Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.32 AVERAGE
3.32 AVERAGE
Thanks, Wednesday Books, for the arc!
I’m super happy I returned and read THE RULES OF ROYALTY with my eyes. It was such a good story and everything I would want in a cute and funny queer THE PRINCESS DIAIRES. I should have expected that since Cale Dietrich is an entertaining writer. I loved Jamie and Erik so much. I would love a follow-up novel of them following what happens in the epilogue.
I rarely suggest this, but skip the audiobook and enjoy reading with your eyes. Make up your own voices in your head for the princes and the important people in their lives - you’ll have so much more fun!
Storyline: 5 stars
Royal cuteness: 5 stars
Reading with my eyes: 5 stars
Current rating: 5 stars
Taking the audiobook rating for an overall rating: 4 stars, but adding .5 stars because it made me happy = 4.5 stars!
Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the ALC!
THE RULES OF ROYALTY by Cale Dietrich is a perfect storyline for me. It's pretty much a queer PRINCESS DIAIRIES, and I adore it! What I do not adore is this audiobook. Ohmigoodness, it does not make you sound British, royal, and rich if you talk slow, take long pauses, and literally sound like you are speaking with your nose in the air. I wanted to throw my phone every time Prince Erik Lindstrom spoke. I made it 15% before DNFing it because I couldn't handle it, especially not with how excellent the new Prince Jamie Johnson's narration was. This isn't a story I'm giving up on. I'm too intrigued and enjoying it too much just to fully DNF. I will read it because I need to know what happens and I was almost at the meet-cute!
Storyline so far: 5 stars
Royal cuteness: 4 stars (I think this will rise when I read it)
Audiobook: 2 stars (so much lost potential)
Current rating: 3 stars
Possibly the best gay book I've read so far and it's incredibly heartwarming. While the story doesn't delve into the nuances of coming out as both MCs are already out, there's a lot of the "found family" trope (quite literally) I love that Jamie and Erik's relationship going from strangers to friends to crushes to boyfriends felt so organic and unrushed. Jamie's got an amazing friends' group, and his parents are fab too. I felt on multiple occasions that Erik could do with more friends in his life, but I'm so happy his brother's there for him.
I was just smiling to myself SO MANY times while reading this, I probably looked crazy to anyone looking. Pretty sure I squealed a couple times too, coz the chemistry and scenes are swoon worthy. I see some reviews about people feeling the MCs weren't developed enough, but I don't see that issue at all. I truly admire how both boys put each other over their relationships, and Jamie's interactions with his best friends show his character arc.
There's a tad too many cliches in this book and I see so many repetitions from the small number of royal romances I've read. The classic third act breakup, the somewhat stuck-up nature of some royal members, they're just meh. So yup for everything I love about this book, it isn't perfect but still worth the read.
I was just smiling to myself SO MANY times while reading this, I probably looked crazy to anyone looking. Pretty sure I squealed a couple times too, coz the chemistry and scenes are swoon worthy. I see some reviews about people feeling the MCs weren't developed enough, but I don't see that issue at all. I truly admire how both boys put each other over their relationships, and Jamie's interactions with his best friends show his character arc.
There's a tad too many cliches in this book and I see so many repetitions from the small number of royal romances I've read. The classic third act breakup, the somewhat stuck-up nature of some royal members, they're just meh. So yup for everything I love about this book, it isn't perfect but still worth the read.
In this YA novel being billed as a queer spin on the Princess Diaries, American boy Jamie Johnson discovers that his father is the king of Mitanor, a small, European country, on his seventeenth birthday. Since Jamie is out of school for the summer, this seems like the perfect time to get to know this new-to-him family and country.
Jamie’s father taps Erik Von Rosenberg, the spare prince of another small, European country, to help Jamie learn all things royal.
Meanwhile, Erik’s grandmother, his country’s queen, informs him that it’s time to do his duty and find a boyfriend before his older brother’s wedding but, under no circumstances, should that boyfriend be Mitanor's newly-announced prince.
There’s a problem with grandmother’s orders: we’ve got a forced proximity situation here, folks, and the more time Jamie and Erik spend together, the more the affection and attraction between them grow.
