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Truly Madly Royally
Fiercely independent and smart, Zora Emerson wants to change the world. She's excited to be attending a prestigious summer program, even if she feels out of place among her privileged, mostly white classmates. So she's definitely not expecting to feel a connection to Owen, who's an actual prince of an island off the coast of England. But Owen is funny, charming...and undeniably cute. Zora can't ignore the chemistry between them. When Owen invites Zora to be his date at his big brother's big royal wedding, Zora is suddenly thrust into the spotlight, along with her family and friends. Everyone is talking about her, in real life and online, and while Owen is used to the scrutiny, Zora's not sure it's something she can live with. Can she maintain her sense of self while moving between two very different worlds? And can her feelings for Owen survive and thrive in the midst of the crazy? Find out in this charming romantic comedy that's like The Princess Diaries for a new generation.
289 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2019
About the author
Debbie Rigaud
16 books211 followersStoryteller/Jersey Girl Debbie Rigaud is the author of YA coming-of-age romcoms TRULY MADLY ROYALLY (2019), SIMONE BREAKS ALL THE RULES (2021) and A GIRL'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MAGIC (August 2022). Her illustrated chapter books offerings include Alyssa Milano's HOPE series (2019-2021), THE SOUND OF MAGIC (2022) and the forthcoming second book of the BEST WISHES series (2023). Look out for her debut picture book, SEBASTIAN THE LITTLEST FOOD CRITIC, coming in 2024.
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May 11, 2020I 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!
February 7, 2020
I have nothing much to say about this. Put this romance into the hands of its target audience - your elementary or middle school reader obsessed with royalty - the story is tame, proper, inoffensive and cheesy. I was going to compare this book to Disney movies, but on second thought, those movies are actually more fun.
Book club fail #million.
Book club fail #million.
Shelved as 'dnf'
January 10, 2021It feels like this is never going to end so I am gonna DNF at 70%.
July 27, 2019
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 Stars
Full review here
If you’re in the mood for a lovely royal romance this is the perfect book for you! I deeply enjoyed reading from Zora’s perspective. She’s truly witty and knows what she wants. Her program for little kids was such a great idea to include in the book.
Owen was another great character that I loved reading about, I liked how he talked about the royal family and his life back home.
One thing I loved about this book was the absence of unnecessary drama, it was all pretty straightforward and I was so grateful for that.
I think this book is the perfect summer read; it’s cute, sweet and has got royals in it, what more could you want?
3.75 Stars
Full review here
If you’re in the mood for a lovely royal romance this is the perfect book for you! I deeply enjoyed reading from Zora’s perspective. She’s truly witty and knows what she wants. Her program for little kids was such a great idea to include in the book.
Owen was another great character that I loved reading about, I liked how he talked about the royal family and his life back home.
One thing I loved about this book was the absence of unnecessary drama, it was all pretty straightforward and I was so grateful for that.
I think this book is the perfect summer read; it’s cute, sweet and has got royals in it, what more could you want?
January 10, 2020
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....
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....
December 26, 2019
Full Review on The Candid Cover
I have always been a fan of books about royalty, so I was naturally drawn to review Truly Madly Royally, which follows a girl who falls for a prince while studying at a prestigious college.
The book is a quick read for summer, and I enjoyed how it depicts what it is like to suddenly be in the media’s eye. As well, there are social issues discussed, such as race as Zora’s classmates are mostly white and privileged, which make the story more meaningful.
Zora is also a fantastic main character, and her activism is so inspiring. She struggles with identity as she is caught between two different worlds, but I thought she handles the pressure of being in the spotlight and her difficult choices with maturity. Ultimately, this is a cute and positive read that is perfect for younger YA readers.
I have always been a fan of books about royalty, so I was naturally drawn to review Truly Madly Royally, which follows a girl who falls for a prince while studying at a prestigious college.
The book is a quick read for summer, and I enjoyed how it depicts what it is like to suddenly be in the media’s eye. As well, there are social issues discussed, such as race as Zora’s classmates are mostly white and privileged, which make the story more meaningful.
