Review: Suddenly Royal – Nichole Chase

Samantha Rousseau is used to getting her hands dirty. Working toward a master’s degree in wildlife biology while helping take care of her sick father, she has no time for celebrity gossip, designer clothes, or lazy vacations. So when a duchess from the small country of Lilaria invites her to dinner, Samantha assumes it’s to discuss a donation for the program. The truth will change the course of her life in ways she never dreamed.

Alex D’Lynsal is trying to keep his name clean. As crown prince of Lilaria, he’s had his share of scandalous headlines, but the latest pictures have sent him packing to America and forced him to swear off women—especially women in the public eye. That is, until he meets Samantha Rousseau. She’s stubborn, feisty, and incredibly sexy. Not to mention heiress to an estate in his country, which makes her everyone’s front-page news.

While Sam tries to navigate the new world of politics and wealth, she will also have to dodge her growing feelings for Alex. Giving in to them means more than just falling in love; it would mean accepting the weight of an entire country on her shoulders.

Series:
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Nichole Chase
Source: Amazon, via my own wallet
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Reviewer’s Thoughts

As a reader who loves regency era historical romances, I always jump at the chance to read a contemporary romance that involves modern day aristocracy.  Give me a commoner who somehow manages to spark the interest of a Duke, Earl or **gasps** a Prince and I’m there.  So when I saw Abbie Glines share a link to this book on Facebook, I had to have it.

Samantha Rosseau, wildlife biology grad student,  has her life turned upside down when a meeting with a visiting Duchess (who she thinks requested the meeting regarding a donation to the school’s wildlife program) tells her they think she is the the heiress to a Dukedom in the country of Lilaria, Sam finds her world turned upside down.  While she digests the information, His Royal Highness, Alex D’Lynsal, insists on helping Sam navigate the media storm the blows in while she makes her decision about venturing to Lilaria and claiming her birthright.  What neither of them expect is the attraction between them.  Alex may want to pursue more, but can he convince Sam that she’s worthy of him, despite what she might think?

I loved the story, Sam and Alex.  There was something magical about the whole thing.  The fact that this tiny country would track down it’s lost descendants and do whatever they could to restore the aristocracy.  That this country would welcome a socially awkward American girl, with open arms.  And most importantly, that the heir to the throne would look past duty and lineage to not only help Sam as she tries to process all the changes in her life, but fall for her despite her perceived shortcomings.

This book had it’s moments of throwing an emotional gut punch, but it was done in such a way that the magic of Sam and Alex was still present.  I’m so glad I saw that Facebook post, because this was one of those books that I wished could go on forever.  Pure magic!