazelnut flavor in my favorite brand of creamer. — Andrew Moreno
Prince Charming is essentially what it says it is, friends to lovers in a Christmas setting with an aristocratic twist. I enjoyed it far more than I expected to. Yes, there is some exposition at the start, to give you everything you need to know (Andy's sexuality, Andy and Kit's relationship, where they work). The humour is right up my alley, it's so British. The characters are so endearing. Kit is shy, softly spoken and almost hiding in New York. His confidence builds, his relationship with Andy slowly changes him in a way that the reader can percieve. Andy was unexpected. All heart and selflessness, another side is revealed mid-way through the book. His gift for dealing with the skittish is an interesting trait to give a character. As is I guess normal(ish) in friends to lovers they have been in love with each other but unwilling to tell each other and wreck what they have. Their intimacy is so playful and fun and full of joy. I've not read anything like it in a while. While they both enjoy sex it isn't the boy all and end all of their relationship.
Of the supporting cast, Teddy is one of the best I've read in a long time. Kit's father and the current Marquess of Oakesbury he is the one who tells the reader and Andy about the world to which he has been thrown. He's also just a sweet man who wants to help and who adopts Andy as a second son. The antagonists as far as they go aren't entirely irredeemable if you think. They are just human, aristocratic and not like the everyday person but human. The plot is not entirely predictable. There are some twists and turns but it is largely about the interpersonal relationships. The seasonal touches are not super heavy they are definitely there, there are Christmas trees and gift-giving but it isn't a focus.
I'm rating this a 4.5 or I would but Goodreads. It's a good read. I like the way it reads even with the use of tropes. It isn't complex which is always what I need in the lead up to Christmas as everything starts getting busy (and this year I have the added joy of being sick). As an aside, I want to send appreciation to Sean Ascroft for following this plot bunny which was living in his brain. His effort was worth it. And for giving us a downloadable additional scene it's called The Prince of New York and it is undeniably sweet.
Kit is a marvel who has never once looked at a person and thought of them in terms of value. That was his rebellion. Friends from all walks of life, for as long as it took for them to find out who he really was. — Edward Everley
A representative gif:
September 18, 2022
Low angst
Best friends to lovers
Christmas
Fake Boyfriend
*Almost* Royal Romance
Wow I'm so in love with this story, I wish I could purchase a physical copy AND an audiobook. I want to have this book in any form possible. THAT is how lovely this story is!
An *almost Royal* romance about Kit, who has an English Title, and Andy who is an American "commoner." Both achingly sweet men who have been best friends and roommates secretly in love with each other for years. When Kit is basically backed into a corner by his mother, he agrees to go home for Christmas as long as he can take his "boyfriend" who is happily played by Andy.
In typical Ashcroft style, this book goes from fake relationship to real relationship without any drama or chaos from the men; and builds on the new romantic relationship with shared time and thoughtfulness. The men aren't strangers so acknowledging that they love one another so quickly makes sense because they have loved one another for years! The problem is Kit's inheritance. He may not be a prince but he still has a Title that comes with power, wealth, and responsibilities. How can he have Andy and fulfill his obligations? Not that anyone is actually asking him to choose. It's simply how things are-- having happiness with Andy would be easier if they were "just Kit and Andy" instead of Your Grace and the American-consort-who-obviously-has-no-idea-how-to-be-a-rich-snob. A dilemma Kit doesn't quite know how to work out.
Even though this story is basically zero angst there is still a villain. More than one actually. Rich bullies, of course. Luckily, Kits father is a wonderful counterbalance. He's total Dad Of The Century material.
Also, there is the inevitable climax that has us sobbing into our shirt sleeves... But, again, in typical Ashcroft style it is short lived and adds to the story. I mean, we all know it's coming but what we aren't prepared for is the way it makes us love these guys even more. How can such beautiful feelings be happening while my eyes are leaking?!?
This book is absolutely 5 stars for me. Definitely recommend
Best friends to lovers
Christmas
Fake Boyfriend
*Almost* Royal Romance
Wow I'm so in love with this story, I wish I could purchase a physical copy AND an audiobook. I want to have this book in any form possible. THAT is how lovely this story is!