Zora is also a fantastic main character, and her activism is so inspiring. She struggles with identity as she is caught between two different worlds, but I thought she handles the pressure of being in the spotlight and her difficult choices with maturity. Ultimately, this is a cute and positive read that is perfect for younger YA readers.
July 29, 2019
It's part Princess Diaries, part The Prince & Me, part Will & Kate & Harry & Meghan, and part wholly its own. Together, it added up to a delightful and charming royal romance.
I sort of insta-loved Zora. She grabbed my attention with her sharp wit and humor, but kept me there with her drive, ambition, and huge giving heart. Her love and personal investment in her community was touching and inspiring, and I really delighted in reading about all her service projects and seeing her in action.
Her family was sort of fantastic too. Her mom, brother, and step dad were really supportive, and I throughly enjoyed my family dinners with them. The exchanges between Zora and her brother were so typical, yet special. A great sibling relationship goes a far way with me, and I thought their verbal sparring was lots of fun.
I got to do a whole lot of stuff with Zora in this book too. I attended a community festival, Taco Tuesday nights, a gala, and a royal wedding. All while getting to watch Zora work towards her goals, and finding romance with a prince.
Overall: This was a light and fun read, which also touched upon several issues, and left me laughing and smiling a whole lot.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
I sort of insta-loved Zora. She grabbed my attention with her sharp wit and humor, but kept me there with her drive, ambition, and huge giving heart. Her love and personal investment in her community was touching and inspiring, and I really delighted in reading about all her service projects and seeing her in action.
Her family was sort of fantastic too. Her mom, brother, and step dad were really supportive, and I throughly enjoyed my family dinners with them. The exchanges between Zora and her brother were so typical, yet special. A great sibling relationship goes a far way with me, and I thought their verbal sparring was lots of fun.
I got to do a whole lot of stuff with Zora in this book too. I attended a community festival, Taco Tuesday nights, a gala, and a royal wedding. All while getting to watch Zora work towards her goals, and finding romance with a prince.
Overall: This was a light and fun read, which also touched upon several issues, and left me laughing and smiling a whole lot.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
January 30, 2020
Yikes that was awful. I just read through a bunch of reviews and they're all 3-5 stars. Did we read the same book?
I'm a sucker for a good royal love story, but this was not it. It was boring, the characters were flat (ALL of them), and it was somehow rushed and slow at the same time.
The book beats you over the head with how good Zora is. Really. She's really good. Like, really good. She created her own kids program (which in all honesty DID sound cool and sounds like something that is actually needed), she applied for a $15,000 grant, she enjoys listening to the children and relating every single part of her life back to their future and the future she could help create for them, she remembers to honor Owen's late sister before dancing, she approves of her best friend dating her brother, oh and she created some big festival to give back to her town. All at the age of 16. Like I said, she's really good. Good good good.
And Owen is a prince. That's it. He's a prince. He occasionally tries to stop the paparazzi from badgering Zora. Because that's what princes do. They don't have their own personalities though. That's not what princes are known for.
So to recap - Zora is good and Owen is a prince and good girls deserve princes. That's it. That's the story.
Also, we hear a lot about how Zora is black and not even just half-black like the girl Owen's brother is marrying.... Whaaaaaat how did this make the final edit?!?! I'm not even black and I found the implied comparison insulting. When Zach actually put it into words, I realized that I wasn't being oversensitive. That implied comparison was there. And then pushed aside to show Owen too is good. Just like Zora is good. Yay for good.
Book club pick failure. Again.
I'm a sucker for a good royal love story, but this was not it. It was boring, the characters were flat (ALL of them), and it was somehow rushed and slow at the same time.
The book beats you over the head with how good Zora is. Really. She's really good. Like, really good. She created her own kids program (which in all honesty DID sound cool and sounds like something that is actually needed), she applied for a $15,000 grant, she enjoys listening to the children and relating every single part of her life back to their future and the future she could help create for them, she remembers to honor Owen's late sister before dancing, she approves of her best friend dating her brother, oh and she created some big festival to give back to her town. All at the age of 16. Like I said, she's really good. Good good good.
