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Her Royal Happiness
Keeping a secret isn’t easy when you’re in the most visible family in the world. It’s even harder when you’re a lesbian who has just fallen madly in love. An opposites attract, charming royal romance with a dash of fake dating.
When tabloid darling Princess Alice, the first out member of the British royal family, meets an opinionated single mother, the encounter goes viral. It seems the anti-monarchist education specialist Sara has a view on all things and doesn’t mind sharing.
So when Alice later has to ask Sara to help diagnose her young nephew’s learning difficulties, it’s seriously awkward. At least until they discover how beautifully they click together.
With the press sniffing around them, and Alice desperately wanting to protect her nephew’s privacy, they agree to claim they’re dating.
But as their fake dates start to feel like much more, Sara and Alice must navigate having a real relationship in the public eye. Is that even possible, though, while keeping Sara’s daughter safe and happy, and facing the Queen’s disapproval?
Can they overcome their doubts for love? A love they can no longer hide?
Words: 100,000
When tabloid darling Princess Alice, the first out member of the British royal family, meets an opinionated single mother, the encounter goes viral. It seems the anti-monarchist education specialist Sara has a view on all things and doesn’t mind sharing.
So when Alice later has to ask Sara to help diagnose her young nephew’s learning difficulties, it’s seriously awkward. At least until they discover how beautifully they click together.
With the press sniffing around them, and Alice desperately wanting to protect her nephew’s privacy, they agree to claim they’re dating.
But as their fake dates start to feel like much more, Sara and Alice must navigate having a real relationship in the public eye. Is that even possible, though, while keeping Sara’s daughter safe and happy, and facing the Queen’s disapproval?
Can they overcome their doubts for love? A love they can no longer hide?
Words: 100,000
ebook
Published February 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
January 25, 2022
The fake romance is a well known trope used by romance novelists and in the steady hands of Lola Keeley, Her Royal Highness is a believable and thoughtful novel.
An anti monarchist Sara Marteau and her daughter Libby meet Her Royal Highness Alice at a school function where the two women have a clash of opinions and words. In order to calm the negative publicly, Alice invites Sara and Libby to a Buckingham Palace garden luncheon. There Sara is enlisted to assist Alice’s nephew Rupert with a possible developmental learning issue.
Her Royal Highness tackles a number of social issues beyond the role of the Monarchy to the everyday people. Sara is parenting her biracial child Libby to understand the cruelty and potential racial violence in her world while also allowing Libby to have a happy childhood. Autism, social inequalities and anti LGBTIQ+ sediments are all handled with a sensitive touch. Keeley showcases her talents as a sophisticated and complex writer with this, her fifth novel.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An anti monarchist Sara Marteau and her daughter Libby meet Her Royal Highness Alice at a school function where the two women have a clash of opinions and words. In order to calm the negative publicly, Alice invites Sara and Libby to a Buckingham Palace garden luncheon. There Sara is enlisted to assist Alice’s nephew Rupert with a possible developmental learning issue.
Her Royal Highness tackles a number of social issues beyond the role of the Monarchy to the everyday people. Sara is parenting her biracial child Libby to understand the cruelty and potential racial violence in her world while also allowing Libby to have a happy childhood. Autism, social inequalities and anti LGBTIQ+ sediments are all handled with a sensitive touch. Keeley showcases her talents as a sophisticated and complex writer with this, her fifth novel.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 22, 2022
“Her Royal Happiness” by Lola Keeley is an opposites-attract, fake-dating romance with a princess and an anti-monarchist commoner.
Princess Alice, the fourth in line for the throne, is giving a speech at a school when she comes across Sara Marteau and her daughter Libby. Sara is an anti-monarchist and isn’t all that impressed with Alice and doesn’t mind telling her so. Their interaction becomes viral and when Alice and the royal family requires Sara’s help with Alice’s nephew, it brings even more media attention. Sara is an education specialist and to cover the fact that someone in the royal family may need some help it is suggested Alice and Sara start dating.
Fake-dating is a trope that I usually enjoy and this was an interesting way to set it up. Being a wealthy princess, Alice is able to set up some elaborate dates to fake-woo and then to try and for real woo Sara. Sara doesn’t fall for the Princess schtick but still finds herself charmed by the real person underneath.
I honestly thought Sara was a little tough on Alice in the beginning and seemed to make it harder on them both. I liked Alice and thought she was very down to earth despite her station in life. There are a couple of times where her privilege, in both race and wealth, come into play and Sara is quick to point them out. Alice wasn’t as quick to point out some of Sara’s issues but I liked that she eventually did and how they could both be mature and handle their differences. There are several different social issues that are brought up that make this more than just a fluffy romance.
For angst lovers out there, I don’t think this will fit the bill. There is some tension but it’s all overcome very quickly and this is mostly a sweet romance. I was actually hoping for more angst and tension but I still enjoyed this overall. The characters, main and secondary, are all fleshed out and makes this an enjoyable read for character driven romances.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Princess Alice, the fourth in line for the throne, is giving a speech at a school when she comes across Sara Marteau and her daughter Libby. Sara is an anti-monarchist and isn’t all that impressed with Alice and doesn’t mind telling her so. Their interaction becomes viral and when Alice and the royal family requires Sara’s help with Alice’s nephew, it brings even more media attention. Sara is an education specialist and to cover the fact that someone in the royal family may need some help it is suggested Alice and Sara start dating.
Fake-dating is a trope that I usually enjoy and this was an interesting way to set it up. Being a wealthy princess, Alice is able to set up some elaborate dates to fake-woo and then to try and for real woo Sara. Sara doesn’t fall for the Princess schtick but still finds herself charmed by the real person underneath.
I honestly thought Sara was a little tough on Alice in the beginning and seemed to make it harder on them both. I liked Alice and thought she was very down to earth despite her station in life. There are a couple of times where her privilege, in both race and wealth, come into play and Sara is quick to point them out. Alice wasn’t as quick to point out some of Sara’s issues but I liked that she eventually did and how they could both be mature and handle their differences. There are several different social issues that are brought up that make this more than just a fluffy romance.
For angst lovers out there, I don’t think this will fit the bill. There is some tension but it’s all overcome very quickly and this is mostly a sweet romance. I was actually hoping for more angst and tension but I still enjoyed this overall. The characters, main and secondary, are all fleshed out and makes this an enjoyable read for character driven romances.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2022
Royalty.
I love stories about famous people dating and this extends to royalty, so I was quite excited to start this one. But my mood dampened as I started pulling away from one of the characters very early on and never found my way back to her.
I expected friction between the characters obviously because one is a British Princess and the other an anti-monarchist but I found myself quite disliking Sara, the anti-monarchist. For one, Sara was a little rude on the onset creating a somewhat PR disaster for Princess Alice and it didn't help her case that Alice was nice about it and even took it upon herself to mitigate the situation by extending an invitation to Sara and her family to a royal garden party.
Sara is a special education needs consultant and she ends up being recruited discreetly to provide an assessment of the learning development of Alice's nephew, Rupert. Alice concludes that the only way to keep Rupert's privacy away from tabloids is for her and Sara engage in a fauxmance ruse, which subsequently develops into a real romance. It takes quite little for Sara and her daughter to be comfortable with the royals but I found the relationship to be lacking a certain spark romantically. The two women have different life experiences so they tend to have opposing views on some issues and while both raise valid points, I think Sara can get a bit unfair to Alice at times.
This story might not entirely my cup of tea but I think there are many others who will enjoy it.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I love stories about famous people dating and this extends to royalty, so I was quite excited to start this one. But my mood dampened as I started pulling away from one of the characters very early on and never found my way back to her.
I expected friction between the characters obviously because one is a British Princess and the other an anti-monarchist but I found myself quite disliking Sara, the anti-monarchist. For one, Sara was a little rude on the onset creating a somewhat PR disaster for Princess Alice and it didn't help her case that Alice was nice about it and even took it upon herself to mitigate the situation by extending an invitation to Sara and her family to a royal garden party.
Sara is a special education needs consultant and she ends up being recruited discreetly to provide an assessment of the learning development of Alice's nephew, Rupert. Alice concludes that the only way to keep Rupert's privacy away from tabloids is for her and Sara engage in a fauxmance ruse, which subsequently develops into a real romance. It takes quite little for Sara and her daughter to be comfortable with the royals but I found the relationship to be lacking a certain spark romantically. The two women have different life experiences so they tend to have opposing views on some issues and while both raise valid points, I think Sara can get a bit unfair to Alice at times.
This story might not entirely my cup of tea but I think there are many others who will enjoy it.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2022
3.5 stars. I have a weak spot for royal romances and fauxmances, so this enemies to lovers romance between a royal heir and a commoner with a dislike of the monarchy who are forced into a fauxmance is a storyline to my liking. It was a bit slow at times and it took me some time to warm up to Sara, but overall I enjoyed this easy and low angst read which touches upon several social issues like raising a biracial child and autism.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
March 3, 2022DNF 60% in. Kindle Unlimited - Try it yourself.
I think I just struggle with any sort of story that has two people with wildly different values and backgrounds trying to make it work. I get compromise, but I didn't feel that was what was happening here. The whole thing just felt unrealistic, which again I get is part of the 'appeal' but I just couldn't believe in a lot of it.
Not to mention our 'love interest' Sara being so strongly opinionated - but only to a point... She ended up seemingly spineless. Honestly her values seemed to stretch thin when shown luxury and nice treatment, and even though there was technically nothing wrong with Princess Alice's character, it felt shallow and very superficial overall.
After 50% I started to get the icks, when the "grand gestures" started happening, despite Sara stating she didn't think it could work, and Alice continuing to try and date her, and Sara allowing it, despite her better judgement. All the issues she has weren't just going to go away. Just because Alice decided to get 'creative' with plans, to keep her from the spotlight. It also doesn't excuse the lack of autonomy Sara ended up having, and her own worries being dismissed. But her going along with it, really did my head in.
I just felt wholly uncomfortable and that despite the length - nothing of depth being presented, AT ALL. I didn't really know these people, or care about them, nor believed in their connection.
It had some good points about racism and prejudice, white privilege and privilege in general in the UK and the class system. (Something that unfortunately all holds over here in Australia, too.). The overbearing media and public feeling they 'own' these types of people and having the ability to make gross commentary. But it never went deeper. This is the first time I felt like a book was indeed just virtue signaling things, and not being real, or true about any of it. And I do not use that term frivolously like so many do.
I feel like with the Markle stuff these past few years, we are all far more informed about 'The Firm' of royals and how they play things, and this felt wildly off in trying to showcase royalty in a 'good' light while still trying to make pointed criticisms that never went anywhere sound. I would have preferred the book to just embrace the stupidity of a royal romance, without the 'serious' mentions, since it made no real difference anyway.
No substance here, in my view.
I think I just struggle with any sort of story that has two people with wildly different values and backgrounds trying to make it work. I get compromise, but I didn't feel that was what was happening here. The whole thing just felt unrealistic, which again I get is part of the 'appeal' but I just couldn't believe in a lot of it.
Not to mention our 'love interest' Sara being so strongly opinionated - but only to a point... She ended up seemingly spineless. Honestly her values seemed to stretch thin when shown luxury and nice treatment, and even though there was technically nothing wrong with Princess Alice's character, it felt shallow and very superficial overall.
After 50% I started to get the icks, when the "grand gestures" started happening, despite Sara stating she didn't think it could work, and Alice continuing to try and date her, and Sara allowing it, despite her better judgement. All the issues she has weren't just going to go away. Just because Alice decided to get 'creative' with plans, to keep her from the spotlight. It also doesn't excuse the lack of autonomy Sara ended up having, and her own worries being dismissed. But her going along with it, really did my head in.
I just felt wholly uncomfortable and that despite the length - nothing of depth being presented, AT ALL. I didn't really know these people, or care about them, nor believed in their connection.
It had some good points about racism and prejudice, white privilege and privilege in general in the UK and the class system. (Something that unfortunately all holds over here in Australia, too.). The overbearing media and public feeling they 'own' these types of people and having the ability to make gross commentary. But it never went deeper. This is the first time I felt like a book was indeed just virtue signaling things, and not being real, or true about any of it. And I do not use that term frivolously like so many do.
I feel like with the Markle stuff these past few years, we are all far more informed about 'The Firm' of royals and how they play things, and this felt wildly off in trying to showcase royalty in a 'good' light while still trying to make pointed criticisms that never went anywhere sound. I would have preferred the book to just embrace the stupidity of a royal romance, without the 'serious' mentions, since it made no real difference anyway.
No substance here, in my view.
September 17, 2022
opposites, a british princess and an anti-monarchist commoner, attract in this fake dating to lovers wlw romance by lola keeley.
her royal highness princess alice, fourth in line to the throne her mother currently reigns, meets sara marteau and her daughter libby after a chance encounter at the school the mother and daughter inhabit. their first interaction is nothing but unpleasant for both parties and subsequently goes viral bringing media attention to them all, leading to a second meeting at the royal garden party to smooth things over. sara, an education specialist, makes a lasting impression and is soon enlisted to help the youngest member of their family, leading to a fake dating plan to protect him during his assessments and diagnosis. fake dating soon turns to love in this swoon-worthy romance that had me, an anti-monarchist, enthralled.
to the delight of myself but to the misfortune of those who love angst in their romance novels, any tension that arises between the two is resolved rather quickly. as you can assume from the title and book description, her royal happiness is a pleasant read, one that is everything you expect it will be, full of well developed characters to love, and a relationship to root for.
- worthy of a 3.75-star rating so i just had to round it up to 4.
her royal highness princess alice, fourth in line to the throne her mother currently reigns, meets sara marteau and her daughter libby after a chance encounter at the school the mother and daughter inhabit. their first interaction is nothing but unpleasant for both parties and subsequently goes viral bringing media attention to them all, leading to a second meeting at the royal garden party to smooth things over. sara, an education specialist, makes a lasting impression and is soon enlisted to help the youngest member of their family, leading to a fake dating plan to protect him during his assessments and diagnosis. fake dating soon turns to love in this swoon-worthy romance that had me, an anti-monarchist, enthralled.
to the delight of myself but to the misfortune of those who love angst in their romance novels, any tension that arises between the two is resolved rather quickly. as you can assume from the title and book description, her royal happiness is a pleasant read, one that is everything you expect it will be, full of well developed characters to love, and a relationship to root for.
- worthy of a 3.75-star rating so i just had to round it up to 4.
February 6, 2022
Her Royal Happiness by Lola Keeley is a lovely romance that not only satisfies those of us who are looking for novels about love with a HEA, but also mixes some serious and timely subjects into the overall plot. I’m happy to say that Ms. Keeley did an excellent job of weaving these subjects into a thoroughly enjoyable tale.
The story begins when Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice, the fourth in line to the English throne, meets Sara Marteau and her daughter Libby, an encounter that ends up going viral on social media and the news. Sara is an anti-monarchist and doesn’t mind letting the world and Princess Alice know exactly what she thinks. In spite of this less than auspicious beginning, when Alice finds out her nephew needs to be evaluated for a possible learning disability, she remembers that Sara is an education specialist, and asks her for help. Of course nothing is easy when dealing with the royal family. On top of the constant media attention, privacy issues, and the need for security, the two women must figure out what this spark between them really means.
Obviously this is a character driven tale, and I must say, the author has done an amazing job with these folks, especially Alice, Sara, and Libby. They are realistic and believable. They are also easy to connect with.
I loved how the very serious issues of racial discrimination, autism, and anti LGBTQ+ feelings are dealt with in the book.
This is a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend it to all those who are looking for a great love story with opposites attract and fake romance/dating tropes in the tale.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
The story begins when Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice, the fourth in line to the English throne, meets Sara Marteau and her daughter Libby, an encounter that ends up going viral on social media and the news. Sara is an anti-monarchist and doesn’t mind letting the world and Princess Alice know exactly what she thinks. In spite of this less than auspicious beginning, when Alice finds out her nephew needs to be evaluated for a possible learning disability, she remembers that Sara is an education specialist, and asks her for help. Of course nothing is easy when dealing with the royal family. On top of the constant media attention, privacy issues, and the need for security, the two women must figure out what this spark between them really means.
Obviously this is a character driven tale, and I must say, the author has done an amazing job with these folks, especially Alice, Sara, and Libby. They are realistic and believable. They are also easy to connect with.
I loved how the very serious issues of racial discrimination, autism, and anti LGBTQ+ feelings are dealt with in the book.
This is a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend it to all those who are looking for a great love story with opposites attract and fake romance/dating tropes in the tale.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
March 11, 2022
4.5 Stars - kindle unlimited
I love a good royal romance. Add in fauxmance as well and I am sold! What I love about a Lola Keeley romance is you know you are going to get something not only well written but well researched. This royal family is based on a fictional British Royal Monarchy but felt very real. The situations, scenes and reactions all seem plausible and realistic. It just adds so much to the immersion and enjoyment of the story. Both characters are likable and I was definitly rooting for their romance.
If the book blurb sounds appealing to you, I can highly recomend.
I love a good royal romance. Add in fauxmance as well and I am sold! What I love about a Lola Keeley romance is you know you are going to get something not only well written but well researched. This royal family is based on a fictional British Royal Monarchy but felt very real. The situations, scenes and reactions all seem plausible and realistic. It just adds so much to the immersion and enjoyment of the story. Both characters are likable and I was definitly rooting for their romance.
If the book blurb sounds appealing to you, I can highly recomend.
February 9, 2022
It seems that a British lesbian princess is just a wishful thinking. Or being that I'm Spanish, a Spanish one. But in the meantime is nice to read this cute story about a fictional princess falling for an anti-monarchical commoner. With a daughter no less. Definitely a very enjoyable read.
March 15, 2022
A fake romance between MCs, one of whom is a royalty and the other a commoner...with a kid. What's not to like? 😊
July 9, 2022
4.5 stars
This review is for the audiobook version - not one of the formats provided as an option on Goodreads.
I enjoyed this a lot! It was fun to have a fake relationship story that involved royalty. The two mains are strong - especially Sara Marteau, the love interest for HRH Princess Alice, he first openly gay member of the British royal family. A special education specialist, Sara is a staunch anti-anarchist, so that provided a lot of interesting tension between the two at the beginning. Of course, having an idea about something in the abstract is much different when you get to know the person behind the title, which Sara soon learns.
As Sara is a commoner with a child, the rules about dating royalty are sticky to say the least. Never mind the fact that they also have to deal with homophobia as the first out royal lesbian couple. The story doesn't focus on that aspect as much since Alice is comfortable with her sexuality and supported by her family, including her mother Queen Caroline. There is, however, a good amount of emphasis on the lack of privacy afforded them and the constant presence of paparazzi. But as the women start developing real feelings, Keeley gives us a lovely romance complete with grand gestures that make their story quite appealing.
Narrator Sienna Frances did a great job and was the perfect choice to bring this story to life!
This review is for the audiobook version - not one of the formats provided as an option on Goodreads.
I enjoyed this a lot! It was fun to have a fake relationship story that involved royalty. The two mains are strong - especially Sara Marteau, the love interest for HRH Princess Alice, he first openly gay member of the British royal family. A special education specialist, Sara is a staunch anti-anarchist, so that provided a lot of interesting tension between the two at the beginning. Of course, having an idea about something in the abstract is much different when you get to know the person behind the title, which Sara soon learns.
As Sara is a commoner with a child, the rules about dating royalty are sticky to say the least. Never mind the fact that they also have to deal with homophobia as the first out royal lesbian couple. The story doesn't focus on that aspect as much since Alice is comfortable with her sexuality and supported by her family, including her mother Queen Caroline. There is, however, a good amount of emphasis on the lack of privacy afforded them and the constant presence of paparazzi. But as the women start developing real feelings, Keeley gives us a lovely romance complete with grand gestures that make their story quite appealing.
Narrator Sienna Frances did a great job and was the perfect choice to bring this story to life!
April 24, 2023
Expected much more ..but overall an OK read ..
February 13, 2022
I love a great fauxmance, and adding Royalty or Celebrity to it is like adding oreos to my vanilla ice-cream! Not a lot of angst in this story, and so it was a very sweet and chill read for me.
February 8, 2022
What happens when a Princess of the Realm meets a feisty education specialist who has no time for the Royal Family? Sparks – that’s what! Princess Alice has never met anyone quite like Sara, a south London single mum with a mind of her own. When it become clear that Sara can help Alice’s family with a delicate matter, the pair pretend to date in order to keep the secret from the press. But will they be able to keep it strictly business – or will their feelings for each other make that impossible?
