Royally Lost by Angie Stanton ARC Review

Name: Royally Lost
Author: Angie Stanton
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: May 6th, 2014
Format: E-Book ARC
Preorder the book on Amazon

336 pages

Thank you so much Harper Collins and Edelweiss for sending me an ARC copy of this book to review!

Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

Goodreads

My Review:

Overall, Royally Lost was a sweet and fun contemporary romance! Yes, it was cheesy and unrealistic-but it still was a fun read. 

What I liked the most about this book was the plot. Yes-this would never happen in real life BUT it was still fun to imagine Nikolai and Becca wandering around Europe together. I thought they made a really adorable couple and it was interesting to see how they both grew throughout their journey together. Nikolai brought out the adventurous side of Becca-making her do things that she never imagined she would have done. Becca made Nikolai feel like a normal guy-one who doesn't have to listen to his authority figures and be a normal teenager.

I also really like Angie's writing style. I thought it was very unique and this book was fun to read. It definitely made me forget about schoolwork for a while and just focus on getting lost into Nikolai's and Becca's world. Something else that I really liked about this book was reading about the different places in Europe. I felt like I was on Becca's and Nikolai's journey and I loved reading about the different places they visited.

Overall, Royally Lost was a fun read! Definitely was a cute contemporary romance and yes-it was cheesy but sometimes we all need to read an unrealistic romance! 

All That Glows by Ryan Graudin Review

Name: All That Glows
Author: Ryan Graudin
Publisher: HarperTeen
 Release Date: February 11th, 2014
Format: E-Book ARC
Buy the book on Amazon
463 pages

Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.

Goodreads

My Review:
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I picked this book up, I heard mixed things but I decided to dive into it and go from there. I'm SO glad I gave this book a chance-I really enjoyed All That Glows. I thought the characters were interesting and unique, and the story was very different then what I have been reading lately.

I'm a huge sucker for YA books that combine magic with the real world-so I especially loved how Ryan Graudin was able to tie in both the British royalty and the Fae world into one. I thought the way she told the story was so unique-especially the part about the Fae being guardians for the royals..which definitely was interesting! I also really liked Ryan's writing style..I thought this book was well written and had the right amount of action, romance, and suspense!

What I really also loved about this book was the characters! I thought Emrys was a really strongwilled character, and wasn't afraid to fight for what she believed in. Richard, at first, was really annoying and immature. Luckily, as the book went on he grew up and definitely learned how to be a prince, and become a good king. I thought his relationship with Emrys was really sweet-and they balanced each other very well which I really liked. 

Overall, I really enjoyed All That Glows! I recently learned that this series will actually be a sequel which is SO EXCITING! I can't wait to check it out the next installment. If you are looking for a paranormal romance with fae and royals, definitely give this book a shot.

p.s. check out my author interview I did with Ryan back in the fall here

My Rating:

Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase Review

Name: Suddenly Royal 
Author: Nichole Chase 
Publisher: Self Published 
Release Date: April 23, 2013 
Format: E-Book
Buy the book on Amazon
464 pages

Summary:
Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.

Alex D’Lynsal is trying to keep his name clean. As crown prince of Lilaria, he’s had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women—especially women in the public eye. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She’s stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone’s front-page news.

While Sam tries to navigate the new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.

Goodreads

My Review:

What a really great read! I'm always a huge fan of reading a nice contemporary read..especially one with royalty.

What I really liked about this book definitely was the main character Samantha Rosseau. She definitely is a down to earth character which I really liked. It was also nice to see her develop throughout the novel, especially when she finds out she is a heiress. I also liked how she still kept being true to herself even when she gained all this wealth and fame. The relationship with Alex also was so refreshing and fun! It was nice to see them progress throughout the novel and I think they are a really great couple.

I did think that the plot of the book was a little bit rushed..especially the beginning. I do kinda wish that things were a little bit slower in the novel and we were given a little bit more details. Overall I thought the plot development was great and it was nice to learn more about Lilaria!

In the end, I really enjoyed this novel! It was fun read and I highly recommend you guys check it out this summer.

My Rating: