4.07 AVERAGE

slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
lighthearted relaxing 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: Complicated
emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense 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
emotional funny sad 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

I loved Danni and Rosa!!
emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad 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

This is a young adult romance that intertwines royal intrigue with the complexities of queer identity similar to Her Royal Highness or Red, White, and Royal Blue. 

We follow Princess Rosemary of Henland and Danni, new to this country on a scholarship, through their lives at Bramppath College, an elite all-girls boarding school. The novel follows as they navigate the challenges of a forbidden relationship amidst societal expectations and personal growth.

The author excels in crafting multidimensional characters. Rosemary’s struggle to rebuild her reputation after a public scandal and Danni’s journey of self-discovery are portrayed with depth and sensitivity. Seeing the way these characters open up to and grow with each other is enthralling.

In addition to this, the themes addressed by the book is a strength. The novel delves into themes of identity, privilege, and the sacrifices made for love. The challenges faced by Rose and Danni at their core resonate with real lived experiences making it easy to relate to despite being fictional.

While the author did a good job developing the story and characters, I do think the setting was a bit underwhelming. I was imagining school culture and drama like Gossip Girl, so to get so little about what the school was actually like or a more in depth view of their everyday lives, I was a bit disappointed. In addition to that, we know our main character is royal and the familial pressure that brings, but it would have been nice to have a more in-depth exploration of certain royal aspects, such as the societal implications of Rose’s status and the broader political landscape of Henland. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read in the young adult genre, offering a balance of romance with meaningful commentary on identity and societal pressures. If you enjoyed similar royal romances and are looking for your next one, I would definitely recommend reading!
emotional fast-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
hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional hopeful inspiring 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