I enjoyed this one, but it didn’t charm me quite as much as I had hoped.
In many ways, Jamie is a bit hopeful, clueless, and naive. He’s grown up sheltered and out of the spotlight.
Erik is more world-weary and attuned to what is expected of people in his position.
I feel like this would be a good fit for younger teens looking for a queer romance and who are comfortable with on-page mentions, but not necessarily depictions, of physical intimacy.
The audiobook has dual narration from Max Meyers and Major Curda. The pacing by both narrators is consistent.
The narration of Jamie’s section fits his character well; the narrator captures Jamie’s wide-eyed perspective and youthfulness. The narration of Erik’s sections is perhaps older than the character, and some of the emotional moments felt overly-dramatized to me.
I received an advance copy of the ebook from Wednesday Books and an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.
Jamie’s father taps Erik Von Rosenberg, the spare prince of another small, European country, to help Jamie learn all things royal.
Meanwhile, Erik’s grandmother, his country’s queen, informs him that it’s time to do his duty and find a boyfriend before his older brother’s wedding but, under no circumstances, should that boyfriend be Mitanor's newly-announced prince.
There’s a problem with grandmother’s orders: we’ve got a forced proximity situation here, folks, and the more time Jamie and Erik spend together, the more the affection and attraction between them grow.
I enjoyed this one, but it didn’t charm me quite as much as I had hoped.
In many ways, Jamie is a bit hopeful, clueless, and naive. He’s grown up sheltered and out of the spotlight.
Erik is more world-weary and attuned to what is expected of people in his position.
I feel like this would be a good fit for younger teens looking for a queer romance and who are comfortable with on-page mentions, but not necessarily depictions, of physical intimacy.
The audiobook has dual narration from Max Meyers and Major Curda. The pacing by both narrators is consistent.
The narration of Jamie’s section fits his character well; the narrator captures Jamie’s wide-eyed perspective and youthfulness. The narration of Erik’s sections is perhaps older than the character, and some of the emotional moments felt overly-dramatized to me.
I received an advance copy of the ebook from Wednesday Books and an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to Wednesday Books for the free book and to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.
This was just delightful and even more so than I anticipated. Jamie is a regular teenager when his adoptive mom sits him down to share his lineage. It turns out he is a Prince of Minator. And his father, the King, wants him to come visit for the summer. The king recommends Erik, the second son prince of a neighboring country as a contact who can help Jamie with the transition to being a prince.
There were so many sweet moments. I thought the family drama and pressures were handled in a well that transcended the fantastical royal plot and can just resonate with current youth.
I also greatly appreciated that both men were out and accepted. This book celebrates queer joy. I know there's a place for more difficult coming out stories, but sometimes it's such a relief to read a book where people are accepted for who they are and love.
I would have liked a bit more from secondary characters, especially Jamie's friends from the US. They felt like they existed only to move the plot forward and weren't quite as fleshed out as I prefer.
Overall, this was a fun royal romance and a great queer spin on Princess Diaries.
This was just delightful and even more so than I anticipated. Jamie is a regular teenager when his adoptive mom sits him down to share his lineage. It turns out he is a Prince of Minator. And his father, the King, wants him to come visit for the summer. The king recommends Erik, the second son prince of a neighboring country as a contact who can help Jamie with the transition to being a prince.
There were so many sweet moments. I thought the family drama and pressures were handled in a well that transcended the fantastical royal plot and can just resonate with current youth.
I also greatly appreciated that both men were out and accepted. This book celebrates queer joy. I know there's a place for more difficult coming out stories, but sometimes it's such a relief to read a book where people are accepted for who they are and love.
I would have liked a bit more from secondary characters, especially Jamie's friends from the US. They felt like they existed only to move the plot forward and weren't quite as fleshed out as I prefer.
Overall, this was a fun royal romance and a great queer spin on Princess Diaries.