And Owen is a prince. That's it. He's a prince. He occasionally tries to stop the paparazzi from badgering Zora. Because that's what princes do. They don't have their own personalities though. That's not what princes are known for.
So to recap - Zora is good and Owen is a prince and good girls deserve princes. That's it. That's the story.
Also, we hear a lot about how Zora is black and not even just half-black like the girl Owen's brother is marrying.... Whaaaaaat how did this make the final edit?!?! I'm not even black and I found the implied comparison insulting. When Zach actually put it into words, I realized that I wasn't being oversensitive. That implied comparison was there. And then pushed aside to show Owen too is good. Just like Zora is good. Yay for good.
Book club pick failure. Again.
August 31, 2019
3.5 stars
Ow this was cute. I liked the couple and the story .
The book is divided into two parts for me. The first 40% and that was an easy part to read but a weak one. I didn't get enough of any side of any of the characters.They were surface level and I was upset about feeling like that.
The second part was a lot better.It wasn't just because they became a couple but because we got to see the details. We got more of the African representation that I liked alot.Also, we saw more of the volunteer ideas of Zora and we got more of Owen as well.
I liked the group of Zora's friends and liked the glimpse of Owen's brother. I wanted so much more of them. I loved Skye and Zora's relation as well as the family representations especially the mother.
Overall this was a fast enjoyable read. If you like the details of the royalty and all that,you won't get that here. This book was refreshing without much drama.I only think it needed more pages to go deeper in many points that has potential.
-------------------------
Pre reading:
The cover is really cute and I need beautiful royalty story in my life.
Ow this was cute. I liked the couple and the story .
The book is divided into two parts for me. The first 40% and that was an easy part to read but a weak one. I didn't get enough of any side of any of the characters.They were surface level and I was upset about feeling like that.
The second part was a lot better.It wasn't just because they became a couple but because we got to see the details. We got more of the African representation that I liked alot.Also, we saw more of the volunteer ideas of Zora and we got more of Owen as well.
I liked the group of Zora's friends and liked the glimpse of Owen's brother. I wanted so much more of them. I loved Skye and Zora's relation as well as the family representations especially the mother.
Overall this was a fast enjoyable read. If you like the details of the royalty and all that,you won't get that here. This book was refreshing without much drama.I only think it needed more pages to go deeper in many points that has potential.
-------------------------
Pre reading:
The cover is really cute and I need beautiful royalty story in my life.
September 18, 2019
DID SOMEONE SAY ROYALTY?!
—
THIS BOOK IS IN MY HANDS IM SCRAMING
—-
post read
***
AW THIS WAS CUTE AGAHAHSHSHA.
pros:
- interracial couple + the MC is black? heck yes.
- hallmark movie vibes bro. take that as however you want to.
- sometimes i would just made me grin my face off while reading this.
- zora is a great character.
- decently quick read.
cons:
- remember what i said about the hallmark movie thing? well, that was half-pro-half-con. the dialogue has a cringey feel, and i couldn’t help but *yawn*.
- adding onto my previous point, owen made me roll my eyes with his pretty boy charm ehehehe not a fan personally
- i appreciate relationship development as much as the next person, but it took a great bit of this book to get to the *royal wedding*. i was totally bored at this point, and i was ready for it to end.
—
if you like fluff, royal luvin’, and d i v e r s i t y, you should totally give it a try. that is all.
—
THIS BOOK IS IN MY HANDS IM SCRAMING
—-
post read
***
AW THIS WAS CUTE AGAHAHSHSHA.
pros:
- interracial couple + the MC is black? heck yes.
- hallmark movie vibes bro. take that as however you want to.
- sometimes i would just made me grin my face off while reading this.
- zora is a great character.
- decently quick read.
cons:
- remember what i said about the hallmark movie thing? well, that was half-pro-half-con. the dialogue has a cringey feel, and i couldn’t help but *yawn*.