An *almost Royal* romance about Kit, who has an English Title, and Andy who is an American "commoner." Both achingly sweet men who have been best friends and roommates secretly in love with each other for years. When Kit is basically backed into a corner by his mother, he agrees to go home for Christmas as long as he can take his "boyfriend" who is happily played by Andy.
In typical Ashcroft style, this book goes from fake relationship to real relationship without any drama or chaos from the men; and builds on the new romantic relationship with shared time and thoughtfulness. The men aren't strangers so acknowledging that they love one another so quickly makes sense because they have loved one another for years! The problem is Kit's inheritance. He may not be a prince but he still has a Title that comes with power, wealth, and responsibilities. How can he have Andy and fulfill his obligations? Not that anyone is actually asking him to choose. It's simply how things are-- having happiness with Andy would be easier if they were "just Kit and Andy" instead of Your Grace and the American-consort-who-obviously-has-no-idea-how-to-be-a-rich-snob. A dilemma Kit doesn't quite know how to work out.
Even though this story is basically zero angst there is still a villain. More than one actually. Rich bullies, of course. Luckily, Kits father is a wonderful counterbalance. He's total Dad Of The Century material.
Also, there is the inevitable climax that has us sobbing into our shirt sleeves... But, again, in typical Ashcroft style it is short lived and adds to the story. I mean, we all know it's coming but what we aren't prepared for is the way it makes us love these guys even more. How can such beautiful feelings be happening while my eyes are leaking?!?
This book is absolutely 5 stars for me. Definitely recommend
did-not-finish
December 30, 2020I’m currently on chapter 1 and I don’t know what planet this author is from but there have been some very weird statements. First, having a character complain about the heating in the office drop from 70 to 69 saying it’s cool. Standard room temperature is 68-72. Nobody is going to complain about a 69 degree temperature. I mean, it’s not like modern office buildings are drafty or cold or anything. Then the author was going on about how cold New York is in December. New York City isn’t that cold in December, it’s in the 30s and 40s. I mean, you don’t even need a hat for that. Then the author was saying it was a cold year that year and was going to snow before Christmas. It doesn’t snow that much in New York City. It’s rare that it snows before Christmas there. And it melts fast because it doesn’t get that cold there! Then there was a comment about turning on heating when getting home. Now that’s just positively messed up. Why on Earth would you turn your heat off? Nobody turns their heat off when it’s cold enough to need heat! I mean, you turn it down a bit. But honestly I think most people have a digital thermostat so they set it to turn the heat back up an hour or two before they get home so the place is already warm when they’re home. I know the author is Australian, but before writing I would think the author would do some basic research like standard room temperature in America and American central heating systems and digital thermostats.
Now I’m on chapter 2. Apparently the workplace only has instant coffee. I’ve never heard of a workplace in America having instant coffee. They might have no coffee. They might have a coffee maker or keurig. Or they might have a cafeteria that sells coffee. But I’ve never heard of a workplace having instant coffee. Especially an office setting.
Now I’m on chapter 2. Apparently the workplace only has instant coffee. I’ve never heard of a workplace in America having instant coffee. They might have no coffee. They might have a coffee maker or keurig. Or they might have a cafeteria that sells coffee. But I’ve never heard of a workplace having instant coffee. Especially an office setting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2021
I have to agree with other reviewers that the first half was OK and the rest was garbage.
A few quick things:
1. When Will tells Kit's secret, he actually has no way of knowing that Kit himself already knows it. Which means Will would assume that both Kit and Andy would be surprised by his news.
2. It is not actually clear why the change in Kit's status matters at all or why he has to renounce it.
3. The second the couple get together, the book becomes an endless string of samey-samey sex scenes replete with goo-goo talk and they become those people you can't wait to get away from. Unfortunately, you can't get away from them. The sex scenes get repetitive and boring.
4. This comes on like the fake boyfriend trope, but it gets that wrong because the two already know each other and desire each other.