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Where do I even start with how much I loved this book? One of the reviews I read before asking for this ARC said that Jamie and Erik are the princes we deserve. And boy they weren’t kidding. This book is basically if Red White and Royal Blue had a baby with The Princess Diaries. Erik and Jamie are sweet together. They both are trying to figure out their new roles and grow together. I did love that this book didn’t make being queer the drama of the book. It was just a part of who they were. The character felt real to me, and I was crushed when the book was over. Great ending but I wasn’t ready to leave Jamie and Erik yet. Cale Dietrich gave me everything I needed in a book. So glad I was given a chance to read this book early! Thanks #Netgalley
Very much princess diaries vibe. American boy finds out he’s actually a European prince. It’s very YA, not in the feelings/actions of the actual teenagers, but in the complete disregard of reason or logistical foresight by everyone, including the adults. His father was ok not knowing his son for 17 years, just so the son could have a normal life? Really? Most of the decisions made by the adults in the room were not realistic. I still enjoyed the book, mostly the whole Jamie/Erik relationship, but I do feel like my temporal lobe is too developed to be the target audience. 3.5⭐️ rounded up for Goodreads
This was a cute cozy kind of book. I loved the princess diaries vibe throughout the novel but with two princes. I think the characters were well written, but I feel like the novel needed more depth. I would recommend it to others, and I will be looking for more books from this author. The audio book had great narration. I look forward to more.
I would call this gay fluff and I enjoyed it!
This young adult romance novel follows the story of two neighboring princes from different countries, inspired by "The Princess Diaries." Jamie Johnson, who discovers his royal lineage at seventeen, and Erik Von Rosenborg, the prince of a European Kingdom, form an unlikely bond when Erik is tasked with tutoring Jamie on princely etiquette.
As the two princes navigate the complexities of royal life, they find themselves falling for each other, sparking a blossoming romance. The narrative unfolds through alternating first-person perspectives, offering insight into the emotions and experiences of both protagonists. While the story is charming and sweet, it lacks depth and may be best enjoyed as a light, feel-good read without much tension.
One notable critique of the novel is the similarity in the voices of the main characters, making it challenging to distinguish between them. While the plot helps differentiate their perspectives, a more distinct characterization of Jamie and Erik could have enhanced the overall storytelling.
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
(3.5 stars, rounded up)
This was a sweet, fun, feel-good romance about a 17 year old American boy who learns his father is the king of a small European country. Jamie is so wholesome and kind, you just can't help wanting good things for him. Almost everyone he comes in contact with is nice and welcoming. If you need a feel good escape with a happily ever after, this book is for you. Recommended for grades 8 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley & Edelweiss
This was a sweet, fun, feel-good romance about a 17 year old American boy who learns his father is the king of a small European country. Jamie is so wholesome and kind, you just can't help wanting good things for him. Almost everyone he comes in contact with is nice and welcoming. If you need a feel good escape with a happily ever after, this book is for you. Recommended for grades 8 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley & Edelweiss
This is a 4.5 for me. This was such a cute book, and I had such a good time reading it. I will even say there were stretches where I ignored my phone and tiktok!! This book is def a spin on the princess diaries which I love and all the things I loved about that book were incorporated into this book and the things I didn't enjoy weren't, so I just loved that.
This book had me smiling and was just the good time I needed right now. I loved all the characters main and sides except the one politician but for obvious reasons and the grandma I had mixed feelings about for obvious reasons.
The two MMCs were just so loveable. I think I liked Eric better of the two because I got him. He is a little stiff and cold but that is for a multitude of reasons with him growing up in a strict household as a prince as the spare and his family is not the warmest of people. They love each other but they are very much the prim and proper and the monarchy before all type of group. But I could relate a lot to Eric and everything he is going through. Now Jamie on the other hand had the luxury of growing up in a "normal" environment with warm and loving technically adopted parents. This is reflective in his personality as a little shy, nerdy and sweet guy who was just so loveable. I wouldn't say they Eric and Jamie are opposites, but they are definitely what the other person needed in their life.
Now I will say I don't usually enjoy a 3rd act breakup but this book it really fit especially with how Eric's family is and their expectations for him and who he is allowed to be with. While it's a little weird they want him to be perceived as stable and in a committed relationship at the age of 17 especially since it's not like he is some wild child but based on the story the 3rd act breakup made sense, and I didn't hate it.
I think what I really loved about this story was that loving and welcoming aspect of a lot of the characters. I really thought a hidden heir element would mean he would be ridiculed by his half-brother and stepmom but no they were as welcoming and loving and excited to meet Jamie and were protective of him even at times. They welcomed him and his American family with open arms and truly wanted them there. It was a great representation of a blended family and just gave me all the warm and fuzzys.
Overall, this was a fun and sweet read that I think loads of people who are looking for a lighthearted read will enjoy. It is a YA novel so no spice, but I didn't notice because I was just focused on Jamie and Eric and giggling at their story.
This book is about Jamie who finds out on his 17th birthday that his mother who passed away had her friend and Jamie's adopted mother hide something from him his whole life. Not only is his father alive but he is a King which makes Jamie a Prince! It's a little hard for Jamie to grasp as he has never been truly comfortable being the center of attention. He has always been happy on the sidelines watching others like his friend Max taking all the attention and now he finds out he is heir to a European throne of a country he has never been to. Thankfully when he gets to Mitanor to meet his father and family they are all loving and welcoming of him to the family and he is excited to spend the summer with them. To help him acclimate to his situation his father the king has arranged for a prince of a neighboring kingdom who is the same age to come teach him some of the finer points of being a prince. Prince Eric is happy to come and help this new prince acclimate as things are stressful at home with his brother's upcoming wedding. As they spend time together throughout the summer helping Jamie get comfortable with his new role, they start to get closer and closer, and a connection starts to form between them. But this connection could challenge the plans Eric's family has for him and his future so a choice will have to be made for either love or for country.
I received an ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review from netgalley.
This book had me smiling and was just the good time I needed right now. I loved all the characters main and sides except the one politician but for obvious reasons and the grandma I had mixed feelings about for obvious reasons.
The two MMCs were just so loveable. I think I liked Eric better of the two because I got him. He is a little stiff and cold but that is for a multitude of reasons with him growing up in a strict household as a prince as the spare and his family is not the warmest of people. They love each other but they are very much the prim and proper and the monarchy before all type of group. But I could relate a lot to Eric and everything he is going through. Now Jamie on the other hand had the luxury of growing up in a "normal" environment with warm and loving technically adopted parents. This is reflective in his personality as a little shy, nerdy and sweet guy who was just so loveable. I wouldn't say they Eric and Jamie are opposites, but they are definitely what the other person needed in their life.
Now I will say I don't usually enjoy a 3rd act breakup but this book it really fit especially with how Eric's family is and their expectations for him and who he is allowed to be with. While it's a little weird they want him to be perceived as stable and in a committed relationship at the age of 17 especially since it's not like he is some wild child but based on the story the 3rd act breakup made sense, and I didn't hate it.
I think what I really loved about this story was that loving and welcoming aspect of a lot of the characters. I really thought a hidden heir element would mean he would be ridiculed by his half-brother and stepmom but no they were as welcoming and loving and excited to meet Jamie and were protective of him even at times. They welcomed him and his American family with open arms and truly wanted them there. It was a great representation of a blended family and just gave me all the warm and fuzzys.
Overall, this was a fun and sweet read that I think loads of people who are looking for a lighthearted read will enjoy. It is a YA novel so no spice, but I didn't notice because I was just focused on Jamie and Eric and giggling at their story.
This book is about Jamie who finds out on his 17th birthday that his mother who passed away had her friend and Jamie's adopted mother hide something from him his whole life. Not only is his father alive but he is a King which makes Jamie a Prince! It's a little hard for Jamie to grasp as he has never been truly comfortable being the center of attention. He has always been happy on the sidelines watching others like his friend Max taking all the attention and now he finds out he is heir to a European throne of a country he has never been to. Thankfully when he gets to Mitanor to meet his father and family they are all loving and welcoming of him to the family and he is excited to spend the summer with them. To help him acclimate to his situation his father the king has arranged for a prince of a neighboring kingdom who is the same age to come teach him some of the finer points of being a prince. Prince Eric is happy to come and help this new prince acclimate as things are stressful at home with his brother's upcoming wedding. As they spend time together throughout the summer helping Jamie get comfortable with his new role, they start to get closer and closer, and a connection starts to form between them. But this connection could challenge the plans Eric's family has for him and his future so a choice will have to be made for either love or for country.
I received an ARC Copy in exchange for an honest review from netgalley.