Let me preface by saying that Red, White, and Royal Blue is one of my favorite books, and this being promoted as a knockoff was what I found most appealing. Unfortunately, it missed the mark quite a bit with both the romance and the political commentary.

This review contains heavy spoilers.

What I did like:

* Callum sharing fun facts, history, and even his puns/dad jokes were delightful and my favorite part of the story.

* No dramatic bi awakening or gay panic. I'm positive I would not have liked how this author handled it, so I'm relieved Callum realized he was into men and carried on.

* The cover.

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What I did not like:

To start with, the royalist propaganda in this book was not subtle. I know it’s fiction and I wish I would have been able to enjoy it without thinking that hard, but there were too many real-world similarities (like the queen’s love of corgis) for me to suspend disbelief.

The romance:
* Read like straight romance (derogatory). If you know, you know.
* 14-year age gap. This wasn't a deal breaker since they were both adults, but large age gaps aren't personally my thing.
* I love slow burn romance and the build-up would have been fine if the author hadn't insisted on beating the reader over the head with how instantly drawn to each other they were.

Examples:
- Their insta-connection and feeling of "electricity" when they first met and shook hands.
- At their second meeting, when they were still practically strangers: "a feeling stirred inside me" and "Why is my pulse racing."
- While they were texting after having only briefly met twice: "I'm suddenly aware that an unfamiliar feeling...is growing inside me. I can't quite identify the exact name for the feeling."
- And in case the reader still hadn't figured out where it was going: "A weird bolt of electricity shoots through me as we gaze at each other. Watching Oliver in his element...stirs feelings inside me I can't quite describe."

* The relationship was way too intense and cheesy for my taste. Not only was the "ily" rushed, but dialogue like "I would crawl over broken glass for you," and "the universe never quite made sense to me until I got to touch you," seemed more obsessive than romantic.

* There were multiple times when the two characters' attraction for one another was compared to a literal drug addiction.

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Then there were the issues I had with the characters themselves. Oliver was especially terrible. Hear me out.

* With his awkward but charming exterior, Callum was very likable until he said things like "I will do everything in my power to keep the monarchy alive."

* He defended his uncle's attempt to bribe sports officials because "he had good intentions."

* Callum acknowledged that the ceremony to crown him Prince of Wales was unnecessary and only created to humiliate the Welsh, yet he did it anyway - at an extravagant cost to taxpayers - because tradition.

Callum's actions were understandable, though. At the end of the day, he was the prince, and the royals were his family. I wasn't going to root for him to save the monarchy, but I got it.

Oliver on the other hand...

* I almost DNFed at Chapter 3 when Oliver said this about how growing up in poverty influenced his progressive politics: "I'd responded to my feelings of inferiority by cultivating anti-establishment, down-with-the-oligarchy opinions..."

Right off the bat we learn that Oliver only cared about things like wealth inequality when he was poor and felt "inferior." When he gained money and power for himself, his views changed.

* When the Indian prime minister suggested that the Kohinoor diamond be returned to India as part of a trade deal, Oliver basically responded: "Ah, gee, wish I could but we stole a lot of things from a lot of places during colonization and we can't very well return it all. Besides, India still oppresses gay people so why don't you worry about that instead."

There was no reason for this scene to be included. It wasn’t necessary to the plot and only seemed to exist so the author could demonize India and paint Britain as a bastion of moral superiority.

* "Who cares what the plebs think." -Oliver. Real man of the people.

* "Philosophically, I've been an unapologetic Republican my entire life." -Oliver. He spent the entire book defending the monarchy.

Oliver repeatedly let his relationships with the queen and Callum affect his ability to do his job and only called for a referendum because he was worried about losing reelection. Of course, the British public ended up voting "overwhelmingly" in favor of keeping the monarchy. That was incredibly predictable from the moment a referendum was mentioned and tracked with how pro-monarchy the entire story was.

However, the worst part of Oliver’s character was the way he abused his power:

* He threatened to have the (implied Spanish?) man his husband had an affair with deported. Also, racist.

* He used his connection as prime minister to obtain the identity of an anonymous troll who said mean things about Callum on Twitter. The two (plus their armed security teams) went on a romantic outing to what is described as a rundown part of town to confront the man.

Our "heroes" used their authority as the most powerful men in Britain to track down and intimidate a private citizen at his home. The purpose of the visit was for Oliver to show the privileged royal heir that people who hate him are nothing but poor, unemployed losers whose opinions don't matter. This is depicted as a "yas, king" moment that is to be applauded rather than the gross abuse of power that it is.

"We didn't do anything wrong," - Oliver. He had to reassure both Callum and the reader after they left the man's "dilapidated" home.

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Then there was the big predictable plot twist:

Callum's half-sister Amelia, one of the few female characters in the book, was revealed to be a radical feminist set on assassinating her brother(s) and taking the crown because she was upset about the erosion of women's rights in the Commonwealth. Her motivations were generic and sexist, and conveniently ignored the fact that her grandmother, the queen, a WOMAN, had been sitting on the throne for decades...

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I was tempted to give up on the book several times, but most readers seemed to enjoy it, and I hoped that meant there was something to redeem it in the end. It just got worse. And then I read the blurb for the next book in the series: A cute enemies-to-lovers MM romance between Oliver's Labour Party bud and the Conservative Party leader...

Will privileged, white (usually straight) authors please stop romanticizing people who do everything in their power to harm disadvantaged and minority (INCLUDING QUEER) communities?

What a delightful read!

Callum completely charmed his way into my heart as I read this book. His wild hand gestures and general lack of British-ness truly got him into some sticky situations, and I both laughed and cringed as I plowed through the story.

Witnessing Callum and Oliver slowly form such a pure and supportive friendship was like healing some of my own sadnesses page by page. Them learning to trust each other, and build something beautiful from that truly made my heart soar.

I loved the thorough research that went into writing this story, it truly made it a much deeper and genuine story to consume. Research can make or break a book, and the research Jax Calder put into The Unlikely Heir definitely helped make it into something really great.

A great book for anyone looking for some angsty, forbidden queer love.

putting aside all reality is require, but I loved this, the two leads had great chemistry and banter, one of them was more clearly characterized and drawn than the other, and the mystery was interseting.

I was pleasantly surprised by just how good this story was. I won't lie, I was a little skeptical because there are a few takes a gay romance with English royalty. But let me assure any fellow skeptics, Jax Calder wrote a new and really wonderful take on this trope. There's so much angst and sweet moments. And the ending! Ah! I really did love this book. Callum and Oliver are written so well and their story is one I already kind of want to read again!

This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars! Great for fans of contemporary romances in the vein of Red, White & Royal Blue as well as The Charm Offensive!

We have two characters who are from very different walks of life that are brought together but unexpected circumstances (my fav). Despite their odds and differences they find a commonality together and a comfort in one another's presence that cant compare to things they've known in the past and it leads to a very real and comforting romance!

Callum and Oliver are absolutely meant for one another and you can really feel their emotions through the writing as we get the gentle slow burn that starts over harmless friendly texts and evolves in to much more! I found their affection towards each other a wonderful grounding point for two men who lead very stressful and demanding lives. Overall I really enjoyed getting to know them and watching them fall in love and beat the odds!

The Unlikey Heir is such a good book, I could barely put it down once I started.

Callum is a regular American guy who is far down the royal line of succession, so far that it's a random fun fact not taken seriously. When unfortunate circumstances lead to Callum being bumped up to become the King of England he's forced into the royal life. Oliver is England's openly gay prime minister who is destined to not experience love after his public divorce.

The chemistry between Oliver and Callum is unmatched, both men have struggled with love but they still know they belong together even if it means sacrificing their jobs. The spicy scenes only elevated their deep connection.

This book clearly had a lot of research done into the British royals and politics and it really just stepped up the story as a whole.

It was written similar to Red White And Royal Blue in all the best ways. I would definitely recommend The Unlikely Heir if you enjoyed RWRB.

Forbidden love? Check.
Bad jokes? Check.
Opposites attract? Check.

After bonding over their shared “fish out of water” experiences, Callum and Oliver make the worst mistake a prince and Prime Minister can make... They fall in love with each other.

I loved the unlikely pairing of the anti-monarchy Prime Minister and the ungraceful American who suddenly finds himself heir to the throne.

Now, the prince falling in love with the MP has serious political implications IRL, but I thought this was a fun, light-hearted romcom.

Forbidden romances are my absolute favorite, and The Unlikely Heir is no exception.

This was a super fun read! I especially liked how Callum and Oliver didn't have instalove, but they started out as people bonding over their shared experiences of not coming from the echelon of British society in which they now move. That friendship turned into the most satisfying forbidden romance.


Thank you, @Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

This was fantastic, potentially one of my favorites of the year! I thought it was going to be a little too much of a RW&RB ripoff but it instead took everything that was magical about that and made it it’s own. I loved both of the main characters and their story of falling in love.

I really liked this book! It’s a cute story with vivid character. Yes, the premises are not so great (I mean, all the heirs of the English Royal Family arrested by Scotland Yard, please, it’s not believable in any way, maybe I would preferred that the reign was invented instead), but the story is really funny and the relationship between the characters is such well written. It’s a slow burn and I love slow burn. And it’s a forbidden love. Callum is the American heir of the English Crow, Oliver is the British Prime Minister. And they are two men. Their story is more believable then the premesis.
I’m really glad I had the chance to read this story. It’s funny and I’m so in love with Oliver, he’s my favorite, and he and Callum are so great together. I want another twenty books about them, please!
If you are a fan of RWRB or Princess’ Diaries this book is for you!

THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND JAX CALDER FOR THE ARC!

this book came through with the vibes I needed to get out of a reading slump! the characters are so unique and witty, and I couldn’t help but love them from the very first page. it’s definitely similar to RWARB, but yet I love it in a different way!

5 stars! would 100% recommend for a heartwarming story with LGBTQ characters, forbidden romance, and the best happily ever after! 🤗🥹❤️😍🫶🏼

"the unlikely heir" is an unmatched, funny, dramatic and nice read, I really enjoyed reading it.
While many try to compare it with "Red, White and Royal Blue", I have to disagree with my whole being. Yes, it's a forbidden, political romance with a prince living in the United Kingdom, but that's the only common ground.
It's a masterpiece, I've laughed so many times at this dry humor and their happiness, I've gasped because of some revelations and rushed through this whole thing because I coundn't put it down.
Normally I never read novels with age-gap characters, but I made an exception and I've never been happier about anything.

This book was so cute!! I loved it. At first, it took a little bit to get into the book but once the book took off with the plot I was roped in and enjoyed reading it. I liked how the Prince of Wales was American because I liked seeing Callum realizing and understanding how different England is. There was one scene from the book that I FELL in love with Oliver (prime minister) gave his grandfather’s dog tags to Callum. That scene melted my heart and made me fall in love with a couple. I recommend this book!!

Forbidden romance / Age Gap trope between the heir of the British Throne and the out-and-proud British Prime Minister, the Unlikely Heir in this case: an American, the oldest forgotten child of the Queen's fourth son. With the massive success of Red, White & Royal Blue, this book needed to feel creative and fresh. Happy to report that it absolutely does! The Unlikely Heir is a cute, charming romance that you definitely cannot take too seriously, but that is the entire point. This was my first book by this author and it was a grand slam for me.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

This is perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston's Red, White & Royal Blue.

I'll admit I was nervous about trying this book because I had loved Red, White & Royal Blue, most particularly after the movie came out. I read an ARC of RW&RB and was beyond excited to see the movie. Was I ready to try again, with an unknown author? Yes, and I am so glad I did!

I could not put this book down. From the minute I started I was like, yes, this book has something. The lead, Callum, is so nice and genuine - he doesn't want much out of life, just a good job, a girlfriend, and his friends. He isn't close with the royal side of his family because his mother kept him away from that life when she divorced the prince (4th son of the Queen). His father went on to have other children, but they don't really know each other.

I was so anxious to see how Callum and Oliver would connect, and it's similar to RW&RB in that it's with text's and phone calls, but with Jax's story of The Unlikely Heir, we get to see both sides of the relationship, the push/pull struggle with feelings. I liked Oliver. He is several years older than Callum, and at times that was very noticeable in how Callum acted, I wondered what Oliver would see in Callum. But Callum has a kind heart and is honest about who he is, not trying to put on airs or anything. I think that's what Oliver loves most about Callum.

Now, I do have to stay that around the 60-70% mark (can't remember exactly) things started getting kind of sappy and dare I say over the top in the feelings department. I get they are in love and can't stand to be apart from each other, and the secret they must keep because it's "verboden" they be together. But there comes a point where the mushy feelings are too much, and I just roll my eyes and go with it. I wish it had been tamed down some, but it is what it is and that's how the author felt like portraying those moments so there you go. :)

Overall, this was a good read, and had an interesting plot twist at the end that I kind of expected based on some of the lead up, but I wasn't totally expecting how it all played out. I do wish there had been a little more with how they plan to handle children, but there is a 2nd book in the series (though different characters) and these two may make a cameo and answer that question.

I give this 4.25 stars (it would have been 5 if the emotions hadn't been quite so much). A very cute gay rom-com and a nice follow up read to fans of Red, White & Royal Blue. Here hoping they keep on with the trend! :D

I loved this book. It’s funny and sweet, and was a great read. It is part Princess Diaries part Red, White, and Royal Blue. Once Oliver and Callum started falling for each other, I couldn’t put the book down. And there were even some surprises. I just loved it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.

I couldn’t think of any better time to pick this up than now with the release of the movie for Red, White & Royal Blue. I do want to emphasise that while this was a fantastic read while I’m missing Alex and Henry, The Unlikely Heir holds its own and Callum and Oliver are both unique and special characters.

I could sit here and highlight the great tropes that are in this book in multiple paragraphs but instead, I’m going to focus on the characters.

Callum has always felt like an outsider looking in and has struggled with feeling misunderstood throughout his entire life. I truly resonated with his character and his development of learning to trust himself and stop listening to other people’s perceptions of him. He had been burned by so many people before and struggled with letting others see him in all raw honesty due to fear of people leaving or seeing what he believed wasn’t enough. I loved reading about his acceptance that he was free to be who he really is and that people loved him for him.

Oliver was a fantastic character, struggling with the weight of responsibility and never allowing himself to be happy as he believed that wasn’t truly in the cards for him. I loved reading about his character development and self-acceptance.

This was so much fun to read and I am so glad I picked it up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jax Calder for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a surprisingly enjoyable/fun/humorous read - I’m a sucker for contemporary royal/celebrity romance and this was just so damn cute, totally preposterous, but pulled at my queer Princess Diaries-loving heart!

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙃𝙚𝙞𝙧 by Jax Calder (2023) ★★★★☆
Slow-Burn, Bi-awaking, forbidden/royal romance, age-gap, w/ mild spice

Callum is living in California, son of an American model and former youngest prince of England from their brief romance, is thrust into the spotlight when he goes from 11th in line to the throne to Prince of Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 after some shady deeds necessitated reordering.
He’s a giant adorkable golden retriever, and I loved him!

The absolute worst person for him to get feelings for is the out gay, divorced, UK Prime Minister Oliver Hartwell! Serious and reserved on the outside, just a gooey cinnamon roll on the inside.

I loved Callum; his awkwardness, bad jokes, and random facts! The relationship development felt genuine and real, the ILY’s came a little fast, but otherwise it was a slow enough burn for me.

I’ll be honest, I was expecting full train wreck walking into this ARC, but I’m surprised by how fun this read was!

Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley for a chance to early review this story in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC.
I have to say that this book was a pure delight. I loved the aspect of the dual POVs. It's the story of Callum and Oliver. Callum's the 11th in the throne succession. But then some of his relatives are tangled up in some shady business. Which then eliminates them from becoming the heir to the crown. So it's Callum's job to ensure his grandmother's line continues. While performing his royal duties, he meets the stunning British PM, Oliver Hartwell. They then start to spend more and more time together and form a very tight relationship. But Callum won't fall for this handsome guy, right? Because that might be a little bit chaotic....

This book was absolutely delightful! I flew through it. It was a great mix of romance with a little angst.

I would read so many book about Callum and Oliver, both great and fleshed out characters. I was rooting for them the whole time. Callum is a sweet prince who needs to be protected and Oliver deserves all the love in the world.

The one downside is that the supporting characters were not fleshed out well, but this book was about Callum and Oliver and so it didn't bother me too much.

While I'm sure there were a lot of thing unrealistic in the this book it didn't bother me. It all made sense for the world these characters were inhabiting. The book also had a few twists that I didn't see coming. A really great royalty romance with a touch of angst and hurt/comfort. I've already recommended this book to multiple people.

Thank you Netgalley and Xpresso for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately this book didn’t work for me. I found it to be too over the top, and I didn’t feel any chemistry between the characters.
I’m sad that I didn’t like this one but I know a lot of people who did so I hope that it works for others who enjoy the sound of it!

Thank you to Jax Calder & Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book!