4 stars

Having read many YA and New Adult romances focused on queer royal characters in the last few years, I couldn't imagine that I'd have space for another. I'm very pleased to say that I do! Also, I've read several books by this author, and this is my favorite of the bunch. Many unexpected wins here!

Danni heads to boarding school to further explore her musical talents and to escape some of the bullying she experienced in her hometown (Boulder, CO). When she arrives, she quickly finds with a much-needed friend, and this tie further connects her to...the current princess (Rose)! What ensues is a charming love story that also centers Danni's and Rose's self-acceptance and coming of age stories. As should be expected, these two face many trials along the way, most of which are sparked by external sources and pressures. These struggles create trouble for them, but they also facilitate a readable journey for the audience.

I'll admit that I regularly feel Gonzales's books are just a bit lengthier than they need to be, but I had that feeling less often while reading this one than I've experienced previously. This is a solid YA queer romance, and I expect many audiences will find it an enjoyable. I know I did!

First the narration on this book was just fantastic. Really matched the vibes and the characters.

I really liked this book from the beginning. By an hour or so in I had gone and preordered it I liked it so much. By two hours in I knew I was finishing the book in one go. And I did, start to finish in one listen.

It is beyond cute. The characters are fleshed out, the drama is there. The love story is touching but more surprising was how touching it was to see certain characters dealing with the grief of loss. I also enjoyed the writing style a lot. The author has a lovely voice when creating not only the characters but also their world.

As far as the plot twists go they were predictable and yet not. I was like, 'oh boy I don't trust them,' only to later go, 'oh dang I was wrong,' to later still end up on, 'I knew it!'

The ending was a little far-fetched in how smooth it all went but given the target age level I feel it was fitting. And it really gave the characters the ending you wanted them to have.

This was a lovely listen and I'd highly suggest it for anytime but it was especially enjoyable on a warm evening/night as I cleaned my bookshelves.

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan audio, and Wednesday books for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

• attending on a music scholarship, danni starts at an elite boarding school in a small european country, & quickly falls in with the ex-bff of the nation’s princess, rose. very quickly, rumours start about danni & rose, and a possible romance. could the rumours be true?
• generally mixed feelings about this one. it felt like the romance & conflict built too soon, and then spent too long focusing on the mystery of who outed danni & rose’s relationship.
• a loooooooot of parallels to ‘red, white, & royal blue’ that were hard to ignore.
• a sweet story, but not one that i need to revisit.