First of all I must thank Lola Keeley for writing a beautiful love story with the lowest angst possible. In these stressful times that’s exactly the kind of book I want to be reading. It made me smile and it made me very happy. I loved Princess Alice and Sara. Alice was strong, capable and loyal. Duty was important to her and she had spent her life doing the right thing. But she realises that there is more to life than duty. Spending time with Sara made her see that. Sara was accomplished, clever and principled. She was also a fantastic mum. Would she be willing to change her life for Alice? It would mean rethinking everything, and taking her daughter on a different path too. I enjoyed seeing her work through that decision.
Lola Keeley made everything seem so real. She made the Royal Family accessible. In this story we see that wealth and status do not shield anyone from problems. I loved every minute of it. The love story was sweet and tender, with humour and poignancy. Ms Keeley was on top of her game. Highly recommended.
I was given this ARC for review.
First of all I must thank Lola Keeley for writing a beautiful love story with the lowest angst possible. In these stressful times that’s exactly the kind of book I want to be reading. It made me smile and it made me very happy. I loved Princess Alice and Sara. Alice was strong, capable and loyal. Duty was important to her and she had spent her life doing the right thing. But she realises that there is more to life than duty. Spending time with Sara made her see that. Sara was accomplished, clever and principled. She was also a fantastic mum. Would she be willing to change her life for Alice? It would mean rethinking everything, and taking her daughter on a different path too. I enjoyed seeing her work through that decision.
Lola Keeley made everything seem so real. She made the Royal Family accessible. In this story we see that wealth and status do not shield anyone from problems. I loved every minute of it. The love story was sweet and tender, with humour and poignancy. Ms Keeley was on top of her game. Highly recommended.
I was given this ARC for review.
February 16, 2022
4 stars
Charming, though a little sweet fake relationship story. Enjoyed reading it. The blurb contains enough info about the story, so I don’t have to describe the story line. Suffice to say that one could enjoy this story and recommend it.
Charming, though a little sweet fake relationship story. Enjoyed reading it. The blurb contains enough info about the story, so I don’t have to describe the story line. Suffice to say that one could enjoy this story and recommend it.
February 4, 2022
A new book from Ms. Keeley and I couldn't wait to start reading.
The leads in this romance are Princess Alice, out and proud lesbian rabidly followed by the press as she carries out her royal duties and Sara, well known special education consultant and avowed anti-monarchist. The two butt heads at a school function. To placate the press and control the situation, an invitation is issued for the annual Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The day goes rather well but all is not as it seems...Prince James has recruited his sister's help regarding his son Rupert - his educational level and where to place him and that is Sara's expertise. A request is made and the two eventually enter a faux romance to cover up why Sara is visiting the Palace. Rupert cannot be seen as wanting in any way. The incessant press coverage of the "Royals", coupled with deft handing of the topics of autism and what multiculturalism means in the melting pot of Britain add to the storyline. Knowledge is shared and preconceived notions set aside through communication and an opening of hearts. Supporting characters particularly Libby (Sara's daughter), Ines (Sara's Mom), Jasmin, Princess Annabel and Queen Caroline round out the plot. Add the right amount of heat, field hockey and flying, with a HEA and I was satisfied.
If only life could imitate fiction then every pro monarchist bone in my body would be happy!!
Easily recommend and looking forward to more from the author.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing and this is a completely voluntary and unbiased review.
The leads in this romance are Princess Alice, out and proud lesbian rabidly followed by the press as she carries out her royal duties and Sara, well known special education consultant and avowed anti-monarchist. The two butt heads at a school function. To placate the press and control the situation, an invitation is issued for the annual Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. The day goes rather well but all is not as it seems...Prince James has recruited his sister's help regarding his son Rupert - his educational level and where to place him and that is Sara's expertise. A request is made and the two eventually enter a faux romance to cover up why Sara is visiting the Palace. Rupert cannot be seen as wanting in any way. The incessant press coverage of the "Royals", coupled with deft handing of the topics of autism and what multiculturalism means in the melting pot of Britain add to the storyline. Knowledge is shared and preconceived notions set aside through communication and an opening of hearts. Supporting characters particularly Libby (Sara's daughter), Ines (Sara's Mom), Jasmin, Princess Annabel and Queen Caroline round out the plot. Add the right amount of heat, field hockey and flying, with a HEA and I was satisfied.
If only life could imitate fiction then every pro monarchist bone in my body would be happy!!
Easily recommend and looking forward to more from the author.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing and this is a completely voluntary and unbiased review.
March 1, 2024
Really good story which held together well - for a fairy story it was quite believable and the characters seemed very real. Highly recommended. Nah, loved it!
January 30, 2022
Celebrity romance is one of my favorite tropes, and the royal twist adds another dimension with all the protocols to follow. This is a fairly long book, so there's a lot of time to fully develop the story, both before and after Princess Alice and Sara get together. It starts as a fake relationship, then morphs into a slowish burn that is very satisfying. Lola Keeley writes the dialogue exactly right for these two characters as well as their families (as I expected she would).
Since Music and the Mirror blew me away as a debut, I've never missed a Lola Keeley book. Her Royal Happiness is truly a worthy follow-up.
Since Music and the Mirror blew me away as a debut, I've never missed a Lola Keeley book. Her Royal Happiness is truly a worthy follow-up.
