🤰🏻👑🏰💕 “His Accidentally Pregnant Princess” (Princesses of Rydiania #1) (2023) 💕🏰👑🤰🏻– Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: The Princesses of Rydiania (Book #1)
Paperback: 256 Pages
Publisher: Harlequin Romance Larger Print (April 25, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335737090X
ISBN-13: 978-1335737090
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“The CEO, his housekeeper…
and her double confession!
When CEO Antoine meets a stranger in need, he offers her work and refuge as his temporary housekeeper. Their mutual attraction is intensely distracting, yet Antoine knows he should resist the woman who’s lost her memory. But when they give in to their undeniable desire, Antoine is faced with shocking consequences… Because Cecelia is actually a princess—and now she’s accidentally pregnant!”
Thank you in advance to the author, Jennifer Faye, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
First of all, my sincerest apologies to the author for the late review of this wonderful book. Normally, when I get a book for review, I’m pretty prompt at reading and reviewing it. So, I don’t want this EXTREMELY overdue review to reflect badly on the author or the book.
That said ...
Jennifer Faye is a must-read when it comes to the Harlequin Romance line. Then again, she’s the only author I’ve read in the line. I got introduced to her books over three (3) years ago in March 2020.
I have found that her stories are absolutely enjoyable – from Harlequin’s Romance line, to a Hallmark Christmas Story, to even her self-published Bluestar Island series. They’re sweet, wholesome, and romantic. There’s enough “simmer” without it being spicy or hot, and the scenes doesn’t make one feel like a voyeur. While I’ve read such books, they aren’t my personal preference.
While this is the first book of her new series – THE PRINCESSES OF RYDIANIA – this series is connected to the GREEK PARADISE ESCAPE series. The sisters are briefly introduced in the second book, It Started with a Royal Kiss along with their brother Istvan. I highly recommend reading those books prior to this one. The events of the third book is what leads Cecelia to what she does in this one.
That said …
Only Cecelia’s parents – the king and queen, and sister Beatrix appear briefly, which is towards the end of the story. The majority of the story involves Cecelia and Antoine, and is only told from their POVs.
Faye wastes no time in introducing the characters as soon as readers open the book.
Facing a public break-up, thanks to the paparazzi, Princess Cecelia decides she needs to get away. She alters her looks, tells no one, and heads to Saint-Tropez. But, after her plans go awry – she is attacked and has an accident.
Businessman Andre Dupré is leaving a hotel after a successful business meeting, especially since it’ll help the vineyard he’d inherited to restore its award-winning name. It’ll also help him to sell it after he cleans it up.
He comes upon Cecelia – but of course, doesn’t know who she is. She’s unconscious and he helps her, even going to the hospital with her and staying with her. Her situation isn’t his problem, but he is compelled to take care of her.
When she comes to – she has no recollection of being attack, or who she is. She doesn’t know who this handsome man is. And, since her purse was stolen, she has no money, and no ID.
For some reason, Antoine is drawn to her, and drawn to help her.
Thinking she might’ve been applying for a job at the hotel, because of where she was found, he offers her a job to clean the château. Unaware of her real name, she goes by Cherie.
While he grew up there – there are no happy memories associated.
He wants to forget his past, she wants to remember hers.
The more time they spend together, the closer they get. While Cherie wouldn’t mind marriage and kids, Antoine is against both. However, they do get closer than they expected.
Cherie, in her cleaning, finds clues about his past; while her past lingers just out of reach. She’s also wondering if she’ll like the person she was when she does remember.
When Cherie has an unexpected reveal, she and Antoine’s relationship is tested, and forces them to not just confront their past, but their future as well if they want a happily-ever-after ending.
While this is the amnesia and friends to more romance read, Cecelia is – even without her memory – a strong and compassionate woman. Definitely not the “damsel in distress”. And, Antoine is a conflicted “hero” who wants to do the right thing despite the problems from his past. He is drawn to the vineyard because of the field work, but the château (home) is conflicting because of his childhood.