- adding onto my previous point, owen made me roll my eyes with his pretty boy charm ehehehe not a fan personally
- i appreciate relationship development as much as the next person, but it took a great bit of this book to get to the *royal wedding*. i was totally bored at this point, and i was ready for it to end.
—
if you like fluff, royal luvin’, and d i v e r s i t y, you should totally give it a try. that is all.
July 23, 2021
Had such a good time reading this one! I saw a lot of mixed reviews and sure, you shouldn't expect a story with too much substance, but it really achieves what it sets out to do and feels like watching a fun romcom! If you like stories about royals, definitely give this one a try!
April 3, 2022
3.5 stars, if I have to be exact
TEAM ZORA FOREVER*
*Even though I feel like a dunce since she's 16 and already doing post- secondary courses AND making such an impact in her community. But this isn't about me.
And I would love this as a film too!! It has sweet romcom vibes. ALSO the author is from Ohio (Columbus, to be specific) YAAAAAAY 🥰🥰🎊
Content warning: racism (microaggressions), death of a sibling, Harry Potter reference
TEAM ZORA FOREVER*
*Even though I feel like a dunce since she's 16 and already doing post- secondary courses AND making such an impact in her community. But this isn't about me.
And I would love this as a film too!! It has sweet romcom vibes. ALSO the author is from Ohio (Columbus, to be specific) YAAAAAAY 🥰🥰🎊
Content warning: racism (microaggressions), death of a sibling, Harry Potter reference
August 18, 2019
Cute and fun and exactly what I wanted. Truly Madly Royally was an insanely quick read that was just fun. The romance was cute, I liked seeing Zora's family, and I really enjoyed to focus on philanthropy. A perfect cute, fun sumemr read.
January 20, 2021
Покупая эту книгу я ожидала получить милый подростковый роман на один вечер (на три вечера, если у Вас как и у меня сессия), но с каждой страницей эта книга разочаровывала меня все больше.
Понимаю, что эта книга написана не для меня, потому что никогда не смогу понять как важно видеть репрезентацию своей культуры и расы в книгах, фильмах и сериалах. И рассматривая роман с этой точки зрения, я понимаю как важно было автору показать, что сказки случаются не только с белыми диснеевскими принцессами. Думаю это важная миссия и ее стоит продолжать, но...
Но стараясь описать многогранный и сложный характер главной героини, автор совсем забыла о других персонажах, даже о главном герое (хотя в этом случае его мало кто может назвать главным). Создается впечатление, что все персонажи существуют только для одного, показать Зору как положительного персонажа, словно картонные декорации в театре. У принца Оуэна нет интересов, нет хобби, мы не знаем, что он изучает, что делает в свободное время (все это упоминается вскользь, никак не влияя на характер героя).
Риго создала несколько сюжетных линий, но так и не развила их в должной степени - - всего этого очень не хватало.
Теперь о самой любовной линии. Ее нет. Герои встречаются, сразу чувствуют симпатию, начинают встречаться. Мне не хватило мотивации в их отношениях, развития, процесса узнавания друг друга.
Из положительного (а оно как неудивительно есть) это сама Зора. Ее характер очень хорошо прописаны, все поступки мотивированы, она целеустремленная, уверенная, добрая, отзывчивая, легко находит общий язык со всеми - пишу это и вижу, что Зора настоящая Мэри Сью, но это не раздражает, наоборот хочется, чтобы у нее все получилось, потому что ее цели и желания вовсе не эгоистичны, она хочет помочь родному городу, это очень мотивирует и делает героиню привлекательной в моих глазах.
P.S. Несколько слов (или чуть больше) о русском издании. Мне оно не понравилось. Совершенно. Большие отступы, гигантский шрифт, будто книге необходимо было придать объема, если не по содержанию, то хоть по страницам. И самый главный минус это перевод. Если у Вас есть возможность прочитать книгу на английском, сделайте это. Местами это калькированный перевод, местами это сочетание слов, которые совсем не подходят друг другу по стилистике, где-то можно увидеть как это предложение выглядело в оригинале, потому что переводчица совсем не думала о различиях в русском и английском предложении. В какой- то момент я начала подчеркивать все эти нелепости: "зеленые пальцы" - мне казалось, что этому учат в средней школе, любовь к садоводству; "благодаря внезапному натиску пота" - что?; Однако скоро она все равно не вернется - спорим вы без труда переведете это предложение на английский). Таких ошибок и ляпов очень много, и хотя я признаю, что здесь очень не хватает редактуры, но все же большая часть вины лежит на переводчице, работ, которой я постараюсь избежать в будущем.
Понимаю, что эта книга написана не для меня, потому что никогда не смогу понять как важно видеть репрезентацию своей культуры и расы в книгах, фильмах и сериалах. И рассматривая роман с этой точки зрения, я понимаю как важно было автору показать, что сказки случаются не только с белыми диснеевскими принцессами. Думаю это важная миссия и ее стоит продолжать, но...
Но стараясь описать многогранный и сложный характер главной героини, автор совсем забыла о других персонажах, даже о главном герое (хотя в этом случае его мало кто может назвать главным). Создается впечатление, что все персонажи существуют только для одного, показать Зору как положительного персонажа, словно картонные декорации в театре. У принца Оуэна нет интересов, нет хобби, мы не знаем, что он изучает, что делает в свободное время (все это упоминается вскользь, никак не влияя на характер героя).
Риго создала несколько сюжетных линий, но так и не развила их в должной степени - - всего этого очень не хватало.
Теперь о самой любовной линии. Ее нет. Герои встречаются, сразу чувствуют симпатию, начинают встречаться. Мне не хватило мотивации в их отношениях, развития, процесса узнавания друг друга.
Из положительного (а оно как неудивительно есть) это сама Зора. Ее характер очень хорошо прописаны, все поступки мотивированы, она целеустремленная, уверенная, добрая, отзывчивая, легко находит общий язык со всеми - пишу это и вижу, что Зора настоящая Мэри Сью, но это не раздражает, наоборот хочется, чтобы у нее все получилось, потому что ее цели и желания вовсе не эгоистичны, она хочет помочь родному городу, это очень мотивирует и делает героиню привлекательной в моих глазах.
P.S. Несколько слов (или чуть больше) о русском издании. Мне оно не понравилось. Совершенно. Большие отступы, гигантский шрифт, будто книге необходимо было придать объема, если не по содержанию, то хоть по страницам. И самый главный минус это перевод. Если у Вас есть возможность прочитать книгу на английском, сделайте это. Местами это калькированный перевод, местами это сочетание слов, которые совсем не подходят друг другу по стилистике, где-то можно увидеть как это предложение выглядело в оригинале, потому что переводчица совсем не думала о различиях в русском и английском предложении. В какой- то момент я начала подчеркивать все эти нелепости: "зеленые пальцы" - мне казалось, что этому учат в средней школе, любовь к садоводству; "благодаря внезапному натиску пота" - что?; Однако скоро она все равно не вернется - спорим вы без труда переведете это предложение на английский). Таких ошибок и ляпов очень много, и хотя я признаю, что здесь очень не хватает редактуры, но все же большая часть вины лежит на переводчице, работ, которой я постараюсь избежать в будущем.
June 6, 2021
"This book is a celebration of women who help women."
I went into this novel with the expectation that it would be a three star, but was sadly disappointed. Everything was just too coinvent and there wasn't real conflict. Nothing was hard for the main couple, nor did they have a ton of chemistry. It was insta-love from page seven, which would have worked had there been conflict, but there wasn't any. None of the characters or relationship felt real: the MC was just so ✨special✨. She liked baking and charity and hanging out in libraries (I kid you not, that was her personality). The love interest was even worse because he didn't have any flaws. He was just a nice prince who happened to be mildly attractive. He had no character, so there wasn't any character growth.
"You never walk alone."