5. This comes on like friends-to-lovers except for the fact that they both want to be lovers from page 1, which destroys everything that is enjoyable about that trope.
6. This should be the "Prince Charming" trope where the commoner marries the prince, but the author ruins that completely.
7. The two POV's were so undifferentiated that there is actually no way of knowing whose POV you are reading except by context clues. When there is dialogue, it is hard to know who is speaking because the characters are so hard to tell apart.
I won't read more by this author and I do not recommend this book. I would highly recommend "Red White and Royal Blue" if you want to read something along these lines. If you've already read it, just go ahead and re-read it. I've read it three times already and I will read it many more.
A few quick things:
1. When Will tells Kit's secret, he actually has no way of knowing that Kit himself already knows it. Which means Will would assume that both Kit and Andy would be surprised by his news.
2. It is not actually clear why the change in Kit's status matters at all or why he has to renounce it.
3. The second the couple get together, the book becomes an endless string of samey-samey sex scenes replete with goo-goo talk and they become those people you can't wait to get away from. Unfortunately, you can't get away from them. The sex scenes get repetitive and boring.
4. This comes on like the fake boyfriend trope, but it gets that wrong because the two already know each other and desire each other.
5. This comes on like friends-to-lovers except for the fact that they both want to be lovers from page 1, which destroys everything that is enjoyable about that trope.
6. This should be the "Prince Charming" trope where the commoner marries the prince, but the author ruins that completely.
7. The two POV's were so undifferentiated that there is actually no way of knowing whose POV you are reading except by context clues. When there is dialogue, it is hard to know who is speaking because the characters are so hard to tell apart.
I won't read more by this author and I do not recommend this book. I would highly recommend "Red White and Royal Blue" if you want to read something along these lines. If you've already read it, just go ahead and re-read it. I've read it three times already and I will read it many more.
April 12, 2021
July is the perfect time to read about Christmas, right? This romantic comedy escapism fits the bill, and it turns out that I’m a sucker for nobility in disguise, especially in the contemporary setting. Add in a dash of the “fake boyfriend” trope, and it’s like Ashcroft wrote this novel just for me.
Andy is the typical American, without the annoying stereotypes, in much the same way Kit is also the typical upper-crust Brit, but the stereotypes were already all taken by his mother and so-called “old friends.” Kit has found the home he didn’t know he was seeking in New York City, especially with Andy at his side, but he’s called back to England for the holidays and convinces Andy to join him. He totally intends to tell Any that his father is a marquess before they get there, except that never quite works out, and the reveal is hilarious but a bit painful.
“Hilarious but a bit painful” is honestly the best way to describe the rest of this book. The developing relationship between Andy and Kit and pretty much everything about Kit’s father are the best parts of this book. Still, events are tempered by every reminder that Kit’s life is worlds away from Andy’s. Right when it seems that everything is sorted, another secret is dumped in Kit’s lap, and he’s forced to choose between Andy and his future.
Ashcroft delivers the perfect ending by allowing his characters to choose a third, unexpected option. Another Christmas epilogue ties off the conclusion with the perfect bow, and I highly recommend this book as a lovely stand-alone holiday romance.
Andy is the typical American, without the annoying stereotypes, in much the same way Kit is also the typical upper-crust Brit, but the stereotypes were already all taken by his mother and so-called “old friends.” Kit has found the home he didn’t know he was seeking in New York City, especially with Andy at his side, but he’s called back to England for the holidays and convinces Andy to join him. He totally intends to tell Any that his father is a marquess before they get there, except that never quite works out, and the reveal is hilarious but a bit painful.
“Hilarious but a bit painful” is honestly the best way to describe the rest of this book. The developing relationship between Andy and Kit and pretty much everything about Kit’s father are the best parts of this book. Still, events are tempered by every reminder that Kit’s life is worlds away from Andy’s. Right when it seems that everything is sorted, another secret is dumped in Kit’s lap, and he’s forced to choose between Andy and his future.
