Review - - Royal Caleva: Raul

Royal Caleva: Raul

by Nancy Herkness

Royal Caleva - Book 3

Publisher: Tabby Brothers Press

Release Date: September 24, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

A prince bound by duty. A commoner who knows her place. Can they find a future for their forbidden passion?

After his cousin is kidnapped and tortured in his stead, Prince Raul works himself mercilessly so he can be worthy of such a sacrifice. When he collapses from exhaustion at a public ceremony, the prince is forced to take a vacation. He reluctantly finds refuge in the mountains, guided by a strong woman whose warmth and understanding dispel the shadows of his guilt.

Erica Ortiz has never felt good enough. Wrestling with the weight of her father’s disapproval, she pushes herself to reach greater heights as a pilot and a part-time wilderness guide. But she never expected to be responsible for the crown prince’s safety on a towering mountain cliff—or to share his innermost secrets.

While Erica battles her growing love for the fascinating, tortured prince, Raul realizes that his feelings for her have grown too powerful to control. He can never offer her the forever she deserves. The heir to the throne and a commoner can never marry.

When they join together for a desperate rescue mission, can they tear down the barriers that threaten to destroy their love?

PJ's Thoughts:

Nancy Herkness returns to the lush island of Caleva with a new story brimming with adventure, emotional baggage, family dynamics, cross-class romance, and a whole lot of steam. 

While Raul is an important secondary character in the first two books of this series, it's only in this third book that we delve beneath the surface and really learn what drives the man. Learning how the after-effects of the kidnapping of his cousin have impacted Raul exposes a character who is much more complex than I had guessed. 

Erica is new to the Caleva universe. As a commoner, she would ordinarily never spend private time with the royal prince but as the private pilot to his cousin who also has wilderness skills, she's the perfect person to guide him when he's forced to take a vacation. I enjoyed her character. She also has many layers as well as emotional baggage to unpack. Watching her tackle those emotional obstacles as well as her growing feelings for Raul was a pleasure.  

The chemistry between Raul and Erica is explosive - readers should expect a high level of heat in this book - but they should also expect emotional depth. As I said above, these two have a significant amount of baggage to sort through and while the emotional weight is significant, it never felt too weighty or angsty to me. The ratio of emotion to steam to adventure maintains a good balance that kept me invested and eagerly turning pages. 

As with the other books in the series, there's also a bit of mystery in this one that brings action and adventure to the story. Herkness had me on the edge of my seat with this aspect of the book, wondering how it would all play out. Happy to say I was not disappointed! 

I don't know if Herkness has more books planned for this beautiful island but I hope she does. They would definitely be on my must-buy list. 

Review - - Royal Caleva: Luis

Royal Caleva: Luis

by Nancy Herkness

Royal Caleva - Book 2

Publisher: Tabby Brothers Press

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

A second chance romance, Cinderella story…but for the king, not the prince.

Luis, king of the exotic island country of Caleva, is stunned to discover that he has a daughter he never knew existed. He is determined to bring his newfound child into his life and that of the royal family. To do that, he knows he must win over her adoptive mother.

Eve, single-mom vet tech in the heartland of Iowa, is concerned when a mysterious stranger sets up a secret meeting. The shocking truth that is revealed upends her life, as she and her adopted daughter are swept off to Caleva and wrapped in the luxurious, privileged world of royalty.

But there’s an unexpected complication: passion flares between Eve and Luis.

She isn’t queen material, and he has sworn never to wed again, so their affair can have no happily-ever-after…or can it?

If you were rooting for Queen Clarisse to find her true love in The Princess Diaries, you’ll love Eve and Luis’s story. Read Royal Caleva: Luis to feel all the feels of two single parents trying to protect their shared daughter, while struggling to find their own happiness with each other.

PJ's Thoughts:

In the mood for a silver-fox, royal romance? Do I have the book for you. In the second book of her Royal Caleva series, Nancy Herkness brings readers a mature romance between Luis, the widowed King of Caleva and Eve, a divorced, single-mom, Vet Tech from Iowa whose adopted daughter has a shocking - and previously unknown - connection to Caleva's royal family. 

I've always had a soft spot for fairytales and I don't believe they are only for the young. Nor do I believe that people "of a certain age" have passed the time to feel those wonderfully tingly, falling in love feelings. Which is why I enjoyed seeing Luis and Eve emerge from past heartbreak and betrayal to find one another and, eventually, their happily ever after in this newest Royal Caleva story. 

I love seeing this island country come to life through the author's descriptions. I really do feel as if I'm actually there as I'm reading these books. Her descriptions are such that they create a sense of place that is completely immersive, whether that's in a secluded cove, a luxurious palace, or a highly-guarded prison. Yes, there is a villain in this story. Actually, two. Devious, obsessed, remorseless people bent on revenge add another layer of intensity, and emotion, to the journey these characters are navigating. 

Relationships are key elements of this book and Herkness does them so well. The slowly developing romantic relationship between Eve and Luis is swoony, romantic, and enduring. But there are also familial relationships that are equally important. Both Eve and Luis are caring, involved parents for whom family is everything. I enjoyed seeing both of them in that role, especially Luis. As King, one could expect him to perhaps be a bit removed but the opposite is true. Yes, he is a good - and firm - ruler, but he is also a caring man who, in regards to his family, wears his heart on his sleeve. And Eve is a total "mama bear" when it comes to her daughter's well being and happiness. I was in her corner the entire way. Actually, I was cheering both of them on. 

I am already eager to return to Caleva for the next book in this series. Prince Raul needs his happy ending. So does Mikel, the palace's enigmatic head of security, and now there's a brand new member of the family. I'm nowhere near ready to bid farewell to this beautiful island country or the family at its heart. 

You don't need to read book one, Royal Caleva: Gabriel (read my review) in order to enjoy Royal Caleva: Luis but I think you'll have a better understanding of the royal family, and Luis, if you do. 

Review - - The Viscount Who Vexed Me

The Viscount Who Vexed Me

by Julia London

A Royal Match - Book 3

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Release Date: May 23, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Daring. Darling. Determined.

Next to the Season’s newest diamond, Harriet (Hattie) Woodchurch feels like a plain Jane. But that’s of no consequence, since Hattie’s plan for her future is to earn enough to live far, far away from her embarrassing family.

That is until Mateo Vincente, Duke of Santiava and newly minted Viscount Abbott, arrives in London. While the shy European’s spoken English is impeccable, his writing is less fluent. The ton is eager to meet the handsome bachelor, and so many invitations flood in that Mateo needs a correspondence secretary.

With her perfect penmanship and way with words, Hattie is recommended, and the two bond over books and the ton’s eligible ladies. But when Hattie’s friend Flora becomes smitten with the viscount, things get complicated. Flora is tongue-tied in his presence. To help, Hattie feeds her information about Mateo’s interests. Soon things turn around and Flora appears on track to become his duchess. Yet for Mateo, something’s not quite right. Conversation with Flora isn’t as scintillating as it is with Hattie…

PJ's Thoughts:

I adored this story! It may just be my favorite book by Julia London and I've read a whole lot of books by her. It's filled with sweet moments, frustrating family, sparkling banter, a determined matchmaker, and a lead couple who captured my heart. 

I want to be Hattie's friend. I like her, respect her, admire her. Her so-called friends don't deserve her, her family doesn't deserve her, her louse of an ex-fiancé certainly didn't deserve her. You know who does? Teo, Duke of Santiava and Viscount Abbott. He deserves her. And Hattie deserves him. It's like these two were made for one another. I loved how London brought them together then slowly guided them along the path to friendship, understanding, and, finally, love. It was so much fun to watch Hattie take life by the horns, discarding society's "rules" and fully embracing her true self. She's a talkative breath of fresh air in Teo's quiet life, engaging him as an equal, unafraid to speak her mind, and charming not only him but his entire staff. 

And then there's Teo, a quiet man who has retreated into himself after a lifetime of verbal abuse from his father. With Hattie, he comes alive. With Hattie, he finds his voice. With Hattie, he shares all parts of himself, even his secret hobby (A duke/viscount who whips up the most delicious pastries in London? Yes, please!). With Hattie, he allows himself to be vulnerable while also finding his strength. An endearing combination that capture not only Hattie's heart but mine as well. 

Are there obstacles to overcome in this cross-class romance? Absolutely. Hallie's obnoxious family and Teo's overbearing mother, just to name two. But with the unexpected help of a determined matchmaker who believes in love and a gentleman nanny/uncle/what exactly is he who seems to know everything about everyone, these two just might find their way to a happily ever after. I was with them, cheering them on, every step of the way.

Bonus: for those of you who enjoy a good epilogue, this one is an absolute delight that had me laughing, sighing, and cheering, especially over a certain "twist" pertaining to finding one's voice. I loved it! 

The Viscount Who Vexed Me is the third book in Julia London's A Royal Match series. There are a few characters from the first two books who have key secondary roles in this one (the matchmaker, for one) but Hattie's and Teo's journey is fully contained within this third book. In my opinion, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. However, I do recommend both book one, Last Duke Standing (read my review) and book two, The Duke Not Taken.(read my review).

