A Royal Kiss and Tell

I loved Caroline and Leo! ? I may have even liked this sequel more than the first book...that ending was so cute!<br /><br />This was a bit slow at some parts but the plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged and the characters were so lovable! Curious to see who will be the couple of choice in the third book ;)<br /><br />**Thanks so much Harlequin for an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own**

I thoroughly enjoyed A Princess Plan and was looking forward to another book in the series. Unfortunately, A Royal Kiss and Tell was very disappointing for me, and it handled a sensitive issue very poorly. (content warnings for human trafficking / sex trafficking) This is Caroline and Leopolds story. <br /><br />I had several problems with this book. The pacing is kind of weird. It begins at the wedding of the couple from book 1 and then has kind of a meandering plot. Well into the book, it suddenly introduces this subplot involving trafficked women. It was introduced in a weird way and the stories of these women who had been trafficked by political leaders and then often abused were used a plot device for the personal growth of the hero. And that felt very icky to me. If you want to tackle this very real issue, you need to humanize the victims as fully fleshed out characters rather than write them as props. I was very uncomfortable with how that topic was handled and how it was played for mystery, excitement, and personal growth. It felt really inappropriate and used to make Leopold out to be some kind of hero.<br /><br />In addition, the characters were both very frustrating. They spend most of the book being pretty self-involved and oblivious, which I realize is intended as an opportunity for growth, but as noted above this is done in a way I did not appreciate. And throughout the book, both characters (but especially Leopold) do a lot of very dumb things with serious repercussions. The romance was okay, but intertwining it with all this other stuff kind of ruined it for me. I'm not sure what the goal here was, but this really needed a sensitivity reader. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Lady Caroline Hawke certainly has her pick when it comes choosing someone to court. However, only one man gives her pause and that is Prince Leopold of Alucia. As far as Leopold is concerned, he is set by duty to marry another. What is more is that he has no idea who Caroline is. And that vexes her. Annoys her. So, Caroline makes sure that Leopold remembers her. Having a lady's gazette at her disposal allows Caroline the chance to get Leopold's attention - and not in a favorable way. Instead she uses the gazette to besmirch his reputation.<br /><br />Leopold wants to know who is behind the awful rumors being printed about him. But, things go far deeper than how he looks by what has been printed. There is actually a rather awful scheme that reaches high up in the London government that needs to be exposed, so Leopold approaches Lady Caroline in order to gain her help in doing so. The fact that the pair are strongly attracted to each other soon presents difficulties on more than one level.<br /><br /><b> <i>A Royal Kiss &amp; Tell </i> </b>goes beyond the trope of what might be considered hate to love. Instead, it gets deep rather quickly by exposing a slave trade occurring among those in the higher echelons. For this book to deal with this issue was a nice twist to what I as a reader have come to expect in historical romances. <br /><br />Caroline's independent nature and Leopold's righteous one clashed more than once, especially considering Caroline's original goal. Meanwhile, Leopold may have wanted to do right - and did his darnedest along the way - was offset by his frustration due to the fact that he was the "spare" in the Alucian monarchy. He had everything but often wanted more and this did not always make him a pleasant person. <br /><br />I loved development of the romance between Leopold and Caroline and also her relationship with her brother Beck and friends Eliza and Hollis. These relationships gave a nice bit of balance to the otherwise sensitive subjects and the mystery that was being exposed. I enjoyed this book as well as the first in the series, <b> <i>The Princess Plan</i> </b> and definitely look forward to reading Hollis's story in <b> <i>A Princess by Christmas, </i> </b>due for release in October.<br /><br />Many thanks to HQN Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

A Royal Kiss &amp; Tell <br />A Royal Wedding Series #2<br />Julia London<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/JuliaLondon/">https://www.facebook.com/JuliaLondon/</a><br />Release date 05/19/2020<br />Publisher HQN Books<br /><br />Blurb :<br /><br />Every prince has his secrets. And she’s determined to unravel his…