Ashcroft delivers the perfect ending by allowing his characters to choose a third, unexpected option. Another Christmas epilogue ties off the conclusion with the perfect bow, and I highly recommend this book as a lovely stand-alone holiday romance.
January 5, 2021
3.5 rounded up... which may seem a bit high after reading my review of the book, but I absolutely loved the setup and most of the story! (It was just the ending that I didn't like... otherwise it could have been a 5 star read for me!)
This started out perfectly! I loved everything about the beginning of this book. I love a royal romance and even better when it's friends to lovers and secret identity.
I was sbsolutely loving this and it was shaping up to be an all time favorite ... until the end. I just found Kit's decision to give up his title too rash.
I thought Andy's actions were a bit selfish and forced Kit's hand. He shouldn't have run off without at least discussing it with Kit. He should have stayed and worked through the problem with him and made the best decision together as a team.
While I understand the romantic gesture of Kit choosing Andy over all else, his life altering decision just felt too rushed and made out of necessity instead of wisdom.
All the unresolved drama and rash decisions made it difficult for me to enjoy the remaining story (or the smut).
I'm not fundamentally against him giving up his title... and I understood that the decision was rather urgent, but despite all ending well and both characters being happy with their decisions, I still personally found the ending unsatisfying.
This started out perfectly! I loved everything about the beginning of this book. I love a royal romance and even better when it's friends to lovers and secret identity.
I was sbsolutely loving this and it was shaping up to be an all time favorite ... until the end. I just found Kit's decision to give up his title too rash.
I thought Andy's actions were a bit selfish and forced Kit's hand. He shouldn't have run off without at least discussing it with Kit. He should have stayed and worked through the problem with him and made the best decision together as a team.
While I understand the romantic gesture of Kit choosing Andy over all else, his life altering decision just felt too rushed and made out of necessity instead of wisdom.
All the unresolved drama and rash decisions made it difficult for me to enjoy the remaining story (or the smut).
I'm not fundamentally against him giving up his title... and I understood that the decision was rather urgent, but despite all ending well and both characters being happy with their decisions, I still personally found the ending unsatisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2022
I liked the story. It contains two of my favorite Hallmark movie tropes; the fake boyfriend used to impress family and/or friends, and the love interest who turns out to be a Prince (or in this case a Duke). I’ll skip a general plot summary, which you can find elsewhere.
I do have a few issues with the story, though. Kit and Andy have been roommates for three years, each pining for the other. A little hard to believe unrequited love can hold out for that long. A shorter period of time (6 months, a year?) would have worked better.
The fake boyfriend ruse falls apart fairly quickly once Kit and Andy really connect. It should have lasted much longer, because there really isn’t too much plot after this.
Finally, after Kit and Andy have LOTS of great sex, and each finally confesses their love for the other, we come to the “bump in the road.” Something that tears apart their hopes for a happy ending. In this case, it’s when Kit finds out he’s really a Duke, and not a lower royal Marquess. For some reason, that has no good explanation, Kit and Andy both think their relationship is over. Why??? Of course they overcome this, but I saw no reason why being a Duke was an obstacle for true love.
Overall, it’s a sweet story. Kit and Andy are adorable together. The sex scenes are believable, and some of the minor characters have nice moments.
I do have a few issues with the story, though. Kit and Andy have been roommates for three years, each pining for the other. A little hard to believe unrequited love can hold out for that long. A shorter period of time (6 months, a year?) would have worked better.
The fake boyfriend ruse falls apart fairly quickly once Kit and Andy really connect. It should have lasted much longer, because there really isn’t too much plot after this.
Finally, after Kit and Andy have LOTS of great sex, and each finally confesses their love for the other, we come to the “bump in the road.” Something that tears apart their hopes for a happy ending. In this case, it’s when Kit finds out he’s really a Duke, and not a lower royal Marquess. For some reason, that has no good explanation, Kit and Andy both think their relationship is over. Why??? Of course they overcome this, but I saw no reason why being a Duke was an obstacle for true love.
Overall, it’s a sweet story. Kit and Andy are adorable together. The sex scenes are believable, and some of the minor characters have nice moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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