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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
3.5/5. Might write more about my feelings on this, might not
Zora attends a summer school at her local university. She’s a great student and an active member of her community, where she has created an after school program for children. While she’s at school, she meets Prince Owen, who is from an island in Europe. They become friends, but their relationship causes some problems in Zora’s personal life.
This story really reminded me of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship. Zora is black and American, while Prince Owen is a red-headed royal prince. Owen’s brother is getting married to a mixed race woman, which Zora’s mother is so excited to see happen. Zora was also hounded by the press once they found out that she knew Prince Owen, much like Meghan was when she started dating Prince Harry.
I really enjoyed this fun, summer romance!
This story really reminded me of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship. Zora is black and American, while Prince Owen is a red-headed royal prince. Owen’s brother is getting married to a mixed race woman, which Zora’s mother is so excited to see happen. Zora was also hounded by the press once they found out that she knew Prince Owen, much like Meghan was when she started dating Prince Harry.
I really enjoyed this fun, summer romance!
I read the description months ago and it peaked my interest. As a preteen to teen I read a few of The Princess Diaries books and Royally Jacked books. I'm so used to this meeting a prince fantasy being played out by cute little white girl from an average town who isn't particularly extraordinary. I've never seen a story like this with a black girl lead so that was exciting. I was also familiar with the author from her books when I was a teen. She did a story on the Kimani Tru print of Harlequin that I read years ago.
So let's start with the cover. The cover of this book is cute but I'm not a huge fan of it. That's not at all how I picture Zora. Zora is an unambiguously black girl with curly hair who can do a bomb twist out. This girl looks more biracial and clearly the publishers were going for a Meghan Markle look to attract Meghan and Harry fans. This book is so clearly inspired by that romance especially with the inclusion of a royal couple that consists of a biracial woman marrying the Prince's older brother. That particular character felt very Duchess Meghan and Viscountess Emma inspired.
I appreciated all the black positivity in this story. Zora is an activist. And not a social media activist like so many young people. But someone who actually goes out into her community and helps people. There's a great dynamic with her family. One of the things I appreciated is this book touched on racism without it being the main focus. So often than not YA books for black teens center around racism when I found most black people's lives don't center around racism on a daily basis. Yes black people deal with racism but they also live normal lives too and have different passions like everyone else.
Now for Prince Owen. He was kind of typical bland prince from these types of stories with little personality. He was too perfect and accepting at times. I would've loved him to have a little more depth. I feel like there was more depth towards the end of the story but things were quickly rushed. The romance was sweet but it didn't give me all the feels I wanted.
I received an arc from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot.com/2020/01/truly-madly-royally-by-debbie-rigaud.html
So let's start with the cover. The cover of this book is cute but I'm not a huge fan of it. That's not at all how I picture Zora. Zora is an unambiguously black girl with curly hair who can do a bomb twist out. This girl looks more biracial and clearly the publishers were going for a Meghan Markle look to attract Meghan and Harry fans. This book is so clearly inspired by that romance especially with the inclusion of a royal couple that consists of a biracial woman marrying the Prince's older brother. That particular character felt very Duchess Meghan and Viscountess Emma inspired.
I appreciated all the black positivity in this story. Zora is an activist. And not a social media activist like so many young people. But someone who actually goes out into her community and helps people. There's a great dynamic with her family. One of the things I appreciated is this book touched on racism without it being the main focus. So often than not YA books for black teens center around racism when I found most black people's lives don't center around racism on a daily basis. Yes black people deal with racism but they also live normal lives too and have different passions like everyone else.
Now for Prince Owen. He was kind of typical bland prince from these types of stories with little personality. He was too perfect and accepting at times. I would've loved him to have a little more depth. I feel like there was more depth towards the end of the story but things were quickly rushed. The romance was sweet but it didn't give me all the feels I wanted.
I received an arc from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot.com/2020/01/truly-madly-royally-by-debbie-rigaud.html
An endearing and diverse romance that Hallmark should envy, breaking down stereotypes and warming hearts with ease.
I would have loved this book when I was in junior high. It feels completely unreal now--a teen-style riff on the marriage of the Duke & Duchess of Sussex.
Great aspect: the main character is African-American.
This is a clean read. Another reviewer called it a Disney book, and it definitely feels like that.
Great aspect: the main character is African-American.
This is a clean read. Another reviewer called it a Disney book, and it definitely feels like that.
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a cute one! Strong Prince and Me vibes, but with a strong and sassy Black girl lead (I loved her) and a fun supporting cast of characters. Definitely a great feel-good YA romance with a lot of heart and nothing scandalous (aka perfect for younger preteens/teens!).