Royal Romance Books

Once Upon A Royal Summer

Author: Teri Wilson

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Lacey is a princess by trade at a theme park that seems awfully similar to Disneyland. She adores her job and meeting all the guests, especially Henry, who happens to be an actual prince of a small country.

Why Kirsten loves it

Very G-rated hijinks ensue and it was simply adorable. I hope Hallmark ends up making it into a movie. It was a sweet romance with no triggers and a charming, unique love story.

Find this book in: Royal Reads / Books with Summer in the Title

Royal Holiday

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Year: 2019

Genre: Romance

More info: The Wedding Date #4

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

When Maddie gets Kirsten’s dream gig (styling a Royal or let’s face it, hanging out with a Royal), she brings her mom, Vivian, with her to England. ⁣Vivian meets a very handsome gentleman who happens to be the Queen’s private secretary. Sparks fly but will this be more than just a holiday romance?

Why Jackie loves it

Looking for a last-minute Christmas Read, New Year’s book, or the perfect holiday book? Royal Holiday was the perfect first read for winter break, especially for those who love a royal romance.

Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Best Holiday Books / Jasmine Guillory Books in Order / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Royal Romance Books / New Year’s Eve Books

The Frog Prince

Author: Elle Lothlorien

Year: 2010

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Did you know there are a whole lot of displaced royals out there? These descendants of former royalty have high standards to live up to but no throne to sit on. When Leigh meets and begins dating one of these ex-royals, her world shifts when her boyfriend’s throne is reinstated!

Why Kirsten loves it

This royal book got me back into reading when I was the mom of a newborn. It’s like chocolate in book form!

Modern Royal Romance Novels

The Heir and the Spare

Author: Emily Albright

Year: 2015

Genre: Romance

More info: The Heir and the Spare #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

American Evie is thrilled to be headed to Oxford for her degree and even more thrilled to fall for the handsome Edmund. But their love is complicated because he’s the spare to the English throne. While their love blossoms, they are faced with dizzying dating problems Evie never could have imagined.

Why Kirsten loves it

I started this story the night before Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding. It’s about the spare prince of Britain and his new American love interest. I mean – literally THE perfect book at the perfect time. I devoured it in 24 hours (totally picturing Meghan and Harry the whole time!) It’s a great one to pack in your beach bag. is it a coincidence that Harry called his book the Spare?

Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / College Romance Books

Kilted Lovers

Author: Megan Clawson

Year: 2025

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

After one too many errors in the public eye, distant heir to the throne Lady Alice is shipped off to Balmoral for the summer under the watchful, secluded eyes of the royal household. There, she is forced to face her demons and learn to find her independence. Helping her along the way are her ladies’ maid and the annoying bagpiper, Fraser, who just so happens to be a dashing man, Alice can’t ignore! Will this summer undercover change her forever?

Why Kirsten loves it

Fraser Bell was clearly modeled after Jamie Fraser, or at least he was in my mind, making him the ideal romantic lead. I loved how Alice finds herself by letting others help her. The heavier topics of depression were well-handled and gave their romance depth. I also adored the cast of secondary characters!

Find this book in: Books Set in Scotland / Royal Romances

Suddenly Royal

Author: Nichole Chase

Year: 2013

Genre: Romance

More info: The Royals #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

So many royal reads, and so little time! This one starts off with a woman who finds out she’s inherited an estate and is actually a duchess from a small kingdom. A trouble-making prince from the same kingdom is assigned to help her fit in.

Why Kirsten loves it

I read this book at the height of royal mania! It was around the time of Harry and Meghan’s wedding and I was consuming every royal story I could get my hands on. While I loved this one, I’ve read the whole series, and the third one was my favorite!

Royal Marriage Market

Author: Heather Lyons

Year: 2015

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This was such a fun story about a secret summit that happens once a decade for royal monarchs and their heirs to work out politics and arrange marriages. Elsa abhors the tradition and enters into a fake dating plot with fellow heir, Christian. But when the lines between fake and real blur, these two might need to rewrite their countries’ histories.

Why Kirsten loves it

Sometimes, after reading books about heavy topics like wars, racism, or murder, a reader just needs a break. Enter the Royal Marriage Market, a totally unrealistic novel about how modern-day royal love matches are really made.

I read it in one sitting! Was it believable? No. This pick from books about royalty is over the top. Was it cute and romantic and the perfect palette cleanser? Hell, yeah!

The Runaway Princess

Author: Hester Browne

Year: 2012

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Imagine if your long-term boyfriend was actually a secret prince. That’s exactly what happens to Amy when she finds out her loving boyfriend, Leo, is heir to the throne. When unexpected events cause the throne to be closer than ever, Amy is in for the makeover of a lifetime. But is the crown worth giving up her life for?