Every young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. Handsome roué Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember Caroline’s name, and the insult is not to be tolerated. So Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure Leo never again forgets: sees that scandalous morsels about his reputation are printed in a ladies’ gossip gazette…all while secretly setting her cap for the rakish royal.<br /><br />Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who? Socially, it is ruining him. More important, it jeopardizes his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of British government. Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society. But this charming prince is about to discover that enlisting the deceptively sweet and sexy Lady Caroline might just cost him his heart, his soul and both their reputations…<br /><br />My review :<br /><br />Will a self-conceited Lady find love with a profligate Prince ...<br /><br />I must confess I was put off by this book, the heroine is really someone difficult to like.<br />I did not know what to think about Caroline, she can be cheerful and kind with anyone from paupers to peers, yet she accosts everyone, talks with emphasis without care if she is welcome or not, plus she appears so fickle and shallow, only thinking about herself, her self importance, to be seen and if not adored, worse she seems to take umbrage if she is not revered. A very ambivalent character. She longs to be seen for herself but plays a game with everybody.<br />After she looked well assorted with Prince Léopold, the spare royalty, in appearance happy of his own statut as he could engage in every excesses available to a man of his rank. Yet it looks like that at one time he had wanted more but he had been relegated to the second son’s role, just smiling and standing at Royal’s fonctions.<br />So when he decides to follow the lead he has, he is totally unprepared, why he makes a mess of things. He has no plan and it is really showing.<br /><br />It took me age to read this book, I struggled and even skipped pages. At one time I thought with Leo in a quest, the story will become more interesting, but no, worse, they move in a parallel life, he tries to right some wrongs done, she disparages him in some gossips rag.<br /><br />I very much loved the first book in this series, but this one leaves me quite lost, the characters when not vain or engaged in meaningless parties, they lack a purpose and/or a reason to go on.<br />2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.<br /><br />I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.<br /><br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/622432608345914/?d=n">https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...</a>

I really fell in love with Eliza Tricklebank and her love story in A Royal Wedding #1. It was a treat to revisit the world of Eliza and Bas. Caroline Hawke, however, was not as likable a character as Eliza. And Leo was not as appealing as his older brother. So, this book technically ranks a bit lower than the first for me. The white slavery story line did help make this one more intriguing, but it took SO long for Leo to enlist Caroline for help. . . The romance was a bit spicier this time so that will appeal to the readers who love that aspect of this series. Two things redeemed this particular title in my esteem: The regular Honeycutt's Gazette of Fashion and Domesticity for Ladies (and the part Charles Dickens plays in the addition of more serious content) and the satisfying ending. Looking forward to reading more about Hollis in Book #3 (and to hopefully see more of her father, the Judge).

It was very hard to like this spoiled vain heroine and the hero was not much better.

<i><a href="https://katiejgallagher.com" rel="nofollow noopener">For other fun bookish stuff, check out my blog!</a><br />Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for sending me a free advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review. A Royal Kiss and Tell debuted May 19th.</i><br /><br />I adored the first book in this series, <i>The Princess Plan</i>, last year, and was so excited to get a chance to read this second book! Like the previous book, the characters in this book are excellent; one thing that London does so well is craft characters who feel solid and utterly unique. On that note, I can see a potential for some readers to be turned off by the MC, Caroline; she’s impetuous to an extreme and isn’t shy about making her opinions known. These traits often land her in sticky situations that can get cringy, so anyone super sensitive to cringe might find this a tougher couple to fall in love with. I was quite taken with her, though. ?<br /><br />Due to the royal focus and the invented kingdom of Alucia, this series has a slightly more fantasy feel than your typical historical romance (a genre which, let’s be honest, is its own strain of fantasy, anyway.) Anyone looking for historical accuracy should perhaps keep browsing, but for those of us who just want to imagine a scenario where we get to fall in love with a dashing prince, this book is just perfect. The dialogue is great and the prose is strong, with the right amount of whimsy that doesn’t cross into saccharine sweet or precious territory. I also appreciated the court intrigue plot thread; astute mystery readers might unravel the mystery before the end, but I didn’t anticipate the twists and turns myself. All in all, this was a great read, and I’ll definitely be first in line for the next in series.

