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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
I liked the dynamic of this book but it felt just a bit overly Hallmark for me. The romance was on point for the publisher. It is adorable but not really for me. I think it will appeal to others highly tho.
This was cute! Nothing really special to write home about but if you like royal romance and quick easy reads than you’ll like this.
When an author's acknowledgments start off like this you know it will be a good time: "This book is a celebration of women who help women. Of triumph after false starts. Of recognition and inclusion. Of open windows and open doors."
I've realized that I love a good royal story so it wasn't hard to convince me to pick this book up. It was cute and cheesy...tons of Prince and Me vibes which I'm more than okay with.
I've realized that I love a good royal story so it wasn't hard to convince me to pick this book up. It was cute and cheesy...tons of Prince and Me vibes which I'm more than okay with.
Thank you to the publisher for this review copy.
This was just OK for me. The writing was good but the story lacked for me. I didn't believe their relationship and especially didn't believe in the pace of all of the events. It was cute and clean would be a great one to hand to a younger teenager.
This was just OK for me. The writing was good but the story lacked for me. I didn't believe their relationship and especially didn't believe in the pace of all of the events. It was cute and clean would be a great one to hand to a younger teenager.
The concept for this novel was good, but I don’t think the writing did justice to the story. It was cute, but fell short in character development, romantic development, and the ending left a lot to be desired. The writing was stiff and felt forced in many instances, especially with the dialogue. Zora was a fun character, but just like with the writing, her thoughts and dialogue felt forced and didn’t match up with what her character could have been. The messages of the book were admirable, but I think with stronger writing and story execution, those messages would have been explored more fully and resonated more.
2.5 stars
Pure fluff and more suitable for younger readers (think tweens, not teens). My biggest complaint is that Zora didn’t sound like a real teenager. When you’re referring to someone as an “It Girl” on page one, I’m just not finding you realistic. I’m not sure teens ever used that term, but they definitely haven’t since the age of Gossip Girl. This is the book equivalent of a lackluster Disney Channel Original Movie.
Pure fluff and more suitable for younger readers (think tweens, not teens). My biggest complaint is that Zora didn’t sound like a real teenager. When you’re referring to someone as an “It Girl” on page one, I’m just not finding you realistic. I’m not sure teens ever used that term, but they definitely haven’t since the age of Gossip Girl. This is the book equivalent of a lackluster Disney Channel Original Movie.
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I LOVED Zora who was such a queen but the love interest Owen was boring. For a prince, he was so...drab. Meh. No chemistry. Zora deserved better. Owen, summed up, was just...polite. He wasn't really charming. He wasn't anything remarkable.
Zora is still awesome though, so read it for her!!!
Still cute & v underrated. Good lower YA reading rec!
Zora is still awesome though, so read it for her!!!
Still cute & v underrated. Good lower YA reading rec!
What I liked:
Zora – Zora was such an enjoyable lead character. She’s driven, has the biggest heart, and isn’t afraid of a challenge. I loved how loyal she was and despite the fact that she didn’t always feel accepted at Halstead University during the summer program, she never tried to make herself smaller to accommodate others. Whether she’s dealing with classism or racism, she never tried to be anyone but herself.
Black girl at center of a lighthearted novel – This book reminded me that we really need to see more lighthearted contemporaries with Black girl leads because what kind of message is publishing sending when they put so much pressure on Black creatives to produce issues books as though the only stories worth telling are ones where Black characters suffer for the sake of readers learning a “lesson”?
Owen – Although Owen is a prince, he wasn’t haughty or above reproach. There is no point where his ego needs to be taken down a few notches because he is always ready to learn and knows that not everyone lives like he does.
The romance – I loved the romance in Truly Madly Royally so much. There were the early swoony scenes, including an incredibly adorable meet-cute; but I loved how the relationship between Zora and Owen progresses. Zora immediately challenges him and Owen works to earn her favor. Every scene between the two had loads of chemistry and I could see myself revisiting this one soon just to relive them.
Family – I appreciated how much this book focused on Zora’s family. I feel like we got to know her more because of how much time we spent with her and her family.
Community – Zora started a program for kids in her community who didn’t have anyone to walk them home. She’s incredibly invested in the program and is always looking to improve life for those in her neighborhood. What’s not to love about this girl?
What I Didn't Like:
Owen – I kind of wanted more of Owen. There was so much about him that made a reader swoon, but I wanted to see his flaws too.
Final Verdict:
Truly Madly Royally by Debbie Rigaud is a swoon-worthy contemporary with a lovable protagonist and features a healthy romantic relationship built on communication and mutual respect.
Zora – Zora was such an enjoyable lead character. She’s driven, has the biggest heart, and isn’t afraid of a challenge. I loved how loyal she was and despite the fact that she didn’t always feel accepted at Halstead University during the summer program, she never tried to make herself smaller to accommodate others. Whether she’s dealing with classism or racism, she never tried to be anyone but herself.
Black girl at center of a lighthearted novel – This book reminded me that we really need to see more lighthearted contemporaries with Black girl leads because what kind of message is publishing sending when they put so much pressure on Black creatives to produce issues books as though the only stories worth telling are ones where Black characters suffer for the sake of readers learning a “lesson”?
Owen – Although Owen is a prince, he wasn’t haughty or above reproach. There is no point where his ego needs to be taken down a few notches because he is always ready to learn and knows that not everyone lives like he does.
The romance – I loved the romance in Truly Madly Royally so much. There were the early swoony scenes, including an incredibly adorable meet-cute; but I loved how the relationship between Zora and Owen progresses. Zora immediately challenges him and Owen works to earn her favor. Every scene between the two had loads of chemistry and I could see myself revisiting this one soon just to relive them.
Family – I appreciated how much this book focused on Zora’s family. I feel like we got to know her more because of how much time we spent with her and her family.
Community – Zora started a program for kids in her community who didn’t have anyone to walk them home. She’s incredibly invested in the program and is always looking to improve life for those in her neighborhood. What’s not to love about this girl?
What I Didn't Like:
Owen – I kind of wanted more of Owen. There was so much about him that made a reader swoon, but I wanted to see his flaws too.
Final Verdict:
Truly Madly Royally by Debbie Rigaud is a swoon-worthy contemporary with a lovable protagonist and features a healthy romantic relationship built on communication and mutual respect.