The real heart of the plot – the baby and Cecelia’s memory hit around the 70% mark, so it doesn’t leave much time for her and Antoine to deal with the situation. So, the short chapters and and fast-paced writing help move it along. Once I got into the book, I couldn’t put it down. It is definitely a “beach” read, and could easily be read in a day’s time.
I will admit, I was expecting Cecelia to be a bit further along, especially because of the cover. But, it was a sweet and different kind of read.
There was an interesting theme of communication being key in a relationship, and also forgiveness. Antoine is faced with a heart-breaking “what-if” regarding his grandfather.
Faye also explores what it is like for famous people to be exposed when it comes to relationships and constant attention in the media, as well as the intrusiveness of the paparazzi.
As of note, readers looking for the grand wedding to be … will have to keep waiting. I hope we get to it in the second book 😉
Readers are going to want to read the second book, Royal Mom for the Duke’s Daughter, in the series. That features Beatrix, and the cover is so adorable! And, I have that coming up on the TBR list. Additionally, I am looking forward to the conclusion of the series this November (2023) with Princess's Forbidden Holiday Fling, which will be Gisella’s story.
While this isn’t a Christian book, nor a “clean read”; it is a “sweet” read meaning that while there are mentions of intimacy and some references to attraction – the actual act is left off page. On page scenes are left to some slight disrobing and/or kissing. The language is definitely mild and inoffensive.
Fans of the author, genre, and those who’ve read the previous series are sure to enjoy this one, and likely the next ones in the series.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html; update: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
Connected Series Books:
Series: Greek Paradise Escape (Book #1)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Romance Larger Print (January 25, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335736743
ISBN-13: 978-1335736741
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“From Greek island fling
To forever?
Managing a luxury resort on a picturesque Greek island is more than a job for Hermione Kappas. It’s been her lifeline since losing her home and family. So when gorgeous Atlas Othonos, who has recently inherited the resort, arrives set on selling it, Hermione has just two weeks to change his mind. But as their Valentine’s Day deadline approaches, it’s Hermione’s feelings for Atlas that are changing into something more …”
Series: Greek Paradise Escape (Book #2)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Romance Larger Print (July 26, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335736743
ISBN-13: 978-1335736741
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“An extraordinary kiss…
…will transform her ordinary life!
While artist Indigo is painting a formal portrait of Prince Istvan of Rydiania, her buttoned-up emotions are derailed when they share an unexpected kiss! After Istvan’s family ruined her father, Indigo was warned never to trust a Rydianian royal. But even though her head tells her they shouldn’t take this any further, Indigo sees something unique in Istvan. Putting her heart on the line, she knows he’s worth trusting…with her future!”
Series: Greek Paradise Escape (Book #3)
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Romance Larger Print (November 29, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335736905
ISBN-13: 978-1335736901
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Reunited at a wedding
Reawakening their spark!
Billionaire best man Krystof must preserve his friends’ dream wedding. Only, he’ll be working alongside bridesmaid Adara. He can’t forget their undeniable bond, but Krystof could only ever offer something casual. Now, alone on a luxurious private island, their chemistry is once again irresistible. But this time, Adara makes it clear that she’s only interested in a second chance if the lone-wolf Greek promises it’s forever…”
Next Book in the Princesses of Rydiania Series:
Series: The Princesses of Rydiania (Book #2)
Paperback: 256 Pages
Publisher: Harlequin Romance Larger Print (July 25, 2023)
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1335596313
ISBN-13: 978-1335596314
Click Photo for Purchase Information ⬆️
“A ready-made family…
for the princess?
Princess Beatrix knows widower Duke Rez turned away from high-society life to raise his daughter. But Bea needs his help to dispel vicious rumors circling the palace. Summoning Rez, she never expects him to bring baby Evi. The little family is a painful reminder of her own infertility. But when attraction sparks between them, dare Bea hope that her future might include motherhood?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.
You can follow her on the following social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferFayeAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferFaye34
Website: http://jenniferfaye.com/
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