A royal bad boy and a prim and proper woman? Yes, please! Brooke and Nick were absolutely delicious! I loved how Brooke kept pestering until she worse Nick down, As always, Avery Flynn wrote a steamy book with a great storyline.

An unexpected heir, an estate, and Avery Flynn mean you're in for a royal adventure. Two characters who come from different walks of life discover that they want the same thing. Will Brooke and Nick find love despite the discovery or will it push them apart?

Sass, witty banter, delicious romance you can savor over and over again. I am always up for a story that takes you on an adventure with all the feels.

I can't wait to read more from Avery Flynn.

Well, what a change for Ms. Flynn. Nope, still a Rom-com but a totally different direction. And, I LOVED IT! Brooke was a hoot. Lady Lemon was prim and proper. But, when Brooke came out to play, she was anything but. Trying to put her past behind her, she will do just about anything for the people of Bowhaven. Even take on teaching an uncouth American how to become an Earl. In a month. With no help from the ailing Earl. Chin up … chest out … deep breath. Time to take on the task of a lifetime. Now, all she has to do is stop wondering what those eight-pack abs would feel like.

Nick has no intention of ever staying in England. His father didn’t want him, his grandfather turned his back on him during his time of need. Now, he’s summoned to the castle to take his rightful place as the next Earl of Englefield? NO. Then why is he negotiating his stay? Why is he negotiating his role in the castle? Why is he giving a damn about the people of Bowhaven and one Lady Lemon? He knows that love is fleeting and it’s not for him. He grew up with no one and he’ll die with no one. They didn’t care before, why are they caring about him now?

As Brooke’s past comes to light and Nick finds out not everything is as it seems to be, you can’t help but really fall in love with these characters. You also finally feel a little (just a very little) sympathy for the Earl since he was a total ass throughout the story. The push and pull between Nick and Brooke was hysterical. Ms. Prim and Proper vs Mr. I don’t give a damn. Then throw in Daisy and a bunch of zombies, yes zombies, you have a hell of a good time to look forward to. Avery Flynn did it again for me. She made me laugh and cry all in the same story.

I loved how and where she took this story. It was emotional, yet funny. It was cheeky yet serious. She has a way with words that always fulfills my needs in a story. Her heroines are tough and fierce. Her heroes are sexy and playful. Emotional, funny and sexy. Royal Bastard is a definite must read this summer.

Well Royal Bastard was a fun read that I just devoured. It's a bit different than the previous sport romances that I've read by Avery, so I loved the little switcheroo.

The synopsis sold me completely and I just couldn't wait to start reading. I enjoyed the heck out of Brooke and Nick, these two were like oil and water in the beginning. So I was a fan of the shift as they were forced to spend time together as she groomed him to be the new earl. It's a ride, everyone, and you'll enjoy every second of it.

Brooke is nearly a tough egg to crack because of something that happened in the past, but just seeing those walls crack little by little. I liked her more and more as the story went on.

Nick definitely wasn't an easy one to deal with because he was stubborn as a bull. He definitely has his reasons for it and was eager for him to have that conversation with his grandfather.

I've recently become pickier when it comes to the romance books I've read and wasn't a fan of Nick's actions towards the end. And, I was hoping for more interaction between Nick and his grandfather.

Overall, still a fun read that so many will enjoy.

❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
If I ever see a “royal” of any kind in the title then I’m 100% sold. I’m glad I read this one because I really enjoyed it even though there wasn’t a really strong royal presence.

Our heroine is secretary to a modern day Earl and she gets tasked with the duty of tracking down his grandson to get him to come to the UK from America so that he can legally become the Earl’s heir. The kicker? Our hero despises his grandfather and wants nothing to do with him or his legacy after he tore his parents apart when he was still a baby.

The book takes place in a small town in England and it gives off perfect small town romance vibes with some fantastic secondary characters. I loved that the heroine was a go getter and wasn’t all sweetness- she rubs people the wrong way (now this is realistic!). I loved watching the hero melt not only for the heroine but also for this small little town and it’s inhabitants. Overall this gave me the feel good vibes that I needed!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.

This book was such a great escape. I was pulled into this story effortlessly. Avery Flynn always knows how to hook me on a story so that I never want to let go.

I really liked how this story was a change of pace for Flynn. This book is set in England and I liked her portrayal of a small English village. Her writing style was as addicting as ever. I can never get enough of her inviting prose. I really liked the fairytale aspect of this rom-com and I love the way that the story played out. The end of the story felt a little rushed to me. Almost like the conflict wasn't dramatic enough and that it was wrapped up too nicely at the end.

Brooke and Nick were characters that were both likable and relatable. While I very much enjoyed both characters, I didn't feel like I connected to them as much as I usually do when I read one of Flynn's books. Brooke and Nick both had depth and great character development. I also really liked the secondary characters in this book.

Brooke and Nick had a chemistry that jumped out at you from the beginning. I loved the way their personalities melded together. They were both very stubborn people and watching things play out between them put a smile on my face. There was some serious sexual tension between these two and the sexy times were hot.

Overall, this was a cute story that was very fun to read. It boasts likable characters, an exciting plotline, and a steamy romance. If you are up for an entertaining rom-com then look no further. I am excited for more books in this series.

While Royal B@st@rd is a cute romance with wonderful characters who appear opposite but have far more in common than anticipated.

For me, Royal B@st@rd was a succinct narrative of the classist system still alive and well in the UK with the gap continuing to widen between the working class and the upper and middle classes.

As a member of the working class myself, and a socialist, the story did hit a few hot spots for me, including the superior attitude of the landed gentry and the way in which duty is prized over happiness. Which is exactly what happened to Nick’s father and altered the course of Nick’s life in the process.

The story also touched upon the difficulties many towns undergo in the face of high levels of unemployment and the lack of disposable income within its communities. Again, this is another topical issue that is near and dear to me, and as such provided some very interesting initiatives to consider under revitalisation.

I loved the way in which Avery Flynn captured the quintessential Northern persona with the quirky peripheral characters. Alongside a double dose of romance within the pages.

Although the romance was all the things, for me, and reading being subjective, it was the topical issues which really stood out within Royal B@st@Rd and Avery Flynn should be commended for her clever incorporation of the issues seamlessly with a swoon-worthy romance.

Avery Flynn has done it again with her wonderful, snarky, and funny book, Royal Bastard, book one in her Instantly Royal series. When the Earl of Englefield is dying he needs his personal secretary to convince his grandson, an American, to travel to England, be responsible, and to become the next earl. This is the grandson he refused to acknowledge all these years, especially after forcing his son to annul his marriage to an American and return to his rightful place. Nick Vane has no desire to visit the “old homestead” or do his grandfather’s bidding. Brooke Chapman-Powell, personal secretary to the Earl is on a mission to get the likely uncouth and lazy half-American Nick to England to help save the village from shutting down along with the university for the deaf, her sister attends. Nick is their only hope. Before long Nick is on his way to London since Brooke refuses to give up.

I adored these two; Nick and Brooke are perfect for each other despite being different, or somewhat opposites. Laid back Nick is a thinker, which allows for his creative and imaginative brain to visual improvements or new ideas or creations. It is why he has a number of patents. Brooke is a stick in the mud, rule follower, miss goody-two-shoes; especially after what happened with her last relationship. Nick calling her Miss Lemons is fitting and even Brooke can’t complain. Brooke loves her family and the village that loves her and has her back. She too has lots of ideas, mainly to bring tourism to the area. Nick and Brooke have a magnetism and chemistry that is off the charts. They are so good for each other, filling in for each other’s weaknesses and playing off their strengths.

Ms. Flynn wrote a wonderful and hysterical story that was moving and filled with sizzling chemistry, humorous dialogue, and charming characters that should definitely not be missed. I highly recommend Royal Bastard to other readers and I am anxious for the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

What an interesting plot to this story! Brooke has to convince Nick to come to her hometown where he will become the next Earl. However, due to his family's past, Nick wants no part of this earldom. I loved how Brooke pesters Nick until he gives in due to curiosity. Then Nick also negotiates his staying in England with his grandfather. Both Brooke and Nick are very strong personalities, but find themselves drawn to each other, being a little vulnerable, and a whole lot of spicy together. I loved the scenes when their guards were down and they got to see the real person. And when push came to shove, they fought for the other when it counted. Now I would really live the story for Daisy and Riley.

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

“Royal Bastard” by Avery Flynn is a feisty and charming forced proximity romance where Brooke is obligated to train the one remaining heir of Bowhaven, Nick Vane, into becoming a perfectly capable Earl. A steamy and quaint opposites attract fairytale with some sizzling moments!

Blurb: Brooke, the secretary for the Earl of Engefield, is given the task to train the Earl’s estranged grandson into taking over the position of Earl, but Nick wants nothing to do with his grandfather and the small town of Bowhaven.

Brooke and Nick are opposites in every way. Brooke is uptight and bossy and Nick is a laidback playboy, but even though the two grate on each other’s nerves, there is a pull neither one of them can deny.

While I really loved these two characters, including Nick’s inventions and Brooke’s quirkiness with town planning, this one was a bit slow moving for me at some points. The steam and banter made me enjoy this book, but I think I just needed a little more of something. Overall, a cute read about fitting in and finding home. A fairytale beginning and ending that was sweet and quintessential!

Avery Flynn has done it again, but I knew she would. A wonderful story of unexpected could even say, unwanted love. Two stubborn people, who've lived through pain and loneliness, but remembered the love in the beginning. Having had it and then lost it, just made the armor they surrounded themselves with even stronger. But through hurried promises, they must continue on the set path. As we all know, paths, like fate, can wander here and there before the truth is met head-on. Through humor, stubbornness, and oh so sensual sexy action, love is finally forced to show itself. As you can tell I don't do spoilers, so I hope my words have intrigued you into picking up this oh so delightful love story

Nick has always believed that his father wanted to become an Earl more than he wanted to be with him and his mother so when he is contacted by Brooke, a representative of his Grandfather’s asking him to come to England and assume the position of Earl, his first impulse is a strong no. but there is something about her that draws him in and before he knows it he is on a plane intending to tell them no in person but he hadn’t expected to be persuaded by Brooke to stay.

Brooke wants to help out the town that stood by her when she needed it the most and the way to do that is to convince Nick to become the next Earl. What happens next is a battle of the wills as she is determined to teach him the proper protocol and he is determined to show her why he is unsuitable, and the outcome may surprise them both.

Brooke and Nick were so much fun together and the quirky townspeople certainly added to the story.

I enjoyed this cute royal read. Nick is the arrogant American who is the heir apparent to an earldom in England. Brooke is the current earl's assistant who has to get Nick to agree to come to England and agree to become the next heir. I loved the chemistry of Nick and Brooke. Thanks to Entangled Publishing for the book to read and review.

4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

Royal Bastard was such a fun, sexy, and sweet modern-day royalty story. It had all of Avery Flynn's humor entwined with a heart that drags you into these characters' lives. Brooke is trying to save her town, and Nick is jaded to the point he doesn't see what is right in front of him. I loved the connection that Brooke and Nick have from the very start of the story.

Video review available in Week 23: May 31 – Jun 6 weekly book reviews.

For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

In Royal Bastard, Avery Flynn introduces us to a new group of characters. We meet Nick, the American grandson on an English earl, Brooke, the earl’s secretary, and the town of Bowhaven.

This was a fun read that also showed us that not everything is as it seems. Nick really is a good guy, he has plenty of baggage from the way he thinks things played out with his parents. I loved getting to know him, seeing his interactions with the town, and his desire to help and fix things.
It took a little more to get to know Brooke, but I liked her from the get go, even when it seemed the town misunderstood her a bit. Bowhaven and it’s residents are interesting secondary characters, I would love to see more of them in future works.

There is a lot going on story wise in Royal Bastard - What all of those things are, you get to read to find out. As a reader, I felt like certain pieces of the story, especially that between Nick and Brooke was very well resolved. There were other parts, like the relationship between Nick and his Grandfather, was left open ended and I resolved.

Overall, Royal Bastard is a well written read on par with what I would expect from Ms Flynn. I enjoyed it and really do hope we get to come back to Yorkshire and see what happens with more of the Bowhaven crew.

Royal Bastard is such a fun read. Brooke is the PA to the earl. Nick is the earl’s only surviving heir. Nick’s grandfather and current earl paid off his mother when he was just a baby, so Nick wants nothing to do with that side of his family, however, Nick still goes to England.
Brooke’s love for her town and her determination to make sure the properties the earl controls is amazing. You can feel how much she cares about it. I loved Nick, he was definitely a fish out of water when he first arrived. He held true to his plan of not becoming earl and taking over for the man who rejected him from birth.
This book had some humor, some light moments and of course, plenty of secrets. There’s amazing chemistry between Brooke and Nick. Their banter, even through e-mail correspondence is fantastic.
If you’re looking for a royal romance between a British woman and an American man that will make you laugh and swoon definitely check this one out!

This is a steamy, fun, contemporary romance mainly set in Yorkshire, England, though the male lead initially lives in America. He's Nick Vane, a successful inventor, who has never known his father as anything but his DNA donor. He's not amused when his grandfather's personal secretary, Brooke Chapman-Powell, keeps contacting him trying to get him to visit . . . . he's not interested in being the heir to the Earl of Englefield. However Brooke is persistent and he's intrigued enough to agree to go, if only to tell his grandfather to get lost! Can Brooke teach him how to behave like an Earl? Can she convince him to stay and take on the responsibilities which come with the position of Earl-to-be?

This is packed with laugh out loud moments, though Nick's childhood is certainly not a laughing matter. The mutual attraction between Brooke and Nick is irresistible but she has been burnt by love and the paparazzi before so is very wary of acting on that attraction. How will Nick get on with his uptight grandfather? Will revealing secrets from the past help heal rifts and help Nick find family at last?

There are some absolutely brilliant characters in this story - including Brooke's family and the other villagers. The delightful community is brought to life in the story and readers are given a taste of the beautiful countryside, too. This is a story about stubborn characters, revelations, Yorkshire and love. It is an easy read to escape into and I have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who is looking for a steamy contemporary romance to escape into.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Avery Flynn has proven, once again, why she is one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed reading about Nick and Brooke so much that I read the book in less than 24 hours.

Nick is charming, handsome, smart, and sure he does not want to become the Earl of Englefield. He never knew his father or his grandfather and doesn't even plan on making the trip to meet his grandfather, the current Earl. Brooke, the Earl's personal secretary, convinces him to come and then challenges him to stay for at least a little while.

Brooke was a relatable heroine. She loves her village and wants to do what she can to help the businesses and people that live there. She's a little pushy but has a big heart and the best intentions.

Nick and Brooke were adorable together from their early correspondence to their mutual attraction that only grew the more time they spent together. There's humor and light moments, but also a lot of emotional ones as they both deal with the hurts of their pasts. I thoroughly loved every moment of reading this book and cannot recommend it enough.

A sexy and steamy read. What happens when you find out that most of what you knew of your life is not true? For Nick it’s chaos. He has to leave his home and country to try and fill a new role in Yorkshire, England. Brooke is back at home trying to hold the pieces of her life together. Her new job is driving her crazy. Avery Flynn writes stories that are spicy, with characters that are colorful and demand your attention. You can’t help but be entertained by their antics, and dry wit. As Brooke and Nick spar for dominance in their relationship it leads to some fun conversations in words and actions until there is no denying the fairytale ending.

This is my first book from this author and did not disappoint! Even though the writing style (3rd person) is not my favorite, I was quick to catch up with the story. The book had a lot of things I loved, such as royal trope, some wit and good banter content, families interactions and good friendships.

Nickolas (Nick) Vane only knows one things when related to family, his father and grandfather are devils and left him and his mom behind when he was only a baby. Since then, after his mom died, he lives in Virginia and doesn’t want to have anything to do with his DNA donor. Until his gramps, the Earl of Bowhaven, England, gets sick and need an heir to carry his family legacy and Nick is the last one alive.

Enter Brooke, or Lady Lemons as Nick likes to call her. She is the Earl’s PA and has the duty to bring Nick to Bowhaven and teach him how to be an earl. She also has a difficult past with the press and when she flew from Manchester to her home town, they protected her and care for her. Now she wants to give back to them, to provide a boost in the economy.

I really like them both, specially Brooke, she had a strong personality, smart and give back as good as she got. I was happy with how she was able to protect herself, even when things got bad and I love her sister and father, even more so at the end, and how the city was able to see her.

Nick was right to be mad but when the secrets was exposed, I got a little upset with him. For a guy who condemn the Vane family so much, he sure was going in their same route as them. But how good a talk with a person who never saw you in the life can be?

The end was super cute but wish the epilogue was more detailed and longer. There were some scenes I wish I have read. If this book becomes part of a series, I can’t wait to read the next ones.