Why Kirsten loves it

Um, GOALS! This cute, quick romance looks at the more complicated side of being a royal lover. It’s not all fun in games as Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have learned the hard way, but this book is light and fun.

Steamy Royal Romance Books

Red, White & Royal Blue

Author: Casey McQuiston

Year: 2019

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society. And to think it all starts with a NYE kiss!

This charming book is a fabulous pick from LGBTQ romance novels. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?)

Trigger Warnings

Homophobia

Why Kirsten loves it

The LGBTQ romance is charming but add in a female president and I am all in.

Why Jackie loves it

Not only is the relationship between these two charming but a female president and a royal angle as well makes this a must-read!

Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / New Year’s Books / British Romance Novels/ Books With a Color in the Title /Best YA Romance Books

American Royalty

Author: Tracey Livesay

Year: 2022

Genre: Romance

More info: American Royalty #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This story is semi-based on Meghan and Harry’s romance. Prince Jameson is a reclusive royal who doesn’t want to be in the spotlight. Dani AKA “Duchess” is an American rapper who wants to give up rap to focus on her beauty line.

When Jameson is tasked with creating a concert for the Queen, he books Duchess before listening to her music. Eager to take a break, Duchess ends up in London early and stays with Jameson in his castle. Romance blooms in a MAJOR way.

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Sexism

Why Kirsten likes it

I had to suspend belief a lot while reading this one. As someone who loves to indulge in many royal romances, I consider myself well-versed in the British Royal Family and royal reads. So there were many scenes I had to remember this was fiction because in no way would some of these scenarios happen.

Still, I was entertained, and I loved the ending. I really hope there is a sequel to this one because I’d love to see this story expanded on.

Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Royal Reads

Royally Screwed

Author: Emma Chase

Year: 2016

Genre: Romance

More info: Royally #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

When the arrogant prince meets a sassy waitress, sparks and pies fly. Soon their steamy love affair had him questioning if he should give up his throne for love.

Why Kirsten loves it

The first in a series, this one is QUITE steamy – so pass if you are under 18! This whole series looks at the love stories of the siblings in this royal family, and it’s great.

A Princess for Christmas

Author: Jenny Holiday

Year: 2020

Genre: Romance

More info: Christmas in Eldovia #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Leo is just a regular NYC cab driver, looking out for his little sister Gabby. Meanwhile, Princess Marie of Eldovia is… well… a princess – and not one that has any business getting in Leo’s cab, but that’s what she does. Soon, she’s hired him to drive her for the remainder of her trip. He thought he would use the opportunity to make some extra money for the holidays, but he was not planning to fall for Marie – and he certainly wasn’t expecting to end up in Eldovia for Christmas!

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved this book from Jenny Holiday. It was one of the few holiday royal romance novels I’ve read. The charming setting of Eldovia in the snow with its various festivities made for a wonderful Christmas romance novel.

The male lead from NYC and his charming younger sister made for a good balance to the sheltered princess. I wasn’t expecting such a steamy book based on the description. This one is definitely not for children as its one spicy pick.

Find this book in: Christmas Romance Books / Dazzling Royal Reads

The Royal Treatment

Author: M.J. Summers

Year: 2017

Genre: Romance

More info: Crown Jewels #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Tessa Sharpe is the Royal Watchdog and hates everything about the Prince. Now, in order to save his reputation and his thrown, Prince Albert must invite Tessa to live at the castle with him for two months.

Why Kirsten loves it

This royal read and funny and entertaining. It was the perfect light read to indulge in before the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This hilarious royal read will leave you smiling.

Find this book in: British Romance Novels / Royal Romance Books

Fantasy Royal Romance Books

The Cruel Prince

Author: Holly Black

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Folk of Air #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

When Jude was seven years old, her parents were murdered and she was taken to live in the high court of the Faeries with her two sisters. Now, ten years later, Jude is living as a human among faeries and trying to find her place in Court. She must survive life as a human in Faerie.

But as civil war threatens, Jude will need to risk her life to save herself, her sisters, and Faerie.

If you are looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, this pick is tamer but addictive as well. This series should be on your radar for books that are more appropriate for the younger YA audience as well.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is filled with angst, treachery, and drama that makes it completely addicting. I ordered the sequel the minute that I was done with this book, which is the first in a trilogy.

Find this book in: YA Fantasy Romance / Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / YA Fantasy Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Enemies-to-lovers books / Royal Romance Books / YA Royalty Books

An Enchantment of Ravens

Author: Margaret Rogerson

Year: 2017

Genre: YA Romantasy

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

A stand-alone YA fantasy romance book? These are few and far between, but this one is perfect for fans of ACOTAR.

