In Julia London’s latest, A ROYAL KISS AND TELL, book 2 in her A Royal Wedding series, London creates an entertaining romance that had me giggling as I turned pages.
Lady Caroline and Prince Leopold are two interesting characters who, initially, are more concerned with themselves, but as Leopold gets caught up in a mystery and Caroline hinders his progress, these two find out how much better life is when they think of someone else. Their antics left me laughing, and Leopold met his match when it came to Caroline. I still laugh when I think of the chickens and the pile of rocks…
This is another fun, romantic read that will keep you reading as you watch Caroline and Leopold turn into people who are more than their titles. Even though this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel.
Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
#julialondon #harlequin #aroyalkissandtell #aroyalwedding

oyal Kiss And Tell is the very sweet tale of a prince finding his purpose.
Prince Leopold of Alucia, is a second son. A man never expected to hold an office, serve in the military, or do anything of note. Other than live the "good life," be attractive, and get married.
And now that his brother, Prince Sebastian, has finally found his "happily ever after" with his lady love, Eliza Tricklebank. In The Princess Plan (A Royal Wedding #1).
Choosing to marry for love instead of marrying for political gain.
Leo has now been called to the forefront by his parents. And told that he must now take up the political marriage mantle.
Making matters worse for Leo.
The fact that he can't seem to get the opinionated, vivacious, and forthright, Coraline Hawke, out of his head.
And try as he might. He can't seem to avoid her in his daily comings and goings either.

Leo is a man it seems;who can't when for losing. Even when attempting to right the wrongs of human / sex trafficking. After learning that young girls from Alucia, are being stolen, sold and traded in the brothels and private homes of the English aristocracy.
Forcing him to secretly...
Well...
As secretly as a prince can, anyway.
Set about the task of finding his endangered subjects.
But as news of his comings and going in the streets and byways of London's sketchy addresses becomes fodder for the news rags.
People are quick to assume that he is a man who has allowed his baser appetites to get the better of him.
And the doors of entree to all of the glitz and glamour that is English society are closing to him faster than he can blink.
And he must find out who the "source" of all of the scandalous information about him is.
And stop the flood of infamy. Before it drowns not only his reputation. But any hope that he might have of saving the lost girls of his country as well.

A Royal Kiss And Tell is the perfect blend of royal watching, mystery and intrigue, and "girl gets her guy" romance.
This is a very sweet and fast paced story as a whole. Even though the back and forth between Caroline and Leo. "Will he or won't he" of their romantic beginnings gets a little tedious. Considering the fact that his private thoughts and unspoken reactions to Caro make it more than clear that she is the girl for him.

If you are looking for a fast, light, romance. Full of characters that you are bound to fall for.
A Royal Kiss And Tell will ring all of those bells and more.
Please be advised that this title is the second offering of the series. It mat be read alone. Or as part of its intended series.

*WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Netgally and Harlequin Books for providing the review copy on which this unsolicited and unbiased critique is based.

A ROYAL KISS AND TELL By Julia London is book Two in A Royal Wedding Series. This is the story of Prince Leopold of Alucia 'Leo' and Caroline Hawke. I have read the previous book but did feel you can make this a standalone book. Caroline is the darling of the town and adored by men but for some reason Leo doesn't remember her from a earlier meeting then choices to ignore her when they are together again with her best friend marries his brother. Caroline works to get his attention and to seek to be noticeable to him. Leo has detective work on his mind and when he starts to fall from the town grace it starts to hurt is case. So Leo turns to Caroline for help which leads them to work together and of course their feeling grow. Enjoyed this book.

Royal Wedding Book Two.

Lady Caroline Hawke and her friend Hollis Tricklebank attend the wedding of Eliza Tricklebank and Prince Sebastian of Alucia. When Caro encounters Prince Leopold of Alucia she is dismayed to find that he doesn't remember her from their previous meeting. His lack of memory leaves Caro cold and she decides that he must not be worthy of her attentions. However, her brother does not have the same idea as he has become friends with Leo. When Leo travels to London to follow up on a tip he receives, he finds that Caroline is quite intriguing.

If you're interested in historical stories that deal with larger issues, this is the book for you!

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome to this book review,
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

This was nice, I really enjoyed it overall, nothing wow-ed me but I liked the overall feeling it left me with after reading it. It felt good, while the main character is hard to like or connect to as she's so self centered and such, the romance held itself pretty well.
I did however skip a couple pages, and it did not impact my read of this book, it was hard to get into but a quick-ish sort of read in the end since there wasn't any complex backstory or events happening around the romance.
Our two main characters suit each other pretty well.
Nothing I would re-read but a nice start of the summer-end of spring kind of read.
A thing to note it that when they were not in a drama, social setting the characters lost or character ? what I mean I mean is it felt like they were wandering in a prairie looking for direction, or like lost lambs in their own stories.
Overall a 2.5/5 stars
Bookarina

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Any opinions stated are mine alone.

I love Julia London's work, and I am an avid reader of her books. That being said, I just couldn't get into this story. Julia's usual excellence in plot building and story flow were there, but I just couldn't stand the main characters. I understand using character "flaws" to further a story, but Caroline and Leo came across as nothing but spoiled, vain, and in some cases hateful individuals throughout most of the book. I really had a hard time finishing this one, as I really didn't care what happened to the main characters, that's how off-put I was by their attitudes and behavior. I'm giving it 3 stars because of Julia's writing that kept me interested enough in the plot to see it through to the end, but otherwise it probably would have been a 1 star DNF.

Overall: 7/10 Would read again

The heroine was hard to like at first. While she had the classic fun hallmarks of a well written heroine(a force to be reckoned with, speaks her mind, etc), she was also pretty self-involved. The book does poke fun at this since she's aware of it, but it still left me rolling my eyes a few times and waiting to get to the next scene where she does something kind for a friend or a passerby. But god forbid someone not recognize her! The second-son prince was the exact opposite that you'd expect, much preferring his time in Cambridge with friends to any royal needs of his family. While he had his own self involvement, he was a great hero to read and see grow into his princely title.

But when these two finally see each other as they come together to uncover and stop a slave trade ring, boy do the sparks fly! My favorite pairing in a romance novel will forever be a couple who bicker their way into a HEA. Thankfully as these two connected, they brought out the best in each other and made them much more likable as the book progressed.

As usual Julia London brings her classic witty storylines to an endearing pair falling in love. It's never a bad time to pick up one of her books and fall into the fun. This is the second in the series, with Leopold's older brother Sebastian featured in the first, it can be read as a standalone(there's a recap in the beginning) or in order. I recommend in order, because the first book is even better than this one!

I haven't read a historical romance for a really long time. A Royal Kiss and Tell, cover alone, doesn't tell you much about the strong-willed, independent heroine Caroline or the dashing playboy Prince with a high moral code. The romance build for this enemy to lover's trope was well paced. The progression from hate to like to love wasn't rushed. The story line I enjoyed most was Prince Leopold's. London did a nice job of connecting current events in women's liberation to historical times.

Definitely a book I will recommend over and over and a must for libraries with a strong romance circulation.

Caroline and Leopold’s love/hate story is a tale that follows the trope of enemies/friends to lovers in A Royal Kiss and Tell by Julia London, book two in A Royal Wedding series. It is a tale that also reminds us of that fine line between love and hate. I will be honest; I struggled with liking this heroine. Caroline was annoying, a nuisance, egotistical, self-centered, very tenacious, and clueless of how her actions affected other people. Yet, I learned much about why she is the way she is as we continue reading the story; orphan, raised by older brother along with Eliza and Hollis, her best friends. Leopold has always known he’s the spare and had no idea of what he wanted to do with life; so he drank his way through the parties and introductions. He is surprised when his father, the king, informs him that a marriage has been arranged for him and which will benefit their country. Leo was quite good at ignoring women who thought they could demand an introduction to him and have him offer for her as well as men who wanted to know him with a hope to gain; especially politicians who wanted his ear. When an exiled, wanted protestor informs Leo of human trafficking occurring between their country and England, Leo is quick to find a solution to uncover the men behind it, find the girls and return them to Alucia, and figure out how to do all this and stop it without being discovered. In the meantime, Caroline has set her heart on Leo, at the same time her brother is trying to marry her off. Thanks to the gossip rag, Leo’s reputation is in shreds and he has socially been black-listed. Needing Caroline’s help to regain access into society, he beings to see her differently than before. Spending all this time together has them feeling the sparks and off the charts chemistry between them. They both just might lose their hearts when Leo is required to return home, if not their reputations.

Ms. London wrote an emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, unusual banter, and characters who love to hate, giving Caroline and Leopold a chance at love, happiness, and a future together. I highly recommend A Royal Kiss and Tell to other readers and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This is the second book in this series. I have not read the first book but didn't feel it was necessary to enjoy the story of Prince Leopold and Lady Caroline. The book begins at the wedding of Prince Leopold's brother, Prince Sebastian and Lady Caroline's friend, Eliza. Prince Leopold is the second born son of the King of Alucia. He is visiting Caroline's brother, Beck, in London before returning home for an arranged wedding. Caroline is sassy, confident, and very fashion conscious. She has come to expect to be memorable and is surprised that Prince Leopold didn't remember their meeting. They banter back and forth through out the book and progress to romantic feelings for each other. She helps him find and free the girls that were sold in to slavery. In the process she becomes less self-centered and he feels he has a purpose. I enjoyed the articles at the beginning of the chapters from Honeycutt's Gazette of Fashion and Domesticity for Ladies.
I'll be reading the first book in this series and look forward to the third. I received an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Now that Eliza is married to Crown Prince Sebastian, Caroline realizes that her dear friend is starting a new life in Alucia. Without her. She will miss her childhood friend but her interest is on Prince Leopold. The man is handsome and so very rude. He treats her as if she's unimportant. How annoying! Especially for a woman used to being admired. The Prince and Caro continually cross swords. I enjoyed their battle of words. They each know how to irritate the other. Leopold has never been given any training or responsibility as his brother has. He's enjoyed a reputation as a rake which was well deserved. He's frustrated. Until he's told that women from Wesloria are being sold into slavery and taken to England. Now he's on a quest to save them. I admired his desire. Unfortunately his plans have him ostracized by Society. Never has a hero had such a rough time. His romance with Caroline is not going well either. She believes the worst of him. I knew these two were perfect together. I worried that circumstances would keep them apart. As usual Julia London had the situation in hand. I loved this story. The characters were original, the dialogue witty and the romance captivating. I couldn't put this book. Royal Kiss Tell is wonderful.

Very entertaining read, filled with fun characters, suspense, love/hate passion and romance. Caroline is use to being the center of attention, after all her dresses are the talk of the town but where Prince Leo is in play well, he seems to be able to ignore the fetching creature has Caroline scheming to catch his attention. When Caroline's hate for Leo spins into sexual tension neither participant can deny the pull. Can their passion be limited to the time he is in London? Or his reputation of a rake sour what they feel? Love and loyalty can go very far. Great read!

A ROYAL KISS AND TELL is the second book in the A ROYAL WEDDING series, and it kept my interest throughout. Not having read the first book, I wasn’t at all lost and was transported to Helenamar in Alucia, London, and the English countryside in the mid 1800’s.

The royal wedding is a nice touch and gives some background information, showcasing the relatives with whom the main characters are related. The groom, His Royal Highness, is brother to the spare heir, Prince Leopold. Leopold is a rake and imbibes a little too much. He is definitely more likable when not drunk. Caroline, a friend of the royal family, doesn’t observe protocol at all and says whatever is on her mind.

There are some sinister doings that Leopold is informed of, and he does his best to right some wrongs without letting the others know. Caroline is drawn in and helps him. The pair have chemistry, though they both protest too much when at the wedding, concluding they don’t like each other. Yet they do.

The story revolves around intrigue and the wedding. There’s a nice flow to the story and closure with the epilogue that takes place a month after the story ends.

Ms. London is an author I’ve recently started to read more of. I enjoy her regency romances as well as her contemporary books and look forward to reading book one in this series, THE PRINCESS PLAN, before reading the next book, A PRINCESS BY CHRISTMAS.

Redemption arcs are always hard and this novel took you on the full gamut of emotions. At the beginning of the novel neither Caroline nor Leopold seem to be fairly weak characters. Caroline appears to be vain and superficial, where Leopold has complete disregard for his title and is completely dedicate to selfish pursuit. With all that in mind I wasn’t sure that these characters could be redeemed, it wasn’t that they’re evil or bad, just flawed in a way that makes them difficult to like. Yet somehow Julie London did it, she was able to pull back the layers and show their vulnerabilities. Through events that made them think of others well being, they were able to grow as characters and be deserving of their happily ever after.
Beyond a well written redemption, I enjoyed the darker elements that drove the plot. Those darker elements, human trafficking, have t has story an edge that pushed this beyond a simple love story.

This book had me smiling most of the way through. Lady Caroline Hawkes is certainly vain but she know she is. She also says what she thinks with little or no filter but she does have a good heart where her friends are concerned. I enjoyed the sibling banter with her brother. What Caroline really wants is someone to love her for herself. Prince Leopold enjoyed the party life but he does have a conscience. He has always been overlooked by his parents until he could be of use to them. Leopold and Caroline had a love/hate relationship at first but as they spent more time in each other’s company so did their awareness of what they meant to each other. Of course, nothing could come of it as arrangements had been made for Leopold in his home country. Although there was much amusement, including the advice from Honeycutt’s Gazette, there was a serious activity taking place. Something that led to much misunderstanding. There are also some heartfelt moments too but a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book. Neither of these characters seemed really likeable to me in the first book. It took a while for me to actually like them … but I did. I liked them, and rooted for them, and wanted a happily ever after for them. Their story was fun, and interesting, and it was a great read!

Julia London has really put a fresh spin on this series, and keeps us wanting more. Next, … we need to find out more about Hollis and Beck! There’s definitely some history there ….

Royal Love and Intrigue

It all starts with an Alucian wedding, a happily ever after for the oldest royal son. Society, and royal parents, demand that it’s time for the second son, the extra, to perform his duty and find a bride as well!

Lady Caroline Hawke’s friend Eliza found true love. Now all she needs is to get Prince Leopold to notice her, after all she is quite the catch. Unfortunately Prince Leo isn’t interested. In fact he is appalled by Caroline’s inability to hold her tongue or conform to societal norms.

At first, neither Caroline nor Leo have many redeeming qualities other than physical beauty. Caroline is selfish, shallow and self-absorbed. Likewise Leo is snobbish and a total rake.

What I loved about this book was how Julia London was able to create a backdrop of family obligations and societal expectations, and then shift that by blending in a mystery of missing girls to set the stage for Caroline and Leo to redeem themselves. It began as a spark of annoyance and disdain between two unlikable characters and then evolved into a compelling, romantic, and often humorous dance between a prince and a lady. I couldn’t see how I would like these characters at first but I couldn’t put the kindle down – their story pulled me in. I can’t wait to read Hollis’ story!

Lady Caroline Hawke is used to men fawning over her, so when the handsome Prince Leopold can't even be bothered to remember who she is, she takes it as the utmost insult. So, she decides to do what any level-headed lady of society would do: drop little morsels of gossip about the Prince in a popular ladies magazine. But shaking up the Prince's reputation isn't enough for Caroline, she's setting her sights on his hand as well.

Prince Leopold of Alucia is beside himself about who could be behind the attack on his character. What sort of rogue could want to ruin his societal standing so completely? The worst part is this slander is hindering his investigation into a trafficking scheme that reaches the highest in London's government. Leo has no choice but to accept the help of the flighty Lady Caroline if he wishes to stop his name from dragging in the mud even more. It's only a matter of time before the pair realize the spark between them is more than just annoyance.

I went into this not realizing it was the second in a series, and I think that lessened my enjoyment. There were certain small details that I missed out or didn't pick up on because it had happened in the previous book. Despite that, there were other aspects of this that just didn't work for me. I didn't particularly like Caroline; I felt she was selfish and conceited. I also didn't feel much chemistry between her and Leo so I wasn't invested in their relationship. The pacing of the story was clunky and the human trafficking mystery felt off and almost like it was just thrown together. I've been getting more into historical romance lately, so I was excited to try this, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I got a copy of this one right after it's the release date. This is the second book in The Royal Wedding Series, and I did not read the first book. There seemed to be enough backstory missing for me that if this is your genre, you should probably read them in order. That said, I liked the setting and historical references (which to me seemed correct). The wedding is beautiful; the conflict between characters believable and best of all the love scenes are delightfully steamy. Leo and Caroline grew to be better people together (the first half of the book I didn't like Caroline at all), and that's a pretty good outcome for a story like this one. If you have some bias toward Harlequin based on reading them in the 80's you should try them again.

A fallen Prince and a societal lady stuck on appearances. There was tremendous growth and development for both Prince Leo and Lady Caroline. As Leo sets out to on a mission that shakes him out of selfish ways, he learns more about himself and those around him. He also opens his eyes to Caroline, who begins to experience her own growth as she sees the consequences of her own actions on an innocent man. I have to admit I was back and forth with annoyance for Caroline and the society gossip, but was solidly with her towards the end of the book. This is Caroline and Leo's great adventure and it did not disappoint. Definitely not a smooth road to happily ever after, but one that had to be traveled. I devoured this book! Fantastic second book in this series. I loved all the side characters and hope to see more from Hollis, Duncan, and Beck.