November 5, 2022
pretty good. I always enjoy fake dating. I thought the setup was creative and I also enjoyed the novelty of some of the "dates." The tension is initially provided by Sara not being keen on royals, then on the Queen not being keen, and on the difficulty of a commoner to adjust. Alice doesn't really waver. Sara and the Queen both turn around a bit faster than I would have liked but since I'm not liking anything these days, it was ok. There's a bit of an emergency in one chapter. There could have been more angst. I skipped the sex scenes. I'd buy this on audio if Abby C. was narrating.
11/5/2022: This didn't work out as well as I had hoped. The narrator initially gave Sarah a foreign accent but then seems to have dropped it, although she kept it for Sarah's mom. And the two women really sounded very stuffy. Maybe it was truer to the text than the voice I heard in my head when reading it to myself, but my internal version was better.
11/5/2022: This didn't work out as well as I had hoped. The narrator initially gave Sarah a foreign accent but then seems to have dropped it, although she kept it for Sarah's mom. And the two women really sounded very stuffy. Maybe it was truer to the text than the voice I heard in my head when reading it to myself, but my internal version was better.
July 2, 2024
Unfortunately this didn't do it for me. I felt it bored me majority of the time. Perhaps the Author did a great job in itself describing a royal relationship or the story was just that. Even their love making was a testament to my feelings.
February 7, 2022
Lola Keeley has rapidly become one of my favourite authors, and when I found out that her Royale Happiness had been released it was no brainer for me to read it as soon as I could get my hands on it!
Even though I had Exams but what could I do against the allure of a new book, that too a one with a Royale Romance one of my favourite genres!
I was not disappointment, it was an absolutely lovely book and worth every moment of my time.
Its one of the books with an amazing portrayal of a developing relationship, with ups downs and a pressure of the press.
I loved the family vibes and how tight knit Lola Portrayed the Royale Family.
I would definitely recommend reading this in-fact I might just end up re reading this!
Even though I had Exams but what could I do against the allure of a new book, that too a one with a Royale Romance one of my favourite genres!
I was not disappointment, it was an absolutely lovely book and worth every moment of my time.
Its one of the books with an amazing portrayal of a developing relationship, with ups downs and a pressure of the press.
I loved the family vibes and how tight knit Lola Portrayed the Royale Family.
I would definitely recommend reading this in-fact I might just end up re reading this!
October 26, 2022
After an initial fiery clash, HRH Princess Alice and special needs educator and single mother Sara fall into a low-key friendship. When the Royal Family need to consult a special needs educator discreetly, the relationship between Alice and Sara heats up, initially as a fake-dating cover for one of the royal children whom Sara is assessing, but then blossoming into something more real.
This is my second book by this author, and my experience was like night and day. Despite the similarities (working class woman meets titled woman), the characterization here is sharp, the dialogue entertaining and the chemistry between the leads is off the charts. The fictional royal family here is well filled out and their interactions and dramas feel very real (and based in a lot of real events that have affected the royals). Sara's daughter Libby is a charming part of the story that both fills out Sara's powerful protective instincts and lets the former Olympian and RAF pilot Alice show a softer side.
Lovely feel good romance novel.
This is my second book by this author, and my experience was like night and day. Despite the similarities (working class woman meets titled woman), the characterization here is sharp, the dialogue entertaining and the chemistry between the leads is off the charts. The fictional royal family here is well filled out and their interactions and dramas feel very real (and based in a lot of real events that have affected the royals). Sara's daughter Libby is a charming part of the story that both fills out Sara's powerful protective instincts and lets the former Olympian and RAF pilot Alice show a softer side.
Lovely feel good romance novel.
January 24, 2022
Got an ARC..Once I started this so very British story I could not quit.
Definitely a very delightful story, lots of humor..British Royalty..one cannot wish for more. Amusing fun read..will be on my re- read pile.
Definitely recommend it ..Keeley does write memorable stories.
Definitely a very delightful story, lots of humor..British Royalty..one cannot wish for more. Amusing fun read..will be on my re- read pile.
Definitely recommend it ..Keeley does write memorable stories.
February 14, 2022
• Her Royal Happiness
• Author Lola Keeley
• MC Princess Alice & Sara her Daughter Libby
• Fake Romance
• Funny quote by Libby “How are you going to get me a step-mum if you never even date anyone? Honestly, Mummy. I get asked out more often than you do.”
Sara is a special education consultant. She has a 8 year old daughter name Libby, who is has a-little bit of sass and a lot of humor. Sara had Libby with a friend from university Jayesh, who died from a tumor, but he wanted a part of him to live on. Sara is true advocate for special needs children in
the school system. Sara has nothing but disdain for royalty. She is an anti-monarchist. She looks past her beliefs to help the royal family.
Alice is a Princess, she shook things up when she came out as gay. The princess
flew planes for the Royal Air Force. And won an Olympic gold medal. Can you say “wow.” Her family is
is very important to her.
Princess Alice and Sara come together to help Alice’s nephew. In order to draw attention away from the help he is receiving from Sara, and plan comes to fruition to “pretend date.” Will this pretending lead to something more, something that is sustainable? Can differences be overcome? This is a book you will want to check out!
The support characters were very well written from Libby, James and his wife and Annabel. I could really visualize and relate to them.
It was a unique story line, I was very moved by this book, my god son has autism so it really struck a cord with me.
Lola Keely did an outstanding job of tackling some current real world issues. She brought them up with dignity and navigated the characters through the challenge. I really liked watching the main characters grow and develop together, and fall in love. I also appreciated the lack of angst in this book.
This was a beautiful story about love and acceptance.
I highly recommend this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ .
• Author Lola Keeley
• MC Princess Alice & Sara her Daughter Libby
• Fake Romance
• Funny quote by Libby “How are you going to get me a step-mum if you never even date anyone? Honestly, Mummy. I get asked out more often than you do.”
Sara is a special education consultant. She has a 8 year old daughter name Libby, who is has a-little bit of sass and a lot of humor. Sara had Libby with a friend from university Jayesh, who died from a tumor, but he wanted a part of him to live on. Sara is true advocate for special needs children in
the school system. Sara has nothing but disdain for royalty. She is an anti-monarchist. She looks past her beliefs to help the royal family.
Alice is a Princess, she shook things up when she came out as gay. The princess
flew planes for the Royal Air Force. And won an Olympic gold medal. Can you say “wow.” Her family is
is very important to her.
Princess Alice and Sara come together to help Alice’s nephew. In order to draw attention away from the help he is receiving from Sara, and plan comes to fruition to “pretend date.” Will this pretending lead to something more, something that is sustainable? Can differences be overcome? This is a book you will want to check out!
The support characters were very well written from Libby, James and his wife and Annabel. I could really visualize and relate to them.
It was a unique story line, I was very moved by this book, my god son has autism so it really struck a cord with me.
Lola Keely did an outstanding job of tackling some current real world issues. She brought them up with dignity and navigated the characters through the challenge. I really liked watching the main characters grow and develop together, and fall in love. I also appreciated the lack of angst in this book.
This was a beautiful story about love and acceptance.
I highly recommend this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ .
February 9, 2022
I’m not a fan of royalty, for all the usual reasons. I don’t have anything against them personally (except, maybe, Prince Andrew) but they inherit privilege and power due to no merits of their own.
On the other hand, it would be awful to be raised with the sense of duty and responsibility that they have. All the things they must do. All the things they cannot do. On a personal level, I feel a bit sorry for them. It would be a shitty life, especially if you were shy, introverted, gay or trans. Or even if you just had a passion you wanted to pursue that was outside of the ‘done thing’.
Her Royal Happiness is set inside a fictional UK royal family. Kind of a parallel universe where everything is the same except for the royal family. The family may be different from Windsor Liz et al, but the expectations and pressures are the same.
Princess Alice is third in line to the throne and an out lesbian. I’d like to think Keeley is right and a royal coming out would be generally accepted. After all, there’s a long tradition of homosexuality among the aristocracy. True, it’s only been accepted as long as it never dares speak its name. So, I’m pretty sure than any overt signs of acceptance of a gay member of the royal household would be undermined by an insidious process of white-anting and subtle put-downs.
But this is fiction – romantic fiction – so I’m happy to accept that Princess Alice’s sexuality is a source of only minor friction. Kudos to Keely for raising other issues that have affected the royal family in this universe, though. Racism. Classism. Wealth privilege.
Unlike many romances, the barriers between our two protagonists are genuine and difficult to overcome. I enjoyed that Keeley didn’t try to skate over the political issues, but I also enjoyed the romance. I’m not immune to the joys of a princess-finding-true-love story – after all, an upbringing of fairy tales and Disney has to leave its mark.
The pace of the story is great and the arc of the romance is satisfying. The two protagonists are likeable and I wanted to see them get together. The secondary characters and side story are also engaging.
This is probably my second favourite of Keeley’s books, after The Music and the Mirror. It overcame my resistance to royalty and quietened the sniping voice in my head as I read. Recommended.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
On the other hand, it would be awful to be raised with the sense of duty and responsibility that they have. All the things they must do. All the things they cannot do. On a personal level, I feel a bit sorry for them. It would be a shitty life, especially if you were shy, introverted, gay or trans. Or even if you just had a passion you wanted to pursue that was outside of the ‘done thing’.
Her Royal Happiness is set inside a fictional UK royal family. Kind of a parallel universe where everything is the same except for the royal family. The family may be different from Windsor Liz et al, but the expectations and pressures are the same.
Princess Alice is third in line to the throne and an out lesbian. I’d like to think Keeley is right and a royal coming out would be generally accepted. After all, there’s a long tradition of homosexuality among the aristocracy. True, it’s only been accepted as long as it never dares speak its name. So, I’m pretty sure than any overt signs of acceptance of a gay member of the royal household would be undermined by an insidious process of white-anting and subtle put-downs.
But this is fiction – romantic fiction – so I’m happy to accept that Princess Alice’s sexuality is a source of only minor friction. Kudos to Keely for raising other issues that have affected the royal family in this universe, though. Racism. Classism. Wealth privilege.
Unlike many romances, the barriers between our two protagonists are genuine and difficult to overcome. I enjoyed that Keeley didn’t try to skate over the political issues, but I also enjoyed the romance. I’m not immune to the joys of a princess-finding-true-love story – after all, an upbringing of fairy tales and Disney has to leave its mark.
The pace of the story is great and the arc of the romance is satisfying. The two protagonists are likeable and I wanted to see them get together. The secondary characters and side story are also engaging.
This is probably my second favourite of Keeley’s books, after The Music and the Mirror. It overcame my resistance to royalty and quietened the sniping voice in my head as I read. Recommended.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2022
I am very much a lover of heavy angst in slow burning romantic arcs, but THIS BOOK perfectly satisfied my mood for playful romance.
Sarah and Alice are two birbs with opposing perspectives on many things in life, but the plot remains mostly light and angst-free. The MCs don’t shy away from serious topics, but there is plenty of banter and cuteness as well as thoughtfulness, listening, and openness to each other’s perspectives.
I deeply appreciate how the author chose to introduce a realistic and *quickly remedied* communication breakdown between the love interests instead of trying to convince us that the characters were too stupid to recognize a miscommunication and then rectify the issue.
This book is a royal romantic fiction that had me believing the love story could be real.
4.5 stars
Sarah and Alice are two birbs with opposing perspectives on many things in life, but the plot remains mostly light and angst-free. The MCs don’t shy away from serious topics, but there is plenty of banter and cuteness as well as thoughtfulness, listening, and openness to each other’s perspectives.
I deeply appreciate how the author chose to introduce a realistic and *quickly remedied* communication breakdown between the love interests instead of trying to convince us that the characters were too stupid to recognize a miscommunication and then rectify the issue.
This book is a royal romantic fiction that had me believing the love story could be real.
4.5 stars
February 19, 2022
An ARC copy was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
I simple like the plot. Fake romance between a princess Alice and Sara Marteau. It start as something between love and hate and progress to real love. I like the writing style of the author. The scenes with Alice and Sara at the beginning and then the progress to relationships. Maybe there will be a sequel? Even if not defenetly worth to read.
I simple like the plot. Fake romance between a princess Alice and Sara Marteau. It start as something between love and hate and progress to real love. I like the writing style of the author. The scenes with Alice and Sara at the beginning and then the progress to relationships. Maybe there will be a sequel? Even if not defenetly worth to read.
May 14, 2022
6/10
This sounded way more promising. The thigs that there wasn't anything expeptional I didn't like in here so I gave it 3 stars. No I liked the book. But it was just a bit bland?
All in all I feel like there were so many missed opportunities to make this one an amazing book like Slammed by the same author was.
It touched a subject - a character or a situation - a tad and then left it alone? Lacking more interesting drama perhaps? Not sure. It was I feel too long for the things that happened and not long enough?
IT HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL!
I liked the kid? Keeping it 100 - everyone else was annoying. These's a spectrum of irritation for all the characters. I don't know I feel like the book could've been much more interesting with not much more work put in than it already was. The story was completely an expected one and while I too enjoy those stories most of the time it just didn't work for this one. Maybe because with those kinds of stories you mostly expect a good amount of cheesy romantic comedy along with good characters and a decent world - not over the top or something new just something that's familiar so you feel the comfort and won't be disappointed. Sadly this one fell through.
It just left me confused with my feelings let's leave it at that.
10/10 audio
I don't think I listened to Sienna Frances narrate before but it was a breath of fresh air. If you're thinking about geting this book I definitely recommend the audiobook.
This sounded way more promising. The thigs that there wasn't anything expeptional I didn't like in here so I gave it 3 stars. No I liked the book. But it was just a bit bland?
All in all I feel like there were so many missed opportunities to make this one an amazing book like Slammed by the same author was.
It touched a subject - a character or a situation - a tad and then left it alone? Lacking more interesting drama perhaps? Not sure. It was I feel too long for the things that happened and not long enough?
IT HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL!
I liked the kid? Keeping it 100 - everyone else was annoying. These's a spectrum of irritation for all the characters. I don't know I feel like the book could've been much more interesting with not much more work put in than it already was. The story was completely an expected one and while I too enjoy those stories most of the time it just didn't work for this one. Maybe because with those kinds of stories you mostly expect a good amount of cheesy romantic comedy along with good characters and a decent world - not over the top or something new just something that's familiar so you feel the comfort and won't be disappointed. Sadly this one fell through.
It just left me confused with my feelings let's leave it at that.
10/10 audio
I don't think I listened to Sienna Frances narrate before but it was a breath of fresh air. If you're thinking about geting this book I definitely recommend the audiobook.
February 4, 2022
Good solid 4 star.
This was a fun read, giving us an insight into the royal family as invisioned by an English writer.
What would happen if one of the family was opening gay or had a mental health problem?
This story addresses these issues and more.
Its a very warm story and pictures the royal family as close and supportive. Im not sure many Americans think of them that way. So it was refreshing.
The characters are very likable; the dialog is very natural, clever, and interesting.
The romance is very warm. The way they meet captures the reader in the very first chapter.
It was a fun journey following along all the travels and changes, through Sara's eyes.
Keeley is one of my favorite authors, and I always look forward to her stories.
I was given this Arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun read, giving us an insight into the royal family as invisioned by an English writer.
What would happen if one of the family was opening gay or had a mental health problem?
This story addresses these issues and more.
Its a very warm story and pictures the royal family as close and supportive. Im not sure many Americans think of them that way. So it was refreshing.
The characters are very likable; the dialog is very natural, clever, and interesting.
The romance is very warm. The way they meet captures the reader in the very first chapter.
It was a fun journey following along all the travels and changes, through Sara's eyes.
Keeley is one of my favorite authors, and I always look forward to her stories.
I was given this Arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2022
Solid 4 ⭐️ I liked that this book was realistic on a commoner dating a Royal and all the real world implications. The last 25% dragged a bit but overall a good read.
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