Lilah Pace - His Royal Favorite

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?

Comment: This is the second and final installment in the duology about an alternate reality where the prince of Wales would be gay and how he would have found love and the courage to come out to his country. I was quite eager to see how this story would play out.

In this second story, the prince tells the nation he is gay and that he has a partner, Ben. However, things are not easy for them, especially for Ben, not as used to the life in the public eye. But despite the adversity and the possible outcomes of James' coming out, the two guys find courage and resilience in their feelings and they face what is thrown at them. Will James still become king one day despite what his did? Will Ben be strong enough to keep on loving James despite feeling he's stuck in a situation he can't control?

I was really happy to start this story. It only took me longer to finish because, sadly, real life got in the way and I got very busy during the weekend, otherwise I'd have finished a lot sooner. I was really glad the story moved along the lines I expected but never went towards silly ways nor to exaggerated scenes just to make things more crazy or dramatic. I really liked how the author used a tone in this story that felt very appealing to me.

Thankfully, this story os pretty much focused on James and Ben as they deal with James' coming out. I think this was portrayed in a very adult and well thought manner, as I'd like to see in real life, were something similar to happen (even if with other public people). Both James and ben behaved well, neither acted silly about this, nor were they put into situations where drama would follow. I think the author did a good job creating scenarios that feel believable with all the protocols that must exist but at the same time, we still had access to the guys' feelings and their emotions and this dichotomy - public vs personal attitude was well balanced.

I was curious to see how such a decision would affect Ben. Of course his life was the one that changed the most but this isn't too different from any commoner who would join any royal family. I believed the way things progressed in his life. I expected a bit more angst but I'm even more glad the author decided to add it in small amounts which means the characters talked, discussed things, never assumed or thought for the other person and that can be summarized as a stable and well meant relationship. I also think the end makes more sense thanks to the fact Ben and James didn't have an easy path but didn't let drama get them.

There are some specific situations both have to deal with but again, I liked where this went. I can understand why the story felt boring to some readers, this is more the validation of something than an adventure of novelties but to be honest, for me it worked, because I liked we got to see their daily lives, their goals come to life. It was also romantic, we keep on having scenes of their personal time and that is both sweet and hot at times.

There were parts I liked less, that I feel weren't as interesting but overall, this was a good story, well paced and well presented.

If one can put aside the unrealistic things, this is quite believable as a whole. For those who like royal stories but not the fluff and fairytale side of it but appreciate twists and solid writing, I think this is a must.

Grade: 8/10

Lilah Pace - His Royal Secret

James, the handsome, cosmopolitan Prince of Wales, is used to being in the public eye. But he's keeping a king-sized secret...James, next in line for the throne, is gay.
He’s been able to hide his sexual orientation with the help of his best friend and beard, Lady Cassandra. Sometimes he feels like a coward for not coming out, but he daren’t risk losing the crown. If he did, the succession would fall on his deeply troubled younger sister, Princess Amelia. To protect her, James is willing to live a lie.
While on holiday, he meets Benjamin Dahan—a rugged international reporter with a globe-trotting, unattached life—who catches far more than James's eye. And when Ben is transferred to London, it seems fate may finally be smiling on James.
But what began as a torrid fling grows into something far more intimate and powerful. Soon James will have to decide who he is, what he wants from life and love, and what he’s willing to sacrifice for the truth...

Comment: While in an online conversation with someone, I was told about this book and what a great story it was. I don't mind royal themed books but usually the HEAs aren't done in the ways I would expect do I also don't look for them.

I was willing to try this one, though, because it featured two men.

In this book we have James, the prince of Wales as a gay man living in a lie not only to met expectations and suppositions about royal lines but mainly because he couldn't come out, eventually lose the possibility to lose the crown to his younger sister, who wouldn't be able to take on the kingdom and stay sane.

These situations weight in on James but he focuses on his duty and the things he accomplishes to make it bearable despite past disappointments. This changes, however, the day he meets Ben in one of his rare holiday escapes. Things end up stressful between them but James meets Ben again at a change encounter in a formal dinner event and their relationship rekindles. But with so many issues to deal with, can James and Ben find common ground?

This story is clearly marketed as an alternative reality to the known lives of British royalty and in this world, James, as the crown prince, is gay and hiding his feelings because of duty, which includes a best friend who helped him give the public the idea of a lengthy relationship. But James isn't happy about the situation, only feels he can't have options nor would he be able to come out publicly due to other problems and not his own self.

I actually liked the story, this was the first time I've read something by the author and I liked the writing style. The words flow easily and I think the author was competent in conveying the characters' feelings and especially James' need to find happiness while still keeping up with appearances. I can only guess how hard it is for famous people who just want to have their privates lives like that but are constantly pressured to be on the spotlight. (not the ones who pretend to be annoyed but really love the attention)

I think the author chose interesting scenes to let us know about these tings and I liked I never got the feeling there could be other things to focus on.

James is a fascinating character, he has flaws of course but his position in life can be understandably difficult when it comes to the daily things most people take for granted, like privacy. I can also accept the fact his choices wouldn't be immediately able to be different no matter how easy it is to think them.

Ben was a bit more difficult to read but I also think it was a bit on purpose. He has had some issues in his past that were emotionally complicated but I liked how he still read as a compassionate man, how he could see James' side of things even if he feels he wanted more or less, depending on his moods. Part of the fun of seeing their relationship develop is precisely the doubts and the almost sensation they are falling in love without thinking that until it gets to the point if feels inevitable, as if it's something meant to be.

There are scenes that seem to be a bit more unlikely to believe in but all's fair in fiction, I'd say, if it follows minimal reason. There is more to this story than just the romance, even if that can be seen as the best part, of course. I liked how the secondary characters feel well done, especially James' interactions with his sister and best friend. I can imagine these details aren't there just to fill up space and they will be important characters in the sequel as well.

I liked the angst in this book. It's not exaggerated nor is is used just to move the plot forward. 

For instance, I liked the author thought about the elements included in the story and gave them meaning. I'm curious to see how the characters' decisions n this book will have a follow up in the next one. Thinking from a unique fairytale POV, I do hope things progress on a certain way but I can already imagine the unsolved issues which felt like the things I'd change in this book being key in the next and I only hope the author solves them well.

Can't wait to read it next month. As for this, a great read.

Grade: 8/10