This book deserves two stars instead of one because I can appreciate the attempt it made to focus on charity and sisterhood. I guess it was nice to have a character who cared about her community, but she needed more than that as personality. There were some fun scenes, but even using suspension of disbelief, everything felt too easy. This novel might be more enjoyable for a somewhat younger reader who is new to the genre, I just didn't like that much.
I went into this novel with the expectation that it would be a three star, but was sadly disappointed. Everything was just too coinvent and there wasn't real conflict. Nothing was hard for the main couple, nor did they have a ton of chemistry. It was insta-love from page seven, which would have worked had there been conflict, but there wasn't any. None of the characters or relationship felt real: the MC was just so ✨special✨. She liked baking and charity and hanging out in libraries (I kid you not, that was her personality). The love interest was even worse because he didn't have any flaws. He was just a nice prince who happened to be mildly attractive. He had no character, so there wasn't any character growth.
"You never walk alone."
This book deserves two stars instead of one because I can appreciate the attempt it made to focus on charity and sisterhood. I guess it was nice to have a character who cared about her community, but she needed more than that as personality. There were some fun scenes, but even using suspension of disbelief, everything felt too easy. This novel might be more enjoyable for a somewhat younger reader who is new to the genre, I just didn't like that much.
July 31, 2019
This review and many others can also be found at Musings of a (Book) Girl.
If a fast-paced, adorable, funny book that you can get through in a single summer afternoon is what you’re looking for, then Truly Madly Royally by Debbie Rigaud is exactly what you need!
So many things happened within this book’s 300 pages, but it never felt like anything was moving too quickly. The pacing was perfect and helped keep things from dragging on too long or getting stale. Every page was fresh and exciting.
Zora was really the perfect character. She is strong and knows exactly who she is in such a fierce and admirable way. I adored the snark she could bring out when necessary and how she was constantly trying to help the kids in her program. It was also amazing to see her continuously learn about her culture and share her knowledge and encouragement.
Owen was just okay. I started out really enjoying him, but he was very much a surface character. What you see was all you got. Zora had many layers to her and was so well developed that I expected the same from Owen. He’s cute and funny at times, but overall very drab and unexciting.
I rarely say this because I adore standalones, but I would love for Debbie Rigaud to write a companion novel. I need more royal drama and more of Zora’s hilarious jokes. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a really good book about royalty, and I’m so glad to say that Truly Madly Royally delivered in the perfect way.
A digital review copy was provided through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
If a fast-paced, adorable, funny book that you can get through in a single summer afternoon is what you’re looking for, then Truly Madly Royally by Debbie Rigaud is exactly what you need!
So many things happened within this book’s 300 pages, but it never felt like anything was moving too quickly. The pacing was perfect and helped keep things from dragging on too long or getting stale. Every page was fresh and exciting.
Zora was really the perfect character. She is strong and knows exactly who she is in such a fierce and admirable way. I adored the snark she could bring out when necessary and how she was constantly trying to help the kids in her program. It was also amazing to see her continuously learn about her culture and share her knowledge and encouragement.
Owen was just okay. I started out really enjoying him, but he was very much a surface character. What you see was all you got. Zora had many layers to her and was so well developed that I expected the same from Owen. He’s cute and funny at times, but overall very drab and unexciting.
I rarely say this because I adore standalones, but I would love for Debbie Rigaud to write a companion novel. I need more royal drama and more of Zora’s hilarious jokes. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a really good book about royalty, and I’m so glad to say that Truly Madly Royally delivered in the perfect way.
A digital review copy was provided through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2021
I don't think this is a bad book by any means - it's intended to be simple and fun and just pure fluffy fantasy. So if that's what you're looking for, then you'll enjoy this light-hearted story.
- Follows Zora, a Haitian teen who, by chance, befriends and falls in love with Owen, a prince from the fictional land off the coast of England.
- What I really liked about this book is that it's a genuinely lovely story that centers a Black teen and activist who does community work. I loved that Zora created a community group focused on helping kids in her neighbourhood.
