The Crown Prince’s Bride by Donna Alward – a Review
Description:
A Crown Prince gets a second chance at love with the woman who’s always been there – in the next book in the prince duology from Donna Alward!
The Crown Prince of Marazur is suffering from a broken heart. After losing his wife and future queen, he knows he’ll never find love again with a partner as wonderful as her. He’s thrown himself into his duties and is trying to be a better father to his two children, but he’s lonely. Even though falling in love seems impossible, so does spending the rest of his life alone.
Stephani has been Raoul’s assistant for years. Smart, loyal, and discreet, Stephani is fantastic at her job. Except for the fact that she’s been in love with her boss since her first week of employment, not that she would ever act on it. Besides, Raoul is first in line to the throne and she’s his assistant. If Raoul ever marries again, it’ll be with someone who can be a future queen. Not someone like Stephani.
When Raoul’s date for a state dinner is unable to attend, he invites Stephani. She’s well-versed on the issues and castle protocol, and Raoul’s always been comfortable with her. But when Stephani arrives, Raoul hardly recognizes her. Is this stunning woman the same one who’s run his office for years?
The Crown Prince’s Bride is the ultimate fairy tale for readers looking for Cinderella to get her prince—and be able to keep him past midnight
Review:
The Crown Prince’s Bride by Donna Alward is the 2nd and final book in her sweet The Prince duology. Once again, Donna Alward gives us a wonderful sweet delightful romance. The Crown Prince’s Bride continues the story of the Royal family of Marazur, with the Crown Prince, Raoul now the hero. The story picks up close to when it left in the first book. The wedding planning for Diego and Rose is on the way, with everyone working hard in the preparation. Stephani, who is Raoul assistant, is working overtime time to make sure the wedding goes as planned, as well as helping Raoul with his duties.
Just a brief refresher: a year ago, Raoul wife’s , Ceci was killed in a car crash, devastating him and his two children. Stephani was Ceci’s cousin, and has worked for Raoul for 8 years. Over the years working for Raoul, she knew she had fallen in love with him, but she loved Ceci and would never allow herself to push her feelings.
Even now, with a year past, Stephani knows Raoul is still in mourning, and continues to hide her feelings, as she works hard to be the best assistant for him. At Diego and Rose’s wedding, Stephani had to step in to be Rose’s maid of honor, and wore the fancy beautiful gown. Raoul begins to see her in another light, besides being his trusted friend and valued assistant. What follows, is a slow built romance that will bring them very much together, with both knowing their true feelings. They take a week long business trip to the Rivera, and act on their lustful feelings.
Raoul though falling hard for Stephani, is afraid to move forward, claiming he is not ready, causing Stephani to reevaluate her staying in Marazur. She loves her job, and is very good at it, but she knows Raoul is afraid of moving forward, and she needs to put her own happiness to the forefront. She makes moves to leave and find another job, because she can’t handle her feelings for Raoul, and feels he needs to find a proper Queen.
Raoul, with advice from his brother, father and friends realize that his fears are also based on losing another person he loved, and the pain it causes. He must get past the grief and pain to accept the joy that could come from being with someone he loves. Will he let Stephani leave?
The Crown Prince’s Bride is a sweet, wonderful, heartwarming romance, with some heartbreaking moments. I loved this family that we got to know in the first book, and continued to spend time with in this book. I loved Diego and Rose, and loved Raoul and Stephani equally.
Donna Alward has written a very enjoyable, sweet contemporary romance. She always gives us great likable characters, and from the start you will root for Stephani to get her fairy tale romance.
Reviewed by Barb
Copy provided by Publisher