The next book in this series, An Inconvenient Earl, is scheduled to be published in December of this year. I already have it on pre-order. 

Review - - The Duke Not Taken

The Duke Not Taken

by Julia London

A Royal Match - Book 2

Publisher: HQN

Release Date: September 27, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

 

Impossible. Infuriating. Intoxicating.

Ever since her sister became queen two years ago, Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, has been flirting and skirting scandal—just barely. Before she does anything too outlandish, she is sent to England and Lila Alexander, illustrious matchmaker to the ton, is recruited. Respectably ensconced at the country estate of a family friend, Amelia is introduced to many eligible bachelors, but…there is no spark. There never seems to be unless the man is completely wrong for her.

Next door lives Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, who is grumpy and reclusive—for good reason. His first wife died in childbirth. When Marley is dragged by a friend to his neighbor’s soiree, he and Amelia instantly dislike each other. Their banter is snarky and heated. He’s a stuck-up smarty-pants; she’s a self-involved, annoying princess.

Sparks fly when they’re together—fireworks actually—but they loathe each other. Really. So why can’t they stop thinking about each other?

PJ's Thoughts:

After meeting Amelia (heroine's younger sister) in Last Duke Standing, I was quite curious about what London planned to do with her when the time came for her own story. In her sister's book, Amelia comes across as spoiled and self-centered, but still staunchly supportive of her sister, the future queen. In other words, a complex character, my favorite kind. In The Duke Not Taken, we finally discover exactly what makes Amelia tick, what it is she has been longing for all these years, and the journey is an absolute delight. I've already read the book twice. In fact, it's ended up being one of my all-time favorites written by Julia London. 

In London's capable hands, the characters in this book (even the four-legged ones) practically leap from the pages. They are all wonderfully developed, including secondary characters, though it's Amelia and Joshua who take the lead. The friction between these two could start a forest fire (though actual romantic scenes are very mild). Their banter is lively, witty, and non-stop but when we finally reach the point where it takes a deeper turn, London gives them the opportunity to reveal their hearts, their fears, and their dreams in a sweet, poignant way that they've not done with anyone else. Their slowly evolving romance is endearing, snarky, humorous in parts, heart-tugging in others, and had me cheering them on throughout. 

The secondary cast shines without taking the spotlight from our opinionated princess (who just wants to be like everyone else) and grumpy duke (who just wants to be left alone). The young girls are hilarious and help reveal hidden facets of Amelia's personality while driving Joshua around the bend with their loud and off-key singing...until the youngest among them starts knocking down the walls around his heart. Miles, Lord Clarendon, is the kind of best friend every brokenhearted duke deserves. Lila, the matchmaker is at her wit's end trying to match a princess who seems set on taking the most difficult path to love possible. And Donovan, who has appeared in both book one of this series and in the A Royal Wedding series, just may be my favorite Julia London character ever. If you've yet to meet Donovan, picture Mary Poppins as a drop-dead gorgeous, gay man beloved by parents and children alike, and you have Donovan. Wherever he goes, laughter, joy, and well-planned organization follow. There's a garden scene in this book involving Donovan that could easily be missed if you blink, but its poignant simplicity is enormous for its emotional depth. My thanks to the author for including it. It filled my heart with joy and brought me to tears. 

And then there are the letters. I adore an epistolary romance. So much is revealed, even - maybe especially - when the letter writers don't realize to whom they're writing. The letters between "a concerned resident of Devonshire" (actually Joshua) and the "Master of the Iddesleigh School for Girls" (actually written by Amelia) are humorous, thought-provoking, and such a delightful way of offering insight into these two characters as well as (unknowingly) deepening the relationship between the two. 

Finally, London wraps things up with an epilogue (I do love epilogues) that had the happy tears flowing. This book made me laugh, snort, sigh, and, yes, cry. It's going to my keeper shelf. I have a feeling it's destined to become one of those comfort reads I turn to when I need a feel-good story to soothe my soul. 

 

Review - - A Princess in Theory

A Princess in Theory
By Alyssa Cole
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: February 27, 2018
Reviewed by Hellie

So if you know me at all, you know I'm a little Royal-Mad, as in when Will and Kate got married, I stayed home and watched, even though my family hasn't been a member of the crown since 1776. I have a special place for the commoner who marries the prince. Some fan-readers are die hard secret baby people, but I'm all about the royalty. Imagine my complete fan-girling glee then when I found a book (who knew those Facebook sponsored ads were actually working?) that had all the things I loved: a strong, smart, sarcastic heroine; a hot and articulate prince; and a hilarious case of mistaken identity.

The first page is an email sent to our heroine, which reads like the most cliched of chain letter scam emails from a Nigerian prince who needs a million dollars, and I was hooked. And then there's our original world with Naledi Smith, who is a grad student working to be a scientist to cure infectious diseases, and her interaction with a coworker is a textbook example of the #MeToo movement and
Lean In. It would be hilarious if it weren't just so, so real. I bought the book immediately so I could keep reading. I was so glad I did.

When Naledi finally does respond to that string of scammer Nigerian-esque prince emails with a succinct "Fuck. Off.," her prince in waiting laughs and insists on meeting her in person. Prince Thabiso of Thesolo confronts Naledi, his childhood betrothed who has been missing for twenty years, and is mistaken for a commoner--the new hired staff at the restaurant where Naledi works when she isn't studying. Instead of correcting her, he is intrigued about the possibility of getting to know his absentee bride without the trappings his royal prestige affords him. How will he know for sure if she likes him if she's only fawning over him because he's rich and powerful?

Not to worry. Naledi doesn't like him at all. Oh, she's inexplicable attracted him, which she doesn't have time to think about and is causing her a bit of worry because this. never. happens. It much be his accent. (I hear you, Naledi.) But Jamal--as she knows Prince Thabiso-- is just a fuckboy who is here to screw with her and frankly she doesn't have that kind of time. But Jamal isn't easy to get rid of, not even when she fired him for being the worst server ever. No, no, somehow he manages to be in her life and is worming his way into her heart like some sort of parasite. In fact, she might start to admit she does like him, even as he keeps hemming and hawing that he has something to tell her. Something important.

When Naledi does finally learn Jamal is actually Prince Thabiso; and that she is actually Thabiso's fianceé and a long lost child of Thesolo, not just an orphaned, unwanted, foster kid of New York, she is livid. She already had trust issues; Thabiso did not help his case. When Naledi is convinced to travel back to Thesolo in order to do research on a new mysterious disease that is harming many of the people, she will be able to do her job without letting her heart get involved with the one man who can hurt her above anyone else? And will Thabiso be able to atone for his deception and convince Naledi she is the only woman for him? 

You guys, this book has become my measuring stick for contemporary romances, and here's some of the reasons why:

1) Consent is sexy. He asks for consent. He doesn't assume. Mind  you, I usually enjoy romances where the hero is kissing without asking, but Cole makes me question why I think that's sexy. This was romantic and sexy without feeling weak.

2) Smart is sexy. Granted, not every heroine can be a scientist, but there is something to be said for having your characters passionate for something that they know a lot about. So much so that their identity is wrapped up in it and their speech, mannerisms, et al, conveys it. Naledi thinks science. When she metaphors, it's in science metaphors. When she jokes, it's science jokes. Her essence speaks in science and it's powerful to read a character so dimensionally drawn on the page. The same is true for Thabiso. He's grown up a prince of Africa, so many of this thoughts, words, references are about the place he grew up. The contrast of the experiences between these characters is so well defined, it should be a textbook example for writing.

3) Safe sex is never tampered with. Cole should get an award for this alone. Even though Naledi makes mention of having backup birth control, both she and Thabiso make sure to use condoms. Because it is the RESPONSIBLE thing to do in this day and age. It's not a big deal in the book; and there is even a brief sentence of disposing of the condom after. Again, not a big deal...and yet in many contemporaries I read, condoms are skipped with a side line that she is on the pill or something. That is not the only thing condoms are for, just saying.

4) Equality and respect are sexy. Even though he was a future ruler of an entire country, he never treated Naledi as if she were second to him. She was a partner in every way; her intelligence and fierceness were the things he loved most about her. Granted many romance novels have heroes that show this, but at no point in this book did he throw her under the bus to save himself or make her look bad. He always defended her and upheld her attributes.

5) Learning from each other is sexy. The flaws in these characters were the kind that are "too much of a good thing"--where at the surface you don't see them as flaws until you see what it's preventing the characters from doing or being. Naledi won't let anyone close, won't let anyone help her. She's self-sufficient, self-reliant, and it's only when working with Thabiso as he says, "You don't delegate enough" that she begins to question if part of the reason people take advantage of her is because they assume she'll do it all. Again, I just wanted to reread just to figure out how to do this in my writing.  

I kept reading parts of the book to my coworker: "Listen omg, this is hilarious!"--this along would make me recommend the book. So if you're looking for a good book to read, it definitely meets that mark. If you write or want to write, I recommend reading this book to pull apart to see what good writing and character development is. I cannot wait until the next book comes out, about Naledi's friend Portia, although I hope in the future, we get to hear of a happily ever after for Prince Thabiso's assistant, Likotsi.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.