👑 👧🏻 “Royal Mom for the Duke’s Daughter” (The Princesses of Rydiania #2) (2023) 👧🏻 👑

MY REVIEW

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?”

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.

Again, my apologies for a late review on a wonderful book. Sometimes life has some obstacles that kind of set us back. And, that’s part of the theme in this book.

While I am not facing what Princess Beatrix is, I did have a health scare that put me in the hospital for 10 days. While I went SOMEWHAT prepared, I wasn’t expecting to be away so long. Thus, I got WAY behind on reading and reviewing some great books.

That said …

As this is the second book in the series, it is BEST to read the first book to see where Cecelia is. While she is mentioned, she does not return.

Also, readers will want to check out It Started with a Royal Kiss (book #2 in the Greek Paradise Escape series), as that book introduces not only the sisters, but Istvan and Indigo. It also gives Indigo’s background with the palace. I would also suggest reading the other two books in that series as well.

Moving on ...

From the previous book (and series), returning to Rydiania:

👑 Princess Beatrix

👑 Princess Gisella (soon to be Queen)

👑 King (their father)

👑 Queen (their mother)

👑 Istvan (stepped down to marry Indigo)

🖌️ Indigo

And, Faye introduces readers to:

👑 Rez (Duke of Kaspar)

👧🏻 Evi (Rez’ 14-month-old daughter)

Given Beatrix’ health diagnosis – there will be some uncomfortable topics in this, particularly infertility and IVF. There is also mention of adoption. As these topics can sometimes be contentious for some readers, caution is advised, especially the infertility as it is a big theme in this book.

And, before I continue … that cover!! Just adorable!! That little girl is SO cute!! Just huggable!! 🥰 🤗

Thanks to a tabloid, The Duchess Tales, uncovering Indigo’s past (namely her father’s past) – she calls off the wedding and flees to Ludus Island (mentioned in the previous series). Istvan flees after her. He wants to marry her (he knows her past). But, the scandal does hurt the palace. However, like the real-life royal family – they don’t respond to the rumors, which just keeps them going.

To turn the attention off the couple, Beatrix influences her brother’s friend – recent widower – Rez to come to the palace to help.

Rez, still mourning the loss of his wife in an accident is uncertain, but decides to. He feels he owes Istvan for saving Evi’s life.

What he doesn’t count on – being put back into society, and into a fake dating scheme – one that involves the kid sister of his friend. A friend who’d once told him that Beatrix was off-limits. Rez often doubts his knowledge about being a single dad, and his adequacy. He does strongly feel as though Evi would greatly benefit from having a mother.

However, Beatrix and the Queen feel this fake relationship act might persuade the tabloid to leave Istvan and Indigo alone long enough to get the wedding done.

While Beatrix expected he’d bring his daughter, being a single dad, she wasn’t prepared for it. After all, despite not thinking about family and kids, she has a diagnosis that affects that future – and she doesn’t want to drag anyone into it.

While she had a crush on Rez when she was younger, she doesn’t want to get too involved. When he wants her to meet his daughter, she’s stand-offish.

He seems to think the idea is wrong, but agrees for Istvan. Though, the first “planned” outing doesn’t go as well as expected. He begins to think it isn’t a good idea, worse because his late wife’s memory is still with him.

Beatrix, while falling for Rez, has problems being around his daughter who serves as a reminder of what she won’t have.

With blatant lies about Indigo circulating, the two have to move up the “romance” to keep the wedding off the tabloid pages. However, each one is wondering how far they should go – and should they continue. Though, what they soon learn – there is a spy in the palace feeding Duchess Tales information – though who it is isn’t known.

Although he cares for Beatrix, and sees her more than just the kid she was – her standoffish behavior causes him to wonder if she cares about Evi.

And, Beatrix is trying to hide her secret, especially the closer she gets to getting close to Evi.

Like always, romance books such as this always have a happy-ending, though there is a LOT of nail-biting, worrying, and reading furiously to see it happen before the final page.

As usual, Faye delivers that with sweetness and some humor. And, as usual, I absolutely jumped right in with this and couldn’t stop reading. It is a bit, to me, fast-paced, and doesn’t lag at all. I did feel like certain things were a bit rushed (hoping there’s SOME resolutions in the last and final book).

I REALLY wanted to know who owned Duchess Tales, and what their connection was to the palace. Can, I PLEASE find out?! 😉

I absolutely adored the father/daughter bond Rez had with Evi. Though, I was a bit perplexed that at 14 months she was barely walking, and hardly talking. According to some development milestone websites, Evi should’ve been walking really well, and speaking upwards to six or so words – particularly mama and dada. Given her mother was gone, dada at the least. I was wondering if there was a reason for her delayed development.

I was a bit disheartened that we didn’t get to visit with some of Indigo’s friends from Ludus Island, especially considering that Istvan’s uncle once owned the island, an island that Atlas from Greek Heir to Claim her Heart (book #1 in the Greek Paradise Escape series) inherited. I feel as though with the wedding planning, those from the island – Hermione, Atlas, Adara, and Krystoff –

should’ve been in attendance and/or mentioned. It wasn’t a major issue at all, but I was wondering if they were going to make it.

As always, the BIGGEST problem for me with stories like this – despite the angsty tension it creates – is the lack of communication between the main couple. It’s a bit frustrating when one of the main characters keeps something important from another, which causes more problems. However, that is something that keeps readers reading, even me, to see if it works itself out by the end. And, it does serve as a lesson to “talk” things out – be open and honest right off.

Overall; this second-chance, fake-dating, friends-to-more romance is an adorably sweet and enjoyable little beach read, although we’re more at the end of summer – so, more like a day read.

Despite its fantasy romance, Faye does a wonderful job at portraying the paparazzi – its invasiveness, as well as its necessity at times. She also does a great job of conveying how scandals take their tolls – sometimes even years and decades down the road.

Case in point – the abdication of England’s King Edward VII’s (Duke of Windsor) in 1936 just three (3) years prior to WWII. That is a great case history to study, however – in hindsight – it truly was for the best given his connections to Germany. Just because it was better for England (and likely the allies), doesn’t mean it didn’t take its toll on the Royal Family physically and emotionally.

Anyway …

Since I’ve now seen both sisters find love – I can’t WAIT to read about Queen-to-Be Gisella!! In this book, she lamented to Beatrix about having so much to learn, more than she ever expected. I’m wondering if we’ll see not only her wedding, but a coronation in the final book of the series.

While not a clean read, it isn’t one of those steamy or spicy ones. There is the mention of intimacy, which occurs behind closed doors; there are references to attraction and desire between Rez and Beatrix. The language is clean and mild though.

Fans of the previous series and the first book of this one, will definitely want to read this.

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)

Previous Book in the Series:

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!”

Connected Books to the Series:

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…”

Final Book in the Princesses of Rydiania Series:

Series: The Princesses of Rydiania (Book #3)

Paperback: 256 Pages

Publisher: Harlequin Romance Larger Print (November 28, 2023)

Language: English

ISBN 10: 1335596488

ISBN-13: 978-1335596482

⬆️ Click Photo for Pre-Order Information

“Breaking the rules…until Christmas!

Princess Gisella’s fundraising gala must be a success. It will prove she’s capable of taking the throne she was never meant to ascend. Anxious and exhausted, she’s about to fire her New York PR firm…before she meets high-flying CEO Silas. Gisella’s duty-bound to marry royalty, while Silas can’t afford distractions, so a fling is completely forbidden. But their intense connection blurs the lines of tradition…”

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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