Suddenly Royal

The premise of this novel will be quite familiar to anyone who’s seen or read the teen-focused Princess Diaries: young American woman finds out she’s descended from royalty in a small European country, doesn’t really like all the new attention, reluctantly takes on the new responsibility. In the case of Suddenly Royal, the protagonist is wildlife-biology student (specializing in birds) Samantha Rousseau, and the country that comes a-calling is Lilaria, which just so happens to be big on birds. And, of course, there’s a handsome prince, Alex, who falls immediately for Sam, but whom Sam is determined to keep at a distance despite her obvious and strong attraction to him. A few flimsy excuses later, of course there will be some happily-ever-after.

So, sure, this novel isn’t exactly unique. But it’s certainly a guilty pleasure, undeniably escapist but deliciously so. I couldn’t help but be swept off into the dream of having a gorgeous chateau in the country with lands and staff and bank accounts ready for me to shop with. And those readers who need a few steamy sex scenes as icing on the escapist romance cake should be quite satisfied here too.