Title: Recklessly Royal
Author: Nichole Chase
First published March 25, 2014
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780062317476 (ISBN10: 0062317474)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
Prince Alexander has always been the perfect prince. He’s kept his hands clean, his head down, and most importantly—women at arm’s length.
After all, most women are after only one thing, and for Alex there’s a lot more at stake than a fling; he has to worry about the future of an entire kingdom. But at the rate he’s going, Alex is afraid he’ll give his playboy reputation a run for its money.
He is tired of waiting for someone good enough to come along. He has a plan, and it all hinges on seducing the one woman who seems utterly unimpressed by all things royal.
The one woman he is tempted by more than any other . .
.
When Grace arrives at the royal ball of her friend, the newly appointed Duchess Samantha Rousseau, she expected to feel out of place and uncomfortable, but she wasn’t prepared to be noticed by Prince Alexander. With Alex’s charming smile, toned physique, and sense of humor, it won’t take long before she gives in.
But when she finds out just how sheltered the crown prince really is, will she play the part of dutiful princess or the wild rebel?
About the Author
Meet Nichole Chase, a daydreamer with a passion for storytelling. Despite her math teachers’ disapproval, Nichole has always had a rich imagination filled with compelling characters and exciting plotlines.
However, she put her creative pursuits on hold to focus on more “normal” jobs. But now, Nichole is finally giving in to the voices in her head and writing their stories with fervor.
Based in South Georgia, Nichole lives with her husband, daughter, playful dog, tortoise, and two cats. When she’s not devouring books by the dozen, she can be found writing, painting, crafting, or playing monster games with her daughter.
Nichole is a bestselling author, known for The Royal Series (Suddenly Royal, Recklessly Royal, and Reluctantly Royal), as well as four other novels and several short stories published in various anthologies. Her next book, The Accidental Assassin, will be available on November 4th.
Rebecca Friedman of the Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency represents Nichole Chase, and we can’t wait to see what imaginative stories Nichole comes up with next.
Editoral Review
Nichole Chase’s Recklessly Royal is a delightful romp through love and royalty, a lighthearted summer read that will have readers dreaming of ball gowns and tiaras. Chase has established herself as a best-selling author in the contemporary romance genre, and Recklessly Royal is another shining example of her talent.
The novel is set in the fictional country of Colonia, home to the handsome and eligible Prince Andrew and the plucky, relatable American bartender Catherine. When Catherine’s best friend wins a trip to Colonia and invites her along, Catherine never expects to spend her vacation falling for the future king.
What follows is a delightful tale of forbidden love, palace intrigue, and a deepening emotional connection between two people from vastly different worlds. Chase’s writing is witty and charming, bringing the story to life with vivid descriptions and smart dialogue.
The pacing of the novel is brisk, making it a quick and easy read perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. The characters in Recklessly Royal are particularly well-drawn, with Andrew and Catherine both emerging as complex and likable protagonists.
Andrew struggles with the weight of royal obligation and the expectations placed upon him, making him both sympathetic and engaging. Catherine, meanwhile, is a plucky heroine with a strong sense of self, making her a refreshing departure from the typical damsel-in-distress trope.
While the book doesn’t deal with any particularly weighty social or political issues, it does offer a fun and escapist read. That said, there are moments of genuine emotional depth, particularly in exploring the challenges facing Andrew as he grapples with his royal identity.
One potential weakness of Recklessly Royal is its predictability; readers familiar with the romance genre will have a decent sense of where the story is headed. That said, Chase’s writing and character development are strong enough that the journey is still enjoyable, even if the destination isn’t exactly a surprise.
Overall, Recklessly Royal is a charming summer read that’s perfect for fans of the romance genre. Nichole Chase has crafted a fun and engaging novel that’s sure to become a beloved beach read for many years to come.
The Washington Post gives Recklessly Royal 4 out of 5 stars – a thoroughly enjoyable read that’s perfect for readers looking for some escapist fun.