This story of a human falling in love with a Fae prince has tons of elements for Sarah J. Maas fans to love. From Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn Fae courts, to enchantments and a forbidden love story, this is one of the fae books you will want to add to your TBR.

Why Kirsten loves it

I fell hard for Rook and Isobel. I think you all will fall for this fae romance book from our list of best YA fantasy books!

Find this book in: Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult and YA Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Royal Romance Books

Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Year: 2015

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Red Queen #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 15+

Plot

In this world, those with red blood are common and those with silver blood are elite with superhuman abilities. In the war against Silvers and Reds, Mare Barrow is special. She’s a red blood with the abilities of a Silver. But how can that be? To cover the anomaly, she is brought into the King’s home, where it’s announced that she will be marrying one of the princes, Maven, with whom she begins to grow close. But she’s also attracted to Cal, the heir to the throne. As their attraction grows, so do the problems in the realm, and Mare’s knowledge of just how dangerous the world can be.

Why Kirsten loves it

I have been on some weird YA fantasy/sci-fi kick recently – which is funny because I had to be forced to read the Hunger Games. Now I can’t seem to stop! I’m sure I’ll switch gears this summer, but I love this young adult fantasy novel. The ending was a total shock! I couldn’t put it down.

Find this book in: Books like The Hunger Games / YA Romance fantasy books / Books like ACOTAR / YA Dystopian Novels / Books Like The Selection / Books with Red in the Title / Best YA Romance Books / Royal Romance Books

YA Royal Romance Books

American Royals

Author: Katherine McGee

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Romance

More info: American Royals #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

What if George Washington had become America’s monarch instead of its president? How would his descendants be ruling the country today? I mean….what a fun plotline! That’s exactly what McGee imagines with this novel. We have Princess Bea, who will eventually become America’s first Queen, and her younger twin siblings, Princess Samantha and Prince Jefferson.

Each of them struggles in different ways with being royal in a modern world and trying to find real love in a political landscape dominated by the latest social media posts and scheming courtiers.

Why Kirsten loves it

This royal book was pure fun and honestly would make for a perfect beach read. The whole series kept me guessing like the latest episode of Gossip Girl as I waited to see how the royal family would carve their place in the new era. I can’t recommend this one more highly!

Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / College Romance Books / Royal Reads / YA Royalty Books

The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Year: 2013

Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance

More info: The Selection #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

This incredible series is so much fun – think The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor. It’s a reality TV royal match-making contest in a dystopian world. But in this case, the bachelor happens to be the future king. America Singer, our leading lady, is selected against all odds to be a contestant, forcing her to leave behind her love, Aspen.

When America meets Prince Maxon by mistake before the start of the show, she isn’t expecting to be so enamored with him. Should she try to win his heart or stay true to her love for Aspen?

Why Kirsten loves it

I love royal stories, romances, reality TV books, and high drama so this book was made for me! The covers of the series aren’t bad on the eyes either. This series was pure magic and just so fun.

Why Jackie loves it

This is one of my favorite books about royals. It also happens to be the reason that Beyond the Bookends exists, but that is an entirely different story.

Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like the Hunger Games/ YA Dystopian Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 12-year-olds / Reality TV Novels

A Queen’s Game

Author: Katherine McGee

Year: 2024

Genre: Young Adult Historical Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This is a YA historical romance that is based on the true events of 19th-century Europe. Three princesses: Alix of Hesse, Helen D’Orleans, and May of Teck will find themselves looking for love in the ballrooms of the Victorian era. Each woman is looking for a husband and it may not be the man their parents (or the Queen) want them to marry!

Why Kirsten loves it

American Royals is one of my favorite series so I knew I needed to read McGee’s first historical fiction story and boy was it a doozy! I felt for each of these ladies and their various love triangles… or hexagons? Honestly, their romances and potential matches overlapped so much that I’m not sure what shape they would make in the end!

I’ve long been a fan of historical fiction, but McGee made this story feel like the Gossip Girl version of real events. It got juicy and fun and damn would it make an excellent show! It’s Bridgerton for teens and I can’t recommend it more highly! The sequel is gonna be just as great!

Why Jackie loves it

I loved reading about three princesses in a royal love triangle that seemed more like a reality television show than based on real people. The story, the romance, and the love tangles were utterly unputdownable. I completely agree with Kirsten’s description of Bridgerton for teens.

Find this book in: Royal Reads / Best New Children’s Books of 2024 / Royal Romance Books / YA Royalty Books / Royal Historical Fiction