Series: standalone
Author: Debbie Rigaud
Publisher: Point (Scholastic)
Release Date: July 30, 2019
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Told: First Person, Present Tense
Content Rating: Young Teen (kissing)
Format Read: ARC
Find On: Goodreads
Purchase: Azon | B&N | BookDepo | Indiebound
Summary:
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.
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The Good: True to the playful cover, Truly Madly Royally is a sweet interracial romance between a philanthropist girl from New Jersey and a teen prince from a small European country during a college-prep summer program. It had cute puns and banter, fun college exploration and Taco Tuesdays, and a much appreciated innocent relationship with barely even kissing despite the couple being 17-18 years old.
The Not So Good: But despite the adorable dates, enthusiastic fundraisers, and royal wedding, the odd rhythm of the story made it a struggle to relate to on an emotional level. A lot happened in this only 304-page novel and to insure that it was all at least mentioned, the scenes were heavily abbreviated and many details omitted - details that really would've helped me connect with Zora and Owen better. Instead, Zora came off as somewhat aloof in non-philanthropist situations, and doting and groveling Owen was a bit too "girl's ideal" which made him a little bland. Their romance was also rather erratic and confusing with Zora flip-flopping like crazy and Owen not only accepting it but taking the blame for anything that needed apologizing for (like her taking his phone). They did make a cute couple, I guess, but the flow of their relationship baffled me. Finally, most of the jokes, references and slang were region- and culture-focused, and without explanations I didn't get most of them, sadly excluding me from much of the humor.
Conclusion: Was this the cute, playful romance the cover promised? Yes. Was I glad I read it? Sure, although I did have to push through the last third or so. Would I recommend it? I don't see why not, especially for someone who enjoys interracial relationships, royal romances, and puns.
Scribble Rating:
3 of 5 Scribbles
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