Oh my goodness. As soon as I heard this was a Princess Diaries inspired queer romance, I knew two things. One I had to read it. Two I was going to love it. Whether or not I loved everything was the ultimate question. And honestly? I think I did. It was easy to read, absorbing, really sweet, and best of all? Low drama. Which I did not expect. And I love that this released only a couple months (? Has it really been that long already?) since the Princess Diaries 3 movie was announced. I can't wait to promote this book as that movie draws near.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.

What a sweet and lighthearted queer romance, with a royal twist! There's forbidden love set within a beautiful European setting that made me want to jump on a plane! Overall, I found the direct writing style left little room for reader engagement.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

ty to netgalley and the publisher ✨

3⭐

the rules of royalty was a highly anticipated read of mine, and when i got approved for the arc on NG i was super excited. it unfortunately fell a bit flat for me :( the book revolves around jamie, a 16yo gay american boy who finally gets told the truth about his bio parents. the most alarming fact being that he is actually mitanorian royalty. he meets erik, the "spare" prince from the country of sunstad. erik (who is also conveniently gay 👀), is asked to tutor jamie in his newly found princely duties. they obviously fall in love, and deal with some obstacles that get in the way (namely: erik's family)

i think the plot and characters were super promising and had a lot of potential to be built into a great story. however, the writing fell flat for me on almost all fronts. the story was told from dual first-person POV, and i had a really hard time distinguishing the characters apart. the writing also lacked depth for me, personally, and i found that the characters' thoughts often didn't contain contractions (ie. they would think in sentences like "i am feeling xx emotion" instead of "i'm feeling xx"), which i found kinda made the characters not feel *real* to me if that makes sense?

i'm also kinda over the whole thing where MC has some life-changing event happen and then starts treating their friends like shit a little bit? i get he's a kid, but i feel like irl (esp with queer people) that doesn't really happen. i want to see more MCs leaning on their friends as they traverse a difficult time in their lives. that's the shit we need

i really wanted to love this story T_T

I thoroughly enjoyed this! Jamie and Erik are charming characters, and their bond is adorable. I love that the book didn't take itself too seriously, allowing it to be silly and humorous. Dietrich explores fame, family, friends, and discusses mental health issues tenderly.

We follow Jamie, who on his seventeenth birthday, learns that he is the son of a European king, making him a prince. Spare prince of a neighboring country, Erik, becomes his guide to royalty, tutoring him in etiquette and history. The two boys develop a sweet friendship, and feelings begin to develop for one another through their time spent together.

This is perfect for lovers of The Princess Diaries, and of course, Red, White, & Royal Blue! A quick and easy read, a feel-good story, and a whirlwind romance!

This is what would happen if Red White and Royal Blue had a baby with the Princess Diaries.

Average American teenage gay boy, Jamie, finds out that he is actually not just a regular kid, but a prince instead. His father the king invites him to spend the summer at the palace in Mitanor (an imaginary European country). To make things easier for this huge transition, the King gives Jamie the contact information for Erik, the only other out gay prince. They get in touch and Erik agrees to tutor him in royal life. Despite some pretty big hurdles they catch feelings and fall for one another. But Erik has been told by the Queen, his grandmother, that Jamie is off limits. Can their love survive?

The story is adorable and sweet as pie. I would recommend it to any young teen readers. For me it didn't quite satisfy, it didn't have any of the nuance of RWRB. The obstacles in the way were far too easily dealt in a way that felt a bit too deux ex machina for me. The king is ridiculously accepting and loving of this kid he's never met, and he didn't feel like a real character. Just a positive king cardboard cut out.

While the stakes were high for Erik, all he had to do was say no, once, and it was all okay, which made things seem less serious. I feel like the story could have used a round more of edits to strengthen the tensions.

4 stars

This is such a cute read! A YA m/m romance set within the royal palaces of Europe, it’s a sweet and heartfelt love story, and I loved this one.

Jamie is a well-adjusted 17 year old living a happy life in the USA when he learns that he is actually the son of European royalty. His biological father is the King of Mitanor, in southern Europe, and he and his adoptive parents have been invited to visit to get to know his newly-discovered family. Erik is the Prince of Sunstad, in the north of Europe, also 17 years old, and he has been asked to help Jamie adjust to royal life – show him the ropes, help him with the customs and etiquette, and be somebody for him to lean on. It helps that Erik is openly gay, as is Jamie, so they can also talk about the unique challenges that brings to life in the public eye.

Jamie and Erik initially chat over text, but it’s when they meet up in Mitanor that their friendship truly blossoms. They find that despite their different backgrounds, they have a lot in common, and as Erik helps Jamie find his way, the two boys grow close and attraction blossoms. But their situation is complicated – Jamie’s whole world has just been turned upside down and he has no idea what he’s doing or what his future looks like, and Erik’s family is a lot more stoic and ‘proper’ than Jamie’s. While they accept his sexuality, the still want to hand pick a partner for him, and outright refuse to allow him and Jamie to get involved. Their attraction soon becomes impossible to resist though, so we get the most beautifully sweet and innocent forbidden romance that absolutely warmed my heart, and that means so much to both of these boys.

"So much about my life has always felt like work: carefully analyzing every interaction, making sure I’m presenting an appropriate version of myself, one that represents myself, my country, and the crown, with the appropriate amount of reverence.
With Jamie, I don’t feel that way. My walls are down in a way they’ve never been before, and spending time with him is simply easy. It just works, in a way that feels special."

I loved these characters! Jamie is a sweetheart who embraces all of the changes in his life with maturity, intelligence and an open heart. And Erik’s story is so gorgeous as he comes to realise how stifled and controlled he has been in his life as “the spare heir”. Both of them get the opportunity to branch out and experience life like they have never experienced, and they embrace it with all of the wide-eyed enthusiasm of teenagers, and it was gorgeous to see.

There is a great bunch of side characters – family and friends – who support and guide the boys through their journey, and they’re really enjoyable. Perhaps a little bit too unrealistically perfect at times, but I enjoyed the different relationships. And though I did think that the reason behind the secret of Jamie’s birthright was a bit weak (I can’t believe any devoted father choosing to be out of his son’s life for so long), it paved the way for such a delightful read that I just forgot about that and happily lost myself in the story.

These boys have a gorgeous romance, and they work through their issues honestly and openly, and I loved seeing them get their happy ending.

This was a gorgeous read, appropriate for young readers and old, and I really enjoyed this book.

4 stars.

The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich left me with the biggest smile on my face and the happiest heart!
A wonderful, fun, modern story on royal romance. It’s a cute and wonderful read that has a lot of humor and heart.
The connection between Jamie and Erik was simply amazing, with their fun-loving banter.
I enjoyed every word about this amazing couple’s poignant, unique, memorable love story!!!

👑ARC Review👑

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

What a cute read!! It’s a gender swapped Princess Siaries meets Red, White and Royal Blue and has all the heart and fun of both of those!

Finding out you are royalty at 17 is one thing (Mia Thermopolis anyone?) but then falling for another prince along the way? Scandalous. This has everything I loved about the nostalgia of a princess diaries situation with the forbidden romance of a red, white and royal blue type story.

A fun read all the way through!

The Rules for Rotalty by Cale Dietrich releases Tuesday, December 10th, 2024.

Jaime is an ordinary American teenager who is balancing school, a part-time job at Cinnabon, and time with his friends. But everything changes on his seventeenth birthday when he discovers a shocking secret: his father is the king of a tiny European country! Jaime decides to travel to Mitanor for the summer to learn more about the country's history and meet his long-lost family.

To help him adjust to the world of royalty he has been thrown into, his father calls in reinforcements... Prince Erik of Sunstad. Erik's job is to teach Jamie the ins and outs of royalty by giving him crash courses in etiquette, public speaking, dancing, and much more. As the two spend time together, sparks fly, and Jaime begins to wonder if their bond could grow into something more.

There is just one problem: Erik's grandmother has forbidden him from dating Jaime and insists they keep their relationship strictly platonic. Can love triumph between these two royals, or will the weight of the crown keep them apart?

This book was such a cute, feel-good romance! It was told from both Erik and Jamie's POV, alternating with each chapter. There was a little bit of forbidden love, friends to lovers, and royal drama in this one. The main characters were extremely likable, and I enjoyed seeing them grow throughout the book. It was so easy to root for them to have a happy ending! I loved how the author brought the setting to life with vivid descriptions of the made-up countries and their histories. The details made this book a real stand out! I highly recommend checking this book out and anticipate it will be popular with readers in our library. I gave this book 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this book at about 37%.

It was a slog to get through, and it was simply too surface-level--both in plot and in craft--for me to invest more time in. I like the concept -- a sort of queer, genderswapped Princess Diaries -- but it was not engaging and not developed enough to be captivating.

In petty grievances, I could not read the country (city?) of Mitanor -- in my head, it always came out as Minotaur, and that weird word similarity took me out of the book.

Also, I almost hate to say this, but the writing almost sounded AI-esque and robotic. There wasn't any gripping conflict, the banter and romance felt bland, and it was not written in any dynamic or engaging way. I was bored.

I'd like to try something else of Cale's, but unfortunately this title didn't hit the right notes for me.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. THE RULES OF ROYALTY is out 12/10.

I absolutely loved the other Cale Dietrich books I've read, and I would've loved this one at fifteen. Today, at 23, I won't be buying a copy of this one for my personal shelves, but I think it's perfect for the age group it was truly written for, today's teens. This is absolutely a story that I needed as a high schooler and I'm so glad that today's teens have so many books where they can see reflections of themselves and their peers. This is a great fit for a teen who might be intrigued by the premise of Red White and Royal Blue, but may not be ready for the more explicit parts of that romance novel. I think this would also be an awesome fit for any teen who loved the recent release, Prince of the Palisades.

This is a DNF for me.
I requested the ARC based on its comps, not realizing it was YA, with 17-year-old main characters. I gave the book a try anyway, and unfortunately, it doesn't work. If I were younger or still read YA romances, this would be right up my alley with a hidden prince situation.

The premise is great, but I’m 20% in and unfortunately still bored. Nothing about the characters has been very engaging and no chemistry between the two main characters. They both just seem to let life happen to them and watch. I don’t think this book is bad, but I don’t think it’s for me. It’s a little too cozy. I’m sorry! Thank you to NetGalley, Cale Dietrich, and Wednesday Books for this DRC!

Thanks, Wednesday Books, for the arc!

I’m super happy I returned and read THE RULES OF ROYALTY with my eyes. It was such a good story and everything I would want in a cute and funny queer THE PRINCESS DIAIRES. I should have expected that since Cale Dietrich is an entertaining writer. I loved Jamie and Erik so much. I would love a follow-up novel of them following what happens in the epilogue.

I rarely suggest this, but skip the audiobook and enjoy reading with your eyes. Make up your own voices in your head for the princes and the important people in their lives - you’ll have so much more fun!

Storyline: 5 stars
Royal cuteness: 5 stars
Reading with my eyes: 5 stars
Current rating: 5 stars
Taking the audiobook rating for an overall rating: 4 stars, but adding .5 stars because it made me happy = 4.5 stars!


Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for the ALC!

THE RULES OF ROYALTY by Cale Dietrich is a perfect storyline for me. It's pretty much a queer PRINCESS DIAIRIES, and I adore it! What I do not adore is this audiobook. Ohmigoodness, it does not make you sound British, royal, and rich if you talk slow, take long pauses, and literally sound like you are speaking with your nose in the air. I wanted to throw my phone every time Prince Erik Lindstrom spoke. I made it 15% before DNFing it because I couldn't handle it, especially not with how excellent the new Prince Jamie Johnson's narration was. This isn't a story I'm giving up on. I'm too intrigued and enjoying it too much just to fully DNF. I will read it because I need to know what happens and I was almost at the meet-cute!

Storyline so far: 5 stars
Royal cuteness: 4 stars (I think this will rise when I read it)
Audiobook: 2 stars (so much lost potential)
Current rating: 3 stars

The Rules of Royalty was a sweet read. My first from Cale Dietrich and it won't be my last as this book gave me some Red, White & Royal Blue vibes which is never a bad thing. The relationship between Prince Erik and the commoner turned royal, Jamie Johnson was a slow build, with both never even thinking about a love match when they first met. With Erik as Jamie's tutor to figure out all the ins and outs of being a Prince, what starts as a professional pairing turns into the exact kind of love I would expect from two 17-year-olds as they fall madly for one another. There is very little in terms of steam but the tender moments are beautifully-written and full of charm.

The premise is a good one as Jamie's life in America is suddenly turned upside down as the revelation about his parentage is finally revealed to him. His reactions are spot-on for any teenager thrown into royal life almost immediately and the support he gets from his adoptive mom and his step-dad made me smile. Jamie has real love surrounding him from his best friends to his family to his new family in King Alexander, wife Maria and their son Tomas. I was happy the author chose to allow Jamie to navigate this new reality on his own terms, knowing he'd always have those closest to him by his side.

In fact, the only true 'villain' is the Prime Minister and honestly, no one likes him lol. The rest of the characters are wonderful and full of hope that Jamie will make his newly adopted country of Mitanor proud. He's a good young man and I'm thrilled that Erik is the one who will always be there for Jamie as they venture into a new life together, roadblocks and all.

I'm glad I took the chance on this new-to-me author since his writing flows well and he seems determined to make sure that love truly does conquer all.

3.5 stars!

In this YA novel being billed as a queer spin on the Princess Diaries, American boy Jamie Johnson discovers that his father is the king of Mitanor, a small, European country, on his seventeenth birthday. Since Jamie is out of school for the summer, this seems like the perfect time to get to know this new-to-him family and country.

Jamie’s father taps Erik Von Rosenberg, the spare prince of another small, European country, to help Jamie learn all things royal.

Meanwhile, Erik’s grandmother, his country’s queen, informs him that it’s time to do his duty and find a boyfriend before his older brother’s wedding but, under no circumstances, should that boyfriend be Mitanor's newly-announced prince.

There’s a problem with grandmother’s orders: we’ve got a forced proximity situation here, folks, and the more time Jamie and Erik spend together, the more the affection and attraction between them grow.

I enjoyed this one, but it didn’t charm me quite as much as I had hoped.

In many ways, Jamie is a bit hopeful, clueless, and naive. He’s grown up sheltered and out of the spotlight.

Erik is more world-weary and attuned to what is expected of people in his position.

I feel like this would be a good fit for younger teens looking for a queer romance and who are comfortable with on-page mentions, but not necessarily depictions, of physical intimacy.

I received an advance copy of the ebook from Wednesday Books . All review opinions are my own.

The Rules of Royalty

An adorable MM YA princess diaries romance. A cute story and cute premise delivered with typical YA angst. The narrators were good at pacing, although it felt like the narrator for Erik was more formal and sounded older than his age. I struggled to connect with him and his decisions, and the romance between the two as a result.

Good for fans of:
- Princess Diaries
- MM YA Romance
- Royal romance
- Forced proximity / prince lessons

Thank you to Wednesday boos and Macmillian audio for this ARC/ALC! My opinions are my own. The Rules of Royalty is on shelves December10, 2024.

The princess diaries meets Red, White and Royal Blue in this YA M/M friends to lovers, forbidden royal romance. When Jamie learns he is heir to the throne of Mitanor on his 17th birthday, his whole world tilts. With a high learning curve, Jamie is assigned a royal 'advisor,' fellow gay royal, Eric and the two quickly become friends and then more only for Eric's grandmother to forbid a relationship between them. Angsty, fun and with good mental health rep (anxiety and panic attacks), fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall will be sure to enjoy this latest queer royal romance. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

On Jamie’s 17th birthday, he finds out who his biological father is and where his bio-mom hails from. It’s a shock to say the least as Jamie now has to navigate royal protocol, meet his new family, and get tutored by another prince. A really cute prince who just also happens to be gay.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Rules of Royalty. Jamie takes on a whirlwind of emotions and I’m there for it. I love this support crew and his adoptive parents. I’m glad that Cale Dietrich always kept Jamie’s friends as an integral part of the story. Friendship is a huge part of why I love this story.

Then there is how Dietrich portrays family - even the royals. During this holiday season, I for one, want to read about families that support each other and these families rock. I’m not going to say that Erik doesn’t have some difficulties, but his ties with his brother and sister-in-law-to-be are heartwarming.

The story is also about romance and I love the dance between Jamie and Erik. It starts off as genuine friendship which of course leads to more. I love how they support each other and even when it hits the fan, the love never dies.

I’m not usually one for royalty romances, but I really enjoyed Dietrich’s take. I love the humor, spice, friendships, and of course the love.

The Rules of Royalty is a retelling of The Princess Diaries and it was a light, YA read that was very enjoyable.

Jamie Johnson is like any other teen growing up in America. He's got a part-time job, he's going to school and just trying to figure it all out. When he turns 17, he learns that his father is actually the king of a small European country, making him a prince. Jamie's father enlists the help of a young man, Prince Erik, from another country, to help him learn the ropes of royalty.

As you might expect, sparks fly between Jamie and Erik as they spend time together. As feelings grow, the two have to deal with their families and their thoughts and feelings on their relationship.

While this was a very entertaining book, at times things felt very easy between the two and I would have expected more challenges given their two families and the royalty factor. Overall, it was an easy, cute read and one that I would recommend.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**