The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory – a Review

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Description:
Princess Theodora Isabella Victoria of Drieden of the Royal House Laurent is so over this princess thing.

After her fiancé jilted her on their wedding day, she’s finally back home after spending four months in exile—aka it’s back to press conferences, public appearances, and putting on a show for the Driedish nation as the perfect princess they expect her to be. But Thea’s sick of duty. After all, that’s what got her into this mess in the first place.

So when she sneaks out of the palace and meets a sexy Scot named Nick in a local bar, she relishes the chance to be a normal woman for a change. But just as she thinks she’s found her Prince Charming for the night, he reveals his intentions are less than honorable: he’s the brother of her former fiancé, a British spy, and he’s not above blackmail. As Thea reluctantly joins forces with Nick to find out what happened the day her fiancé disappeared, together they discover a secret that could destroy a centuries-old monarchy and change life as they know it.

Funny, fast-paced, and full of more twists and turns than the castle Thea lives in, The Royal Runaway is a fresh romantic comedy that will leave you cheering for the modern-day royal who chucks the rulebook aside to create her own happily-ever-after.

Review:

The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory is a standalone fun royal romance mystery.  Princess Theodora Isabella Victoria of Drieden of the Royal House Laurent, our heroine, is back from 4 months in seclusion getting over being jilted on her wedding day.  Mainly she was sent there to allow time to let the publicity die down.  Thea is the heir apparent to the throne, and must once again do what is expected of her; press conferences, appearances, galas, etc.  But she also has a reputation among the family and staff, of slipping out at night in disguise to have fun.

In a short time after arriving home, she sneaks out and goes to a bar in town, and meets handsome stranger, Nick, our hero, who sees through Thea’s disguise.  Turns out that Nick, who she learns is a spy for the British, is her ex fiancee’s brother, who has not been seen in 4 months since he jilted Thea.  Nick is trying to find his brother, but he has ulterior motives, which he will blackmail Thea to help him. 

What follows is an engaging adventure with Nick and Thea investigating the truth about her ex’s disappearance, and the political ramifications involved.  The mystery unravels, revealing betrayals, intrigue and treason that threatens the monarchy and Thea’s future.  In the midst of this mystery, a slow burn romance develops between Nick and Thea, but remains in the background for the most part, until nearer to the end.  As they get closer to the truth, with some surprise twists, the danger escalates and Thea will find herself in a life threatening situation.  Will Nick be there to save her?

I really like Thea, as she was fun, witty and as the truths begin to unveil, she rises up to prove her worth as a future Queen.  I liked Nick, but he was more annoying early, but that changed later on.  The banter between them was great.  The Royal Runaway was a sweet fun entertaining story line, with some great characters, and well written by Emory.   If you enjoy a royal themed background, a bit of mystery, and a budding romance, then I suggest you read The Royal Runaway.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher