🎄🌃👑 “The Princess’s Forbidden Holiday Fling” (The Princesses of Rydiania #3) (2023) 👑🌃🎄 – Book Review

 

MY REVIEW 

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 Purchase 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 …”

 

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 – this is the writer’s last book for Harlequin Romance, so it is a bittersweet book to read. It is also the last in this series. 

 

It doesn’t mean the write has stopped writer, she is focusing her efforts on her other titles – some of them I’ve already read – her Bluestar Island series. 

 

But, getting back to this book …

 

As it is the third in a series, it is recommended to read the first two books – His Accidentally Pregnant Princess and Royal Mom for the Duke’s Daughter.

 

However, as their brother Istvan is sometimes in these books, as well as being mentioned, I do recommend reading It Started with a Royal Kiss (Greek Paradise Escape #2). Of course, reading the first and third book in that series will give the reader the entire story. 

 

This is Gisella’s story. 

 

For those who’ve been keeping up with the Rydianian family – Gisella is the Crown Princess. She’s due to take the thrown since her brother, Istvan, abdicated. Istvan’s actions also caused the other sisters to “step up” in their royal duties. 

 

Returning to this story: 

 

👑 Princess Gisella (soon to be Queen)

👑 King (their father)

👑 Queen (their mother)

👑 Princess Cecelia

 

Istvan, Indigo, Beatrix, Rez, and even Cecelia’s husband Antoine are barely mentioned in this story. 

 

There are not too many trigger or content warnings in this – but, given that it takes place over the Christmas season, there is the mention of a house fire; as well as an infant injured with smoke inhalation. For those worried – the infant does survive and is fine after. 

 

Against the backdrop of the Christmas season in New York, Crown Princess Gisella is there to host the Bee Global Gala. She is waiting for Silas Cabot, the CEO of his own Public Relations firm. 

 

Gisella needs the gala to go perfectly as it will show her country what kind of a ruler/leader she will be.

 

Silas needs this gala to go perfectly so he can merge with another company. 

 

But, Silas is late to their first meeting where Gisella fires him. As he desperately needs this, and knows she won’t be able to find another PR firm in time – he sends flowers. 

 

That gesture, and Gisella also feeling like she acted too hasty in firing him, brings the two back into a working relationship. 

 

Gisella learns why Silas was late and why he “smelled” like a bonfire. She is deeply touched by his heroics, and even offers to help. 

 

In addition to her worries and concerns about the gala, Gisella is the new target of the infamous The Duchess Tales blog. And, it is doing what most of those types of “click-baity” sites due – stir up some not-so-positive buzz. The palace is NO closer to finding out who this person is. 

 

It isn’t long until Silas and Gisella’s working relationship becomes a fantasy fling – each knowing that after the gala, reality will come back and they’ll go their separate ways. But, still, they can help how they feel for each other; and they can’t help but embrace the best that the other brings out. 

 

But, for Silas, it is a reminder that he isn’t good enough – something his father (before he died) reminded him of. And, that is what drives Silas to be the best at what he does.

 

For Gisella – she is beginning to understand what her brother and sisters found – real love. The kind of love that distracts her, makes her smile, makes her look forward to sneaking out. The kind of love that makes her decide she doesn’t want to marry someone she can’t love. Yet, she knows what her duty is – it has been drilled into her since her childhood. 

 

Still, she wants what she has with Silas.

 

But, she is soon reminded of duty and her commitment. 

 

As Silas’ mother tells him – “true love will find a way”.

 

And, as any fairytale romance – it does, but it takes a lot of work, and giving up a lot to get it. 

 

Faye concludes the book and series in true “fairytale” romance fashion. She doesn’t speed up and rush through it, nor does she slog along. But, somehow, it all works and flows from beginning to end. 

 

Which brings me to my “rating” …

 

This is easily a 4-star read, but it was hindered by the lack of continuity. One mishap here or there could easily be overlooked, but it isn’t as simple as that. 

As stated previous, this is connected to the two previous books. As in most series, the “current” book has some spoilers as to what happened. However, it is those “spoilers” that depict the lack of continuity. Even early on in this book. 

 

Early on (page 8 – the second page of the story) – it is mentioned that Istvan stepped down just that year, and mentions their father’s medical issues. When Istvan stepped down, it was in It Started with a Royal Kiss, the second book of the Greek Paradise Escape series. 

 

In the epilogue of His Accidentally Pregnant Princess, it is seven months later. Cecelia has already had her son who is a week old. Of course, Antoine is thinking about them having a second one, Cecelia isn’t so sure. 

 

So, by the time this story comes around, Markos should be anywhere from 3-4; he is only 2 years old (which sort of then erases the ending of the second book). 

 

The epilogue of Royal Mom for the Duke’s Daughter takes place FOUR (4) years after that story. Beatrix and Rez have ALREADY married, Beatrix has adopted Evi (who is 5), and has a 10-day old son – Alexander. 

 

That means, that by the end of this book – Alexander should be about 1-2 years old.

 

Yet, the ending of this book has the following endings (with the epilogue being 2 years after this story):

 

Gisella/Silas – daughter (Penelope), 5 days old

 

Istvan/Indigo – no children, but planning 

 

Cecelia/Antoine – Markos toddling around (age 2); Cecelia 3 months into a second pregnancy (that is the pregnancy I thought was referred to in this book, not the first one with Markos)

 

Beatrix/Rez – “recently got married”; no mention of Alexander; Beatrix is considering adopting Evi (who is likely around 2-3 years old)

 

I honestly wanted to give this book the 4-star rating because I’ve enjoyed the stories and Faye’s writing. But, it was disappointing that a well-developed series (which built off of another one) met such a mediocre end with the lack of continuity. Thankfully I had my books close by to reconcile my recollections. 

 

Even though some of the characters from Greek Paradise Escape might’ve crossed over in a book or two – there is no further mention of them which I would’ve LOVED given the finality of this book. 

 

That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book – I did, and at times I didn’t want to put it down. I definitely enjoyed seeing New York at Christman through Gisella’s eyes. It isn’t like I wouldn’t read it again, I would – but I do have a TBR stack the size of a small library. 

 

As there has been a LOT of talk and some “controversy” about “clean” reads, I’ve decided to try a new system to rate language as well as “intimate scenes” or “spice” as some readers refer to it. 

 

Language – Very clean (0 – 🫢; no bad words at all) 

 

Intimate Scenes (“spice”) – Lovemaking is mentioned, occurs off page (1 –🌶️; low, inoffensive; 18+ readers)

 

As I’ve read the author’s other work, including her ever-expanding Bluestar Island series (she’s moving on to a different family) – I will likely continue reading her work. Though, I have to save the money for the books. 

 

Those who’ve been keeping up with the series will likely want to add this to their collection. 

 

 

 

RATING:  

 

3 ⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads  

 

3 ⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub  

 

3 ⭐⭐⭐/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 Books in 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!” 

 

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?”

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…”

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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