- As I said, the story is very simple - and there's nothing wrong with that. Readers looking for a deep, meaningful story with complex themes won't find that in this story (and that's ok)!
- The romance was sweet, but did really lack substance for me. Like, fluffy and cute is nice! But it didn't even have any substance *at all*.
- So, ultimately, whether you like this book really depends on what kind of read you want. A fluffy, book that you'll fly through and will keep you entertained? Then yes, read this! But if you're looking for a memorable book with a romance with great relational dynamics? Then maybe give this a miss.
- Follows Zora, a Haitian teen who, by chance, befriends and falls in love with Owen, a prince from the fictional land off the coast of England.
- What I really liked about this book is that it's a genuinely lovely story that centers a Black teen and activist who does community work. I loved that Zora created a community group focused on helping kids in her neighbourhood.
- As I said, the story is very simple - and there's nothing wrong with that. Readers looking for a deep, meaningful story with complex themes won't find that in this story (and that's ok)!
- The romance was sweet, but did really lack substance for me. Like, fluffy and cute is nice! But it didn't even have any substance *at all*.
- So, ultimately, whether you like this book really depends on what kind of read you want. A fluffy, book that you'll fly through and will keep you entertained? Then yes, read this! But if you're looking for a memorable book with a romance with great relational dynamics? Then maybe give this a miss.
July 21, 2020
this was SOOO cute! who doesn’t love a good royalty romance
rep: #ownvoices Black mc
rep: #ownvoices Black mc
January 6, 2020
TRULY MADLY ROYALLY is one of those super cute and fun contemporary romances that leave readers with a smile. The protagonist has spunk and heart, and who definitely steals the show in this story. A definite recommendation for YA romance readers!
Oh my! How I just loved Zora!! She was such a fabulous heroine and definitely someone I would love as a best friend. I loved all her quirks, that she's super smart, but especially her determination to make a difference. Her meet-cute with Prince Owen was adorable! I loved all the moments between them and the sweet romance that develops. I wasn't quite sure how it all would play out and still feel realistic, but the author pulled it off.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I was totally in the mood for sweet romance on the lighter side, and that's definitely what I got. This was just plain fun to read and I'm looking forward to more from this author!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from The Fantastic Flying Book Club, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.
Oh my! How I just loved Zora!! She was such a fabulous heroine and definitely someone I would love as a best friend. I loved all her quirks, that she's super smart, but especially her determination to make a difference. Her meet-cute with Prince Owen was adorable! I loved all the moments between them and the sweet romance that develops. I wasn't quite sure how it all would play out and still feel realistic, but the author pulled it off.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I was totally in the mood for sweet romance on the lighter side, and that's definitely what I got. This was just plain fun to read and I'm looking forward to more from this author!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from The Fantastic Flying Book Club, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way.
February 25, 2020
This book was super cute! What can I say I am a sucker for the “oh my gosh you’re a royal” trope! The book also felt very relevant/current given the lovely Prince Harry & Duchess Megan. I recommend it if you want something romantic, sweet, and thoughtful!
June 2, 2020
"Your community is your family. You never walk alone."
What drew me to this book was obviously the most adorable cover and the quirky title. Then I read the synopsis and I was ready for this. Who doesn’t love a royal romance with the most incredible meet cute?
This book was one of the sweetest and cutest things that I’ve ever read. I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face the entire time. This was more than just a cutesy romance with a young lady from New Jersey and a Prince from across the pond falling head over heels, it had a lot of heart, strong community bonding, and a strong willed woman with a plan.
One of the best things about this was that it was a positive judge free zone. The characters kept their heads held high and accomplished so much. It was truly inspiring. Also, we can’t forget about the meet cute that happened at the library! All meet cutes should happen that way.
Truly Madly Royally was a really uplifting and cute read. I highly recommend this one for anyone who���s feeling down and needs to find their place in this world.
What drew me to this book was obviously the most adorable cover and the quirky title. Then I read the synopsis and I was ready for this. Who doesn’t love a royal romance with the most incredible meet cute?
