HIS ROYAL FAVORITE (His Royal Secret #2) by Lilah Pace-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: August 16, 2016

James, Prince of Wales, is making history. He’s decided to come out to his subjects—and the world. However, telling the truth means exposing his relationship with lone-wolf reporter Benjamin Dahan. Although Ben never wanted commitment, the unexpected depth of his feelings leads him to join James in the media’s harsh spotlight.

When the news story explodes across the globe, Ben can endure the mockery and dirty jokes. But after his tragic past is cruelly revealed, his life begins to implode. Can even his love for James be worth this?

James has it no easier. His revelation divides the country and sparks turmoil within the royal family. He must struggle to defend not only himself and Ben, but also his younger sister, who hovers on the brink of a breakdown that could endanger her life.

Is Ben strong enough to survive the onslaught and stand by James’ side? And will James have to make a choice between Ben and the crown?

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REVIEW: HIS ROYAL FAVORITE is the second installment in Lilah Pace’s contemporary, adult HIS ROYAL SECRET M/M romance duology focusing on the fictional Prince of Wales James, and reporter/journalist Benjamin Dahan. HIS ROYAL FAVORITE should not be read as a stand alone as the story line picks up immediately upon the events of book one –His Royal Secret.

NOTE: HIS ROYAL FAVORITE is a M/M story line and contains some sexual situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

If you have not read book one, there may be some spoilers in my review.

Told from dual third person perspectives (James and Ben) HIS ROYAL FAVORITE follows James and Ben in the days, weeks and months after James revealed to the world he was gay. As the Prince of Wales, and thusly, the representative for the Church of England, James struggles with the possibility of having to abdicate the throne if the Church deems his relationship with Ben against their laws. What ensues is a story line focusing on the emotional and heartbreaking fall out for two men who found love but may lose one another-in the end.

The relationship between Ben and James waivers in the face of betrayal, media exposure, and a past riddled with loss and tragedy. Although Ben and James profess their love for one another, James is not willing to destroy Ben’s life to save the crown; and Ben may not be strong enough to battle the daily life of a royal consort. Unlike the first installment, the $ex scenes are limited, mostly implied and many fade to black. The focus of their relationship is survival in the face of scrutiny, family dysfunction, controversy, and media rumors and hype.

All of the previous story line characters play secondary and supporting roles. We watch as James’s younger sister’s life implodes, and with Ben’s insistence, James takes matter into his own hands. Ben’s life as a reporter meets with betrayal and trickery; and his past refuses to go away quietly. Uncle Richard’s story line is disappointing-the conflict resolution is met with silence and nothing more.

HIS ROYAL FAVORITE is an encouraging, emotional and energetic storyline. There are moments of heartbreak and betrayal; romance and love; acceptance and determination. Some of the story line premise is familiar-perhaps a reflection of the monarchy in real life-with an intimate look at the destructive nature of secrets and loss. The premise is imaginative; the characters are colorful and passionate; the romance is intimate and fated.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy