This was a steamy, whirlwind romance between Xander, the soon-to-be King of Elleston, and Willa, a fiery, independent American with a pink-haired flair. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the spicy scenes between them certainly turn up the heat. I loved how Xander and Willa’s relationship brought passion and color to a life full of royal obligations.
The story sets up an intriguing world for future books, and I was especially impressed by Charlotte. She’s a standout character who holds her own, especially when going toe-to-toe with the queen. It's refreshing to see her portrayed as strong and intelligent rather than a one-dimensional rival.
However, a few things left me wanting more. The way Xander denounced the throne felt abrupt and out of character, especially after expressing his deep respect for his country’s traditions. Handing the responsibility to his less-prepared brother could have been handled with more care. Willa’s willingness to become Xander’s mistress also struck a sour note—girl, where’s your self-respect?
There were some moments where I questioned Willa’s reactions, like how she didn’t realize Charlotte was Xander’s betrothed despite multiple hints. And while the male narration was solid, I struggled with the female narration—her pacing was off, and the attempt at a British accent for Xander’s name threw me out of the story each time.
Overall, The Crown is a fun, cliché-filled royal romance with plenty of spice, though a few character decisions and narrative choices held it back from being perfect. Still, a solid read for fans of the genre!