This book was one of the sweetest and cutest things that I’ve ever read. I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face the entire time. This was more than just a cutesy romance with a young lady from New Jersey and a Prince from across the pond falling head over heels, it had a lot of heart, strong community bonding, and a strong willed woman with a plan.
One of the best things about this was that it was a positive judge free zone. The characters kept their heads held high and accomplished so much. It was truly inspiring. Also, we can’t forget about the meet cute that happened at the library! All meet cutes should happen that way.
Truly Madly Royally was a really uplifting and cute read. I highly recommend this one for anyone who���s feeling down and needs to find their place in this world.
August 29, 2020
This is super cute and super pointed, and it frankly EXTREMELY ought to be made into a Netflix teen romcom. Didn’t love the heroine curtseying to her bf’s mother, in part bc UGH Zora you’re better than that!! and in part bc Miss Manners wrote an impassioned moving piece one time on American etiquette forbidding bowing to a foreign monarch, which got me right in my anti-monarchy feelings, but obv that dn rly detract from a story at its heart rooted in community.
September 27, 2018
Endlessly charming, positive, and funny, a hometown rom com with a twist!
July 18, 2022
2.5 Stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I love that the MC is such a hard worker and a young black woman who is striving to make her neighbourhood better with her entrepreneurial and caring heart. On the other hand, the book felt very rushed. Like, there were a few racist situations at the end of the book that was kind of brushed off and then the book just...ended? As if there would be a sequel? The racism being brushed off just sat not very well for me--especially because the love interest didn't really support the MC through the situation? It was weird and made me uncomfortable.
Granted, I read an ARC so I don't know how much of it changed (if anything changed in the final copy), but that just kind of ruined the book for me?
Plus that one character who got a weird redemption arc out of nowhere despite all signs pointed not to their excuse for their actions.
I think, again, that this was rushed and concluded in the wrong spot. We and the characters would have benefitted from a longer story. I get wanting open-ended endings, but it's nice to have SOME sort of resolution, especially after such a racially charged situation.
Anyway, read this for the badass MC, but be prepared for that conclusion.
Happy reading!
I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I love that the MC is such a hard worker and a young black woman who is striving to make her neighbourhood better with her entrepreneurial and caring heart. On the other hand, the book felt very rushed. Like, there were a few racist situations at the end of the book that was kind of brushed off and then the book just...ended? As if there would be a sequel? The racism being brushed off just sat not very well for me--especially because the love interest didn't really support the MC through the situation? It was weird and made me uncomfortable.
Granted, I read an ARC so I don't know how much of it changed (if anything changed in the final copy), but that just kind of ruined the book for me?
Plus that one character who got a weird redemption arc out of nowhere despite all signs pointed not to their excuse for their actions.
I think, again, that this was rushed and concluded in the wrong spot. We and the characters would have benefitted from a longer story. I get wanting open-ended endings, but it's nice to have SOME sort of resolution, especially after such a racially charged situation.
Anyway, read this for the badass MC, but be prepared for that conclusion.
Happy reading!
December 15, 2020
I am very unimpressed by this. Based off the blurb, I thought it'd be cute and sweet, something to occupy my attention. It was cute, but it definitely didn't occupy my attention. I spent the last half of the book counting the pages until it was over, which is a good indicator of how I felt about this. I liked Zora, but I just didn't care about her or Owen. I guess this just wasn't my type of book!
May 25, 2023
This was cute, mindless fun. Super adorable and fluffy, not too much to write home about. I think it’s biggest downfall, though, is the ending. It felt really open-ended and rushed. It almost feels like it’s leaving things available for a sequel, but I don’t think one is coming so it just feel awkward.
August 14, 2019
This was an awesome read. I will definitely read more books by Ms. Rigaud.
December 1, 2019
Felt like Prince William and Harry had a brother and this is his love life.......
December 8, 2021
It feels incredibly copied. However, I do love having an African American lead. I related to her a lot.
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