RATING: 3 STARS<br />2020; HQN; HarperCollins<br /><br />I really enjoyed the first novel in the Royal Wedding series (<a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/43297206.The_Princess_Plan__A_Royal_Wedding___1_" title="The Princess Plan (A Royal Wedding, #1) by Julia London" rel="noopener">The Princess Plan</a>) and was excited to read Caroline's story. I loved that we were able to see more of Sebastian's brother, Leo too. Caroline is Eliza's (Sebastian's wife) friend, and doesn't seem to understand that she is now a Princess. I liked Caroline in the first book, but in this one I found her obnoxious and was annoyed with her early on. She wanted to be treated a certain way, but couldn't acknowledge other people's rules. It was purely because of Leo that I kept reading this story. I like Hollis so I am excited for the next book. I don't want to jinx though...so won't get myself hyped up.<br /><br /><i>***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***</i>

This review was originally posted on<a href="http://addictedtoromance.org/book-review-a-royal-kiss-and-tell-by-julia-london/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> Addicted To Romance</a><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1551095556i/27115635._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br>A Royal Kiss and Tell is a book I have been meaning to get to for a while. But when I was able to read this for my book club of the month I was beyond excited. Now if you want to hear our thoughts on that ...check out Remarkably Lisa's channel on YouTube to watch. I absolutely had such a fun time with the first book "A Princess Plan" and just couldn't wait to delve into this one and I will be honest that I am not even sure why I waited so long for this one here. But I am so happy that I finally took a chance on this one because it was such a delightful read and offered some valuable romantic elements in it that worked for me. <br><br><br><br><blockquote>But looking at Eliza, Caroline realized that she did indeed want one day to be in love with a man who would be as devoted to her as Prince Sebastian was to his bride. She wanted to feel everything Eliza was feeling, to understand just how that sort of love changed a person.</blockquote><br><br><br><br> A Royal Kiss and Tell features some delightful characters: <br><br><br><br> Prince Leopold of Alucia-Beta hero, protective, has alpha-like moments, honorable, stoic <br><br><br><br> Caroline Hawke-Aristocrat, obsessed with image, loves clothing, and to be the center of the party <br><br><br><br>A Royal Kiss and Tell is the second book in the series and this book takes us to the wedding of Bas and Eliza. Caroline is determined to be the center of the party, she craves the attention and is thrilled for her best friend in her marriage to a prince and this fairy tale wedding. Caroline is attracted to Bas's brother, Leopold, who clearly doesn't like her or barely even notices her. But Caroline is determined to be noticed by him, and both of them get into verbal matches, and to anyone on the outside, they are enemies. But when circumstances have Leopold and Caroline together, building intimacy is growing between them. But when Leopold learns of a plot against the royals and women being trafficked from his country into England, he is appalled and determined to get to the bottom of it. But when scandal erupts Leopold wonders if he will be able to reveal the scandal to all and give these women a safe place to harbor. A love forms between Caroline and Leopold, but they are worlds apart, and will they be able to find their HEA? <br><br><br><br><blockquote>I prefer women, Caroline,” he murmured. “I prefer women who are confident of their place in this world...but perhaps those who hold their tongues when they ought."</blockquote><br><br><br><br>A Royal Kiss and Tell is a story that I will admit I was highly apprehensive about. The first third of the story I was on the fence about and was really hoping that this one wouldn't turn into a DNF of a read because I REALLY didn't want to have to do that at all. I wanted this one to be enjoyable and especially with it being a group read with a live show discussion, I wanted to be able to have some affection for this story. But Julia London worked her magic for me and once I hit about 40% I was HOOKED into this book so well. I just didn't want to put it down. I think this is where the turn of the relationship builds between Leopold and Caroline, seeing the growing intimacy and also the hidden crime-filled plot that builds in the storyline. I honestly never expected this plotline to happen. So I do want to warn readers who want to read this book, that there are elements of human trafficking and it does have its darker moments, so please know that going in. The blurb of this book does NOT convey this aspect and it really should. So fair warning on that. <br><br><br><br><blockquote>“What is it that women do in their boudoir? It seems fairly straightforward, does it not? A petticoat, a few pins in the hair,” he said, fluttering his fingers at his head.</blockquote><br><br><br><br>The romance that builds between Leopold and Caroline was so captivating and I had a blast with their bantering but once we get to the point where their walls come down, and transparency enters the relationship and they connect on a deeper level, is when the romance explodes in so much beauty and swoon-worthy moments. These two make such a great time and when Leo truly shares what he is dealing with, this is when I truly fell in love with her. I struggled so much with her character, that seeing this part of her really sealed the deal for me. I couldn't get enough of seeing how her unique outlook adds something different to the mystery they are both trying to solve. I just wanted them to have their happy ending, because they truly deserved it, especially in seeing how much Leopold sacrifices. There are some side characters that I am hoping get their story told. <br><br><br><br><blockquote>She knew herself well enough to know that she was in desperate trouble. Her heart was headed for collision with reality, and it was going to shatter into pieces very soon, because Hollis was right—she loved Leopold. And now he was going to ruin everything by being a good man.</blockquote><br><br><br><br>Overall I found A Royal Kiss and Tell to be a stunning story that delves into some difficult issues, builds a plot of intrigue and danger, and a romance that is passionate and angsty filled in its entertaining ways of this world this author has built. Guaranteed to deliver a delightful journey to its readers. <br><br><br><br><blockquote>There seems quite a lot that should be said, but time restricts me, so I will write this: I never believed love would find me. I never believed that in my position, I would know the luxury of love. My world was a fog of pleasure and privilege, but then you came along and pierced that fog. I never dreamed I would meet someone like you, much less love someone like you. I fear this love I hold for you will drive me to madness. I think of you every day and I will for the rest of my life. I will hold dear what we have shared. I will never have the strength to feel this way again, and I want you to know, no matter what else, I loved you beyond compare and will burn for you for the rest of my days. </blockquote><br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1630889018i/31882733.jpg" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1630889018i/31882732._SX540_.jpg" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561506897i/27726693._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1550917203i/27106640._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><a href="http://addictedtoromance.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1499527757i/23242699.jpg" alt=" photo Addicted To Romance Reviews 2_zpsplp8m0tb.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

I have been a huge fan of Julia London’s books for many years now, I have always loved her witty, clever and passionately romantic writing, her historical’s are in a league of their own – especially those Highlander…phew, those are scorching!! But, I do have to admit that the first book in this series wasn’t the huge boom I had expected it to be, which I do hate saying.<br />You know me, I hate saying anything negative. But that wouldn’t stop me from continuing with this series after all this is the great Julia London we are talking about, and I am pleased to say that this is soooo darn good!<br />Don’t you just love a proper rogue, a scandalous, cavorting and debauched; rake? Off course you do, and with gorgeous, sexy, exciting, mysterious, scandalous and aloof; Prince Leopold of Alucia …sigh!! We have got one hell of a swoon-some hero!<br />Lady Caroline Hawke is the shining star of society, she is lusted over by every man except the man she would like to lust over; he doesn’t seem to like her at all which makes him hugely fascinating to her but also infuriates her, for our Caroline is exceedingly vain, it’s not actually her fault it’s just how she has been treated that has made her that way. But she cannot abide the fact that the such a man can’t even remember who she is, so she thinks up a way to make sure she is well and truly imprinted on to his mind and suddenly scandalous stories about him start appearing in a ladies gossip rag. Which is the last thing that our hero needs at the moment as he has bigger fish to fry, one that could very well cost lives? Leo needs help so what does a prince with a blackened reputation do? Go straight to the source of all of his problems – even though at the time he doesn’t realise it.<br />This is the second book in the hilarious romantic comedy series; A Royal Wedding by Julia London, this is marked as a stand-alone which it could very easily be read as such, but my personal opinion is that you should read the previous book first. Even though with all of Julia’s books each story is very central to the two lead characters I do think to really grasp the entirety of the series then you should read the first book – just a suggestion. I personally think that this one is far better than the first book, there is far more wit and well I can’t put my finger on it but this one has that Julia London magical feel which we all know and love back which I don’t think the first book in the series had. This is full of belly laughs, I was happily giggling away at Leo and Caro’s shenanigans, what a marvellous could they are even though they both have huge flaws.<br />I will admit that as much as I loved the sexy banter, chemistry and blossoming romance between Caroline and Leopold, it did take a while for me to see past her vanity. I was in two frames of minds about her, she is beautiful there is no questioning that and she knows it, but she has this marvellous catty wit and brilliant mind hidden beneath the mask she wears, at times I found her to be quite the enigma; rather aloof and then thoroughly passionate. But deep down past all that bravado she just wants a good man to actually see the true her; the brainy owl and not just the beautiful swan. But, the more you get to know her, and see her with Leo; how she shines, I did start to warm to her and ended up really liking her.<br />Another winner for Julia London, it captivates and entertains; its full of danger, passion and intrigue. Highly recommend, I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.<br />This was an arc copy via the author, which I voluntarily reviewed. Thank you, Julia and Nitty.