Hallmark/netflix in book form. Super cozy and adorable. Loved everyone and every pet in the book (except one person). Narrator did a great job.

I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

OK…I just have to say…This. Was. Adorable!! ❤️🐕❤️🐾

A royal Princess. ✔️
A dog trainer/vet from USA. ✔️
A Tasmanian devil (yet adorable) dog ✔️
An arranged marriage. ✔️

Princess Ava is getting ready for the annual Christmas Eve Ball…that she’s in charge of this year…
Her father, the love and light of her life always took care of of this, but he recently passed.
She has everything just about ready.

Then, her mother, the Queen, comes in with her band new rescue dog, appropriately named Stormy!
He’s a wrecker! Like…anything he crosses paths with is guaranteed to be wrecked! 🤣

Ava is NOT happy. They’ve never had a dog…and why is mother getting one now???

And…the Queen announces that she’s leaving for France… right away.

Ava is distraught. What is she going to do with this dog?
But Mom is not worried. She’s hired the best dog trainer around… from the US.
And then she’s off!

And Ava and Justin (the trainer) are tasked with watching the dog… who very quickly RUNS AWAY! 😮🙏🏼

And, that’s how we start off!
The book follows them trying to find…locating…and then losing the crazy dog…again and again!
It’s absolutely delightful!!

If you love dogs, love romance, and love Christmas themed stories…THIS IS A DO NIT MISS!!

4 1/2 bright, shiny, hearty ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me, happily rounded up to 5!!!

#ARuffRoyalChristmas by @KarenShaler and narrated beautifully by @HannahCurtis.

If this sounds like something you’d like, please keep your eyes 👀 open for this one!!!
*** IT HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!!! Please look for it on Tuesday, 9/30/25! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

A Ruff Royal Christmas by Karen Schafer is a charming holiday romance that blends festive cheer, family drama, and a royal twist. The cozy small-town vibes mixed with the sparkle of royalty made this such a fun seasonal listen.

The characters were warm and engaging, and the touch of canine cuteness gave the story an extra heartwarming layer. The romance itself was sweet and satisfying, with just enough tension to keep me invested from beginning to end.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration—it captured the lighthearted humor, holiday spirit, and emotional beats perfectly. It made the story feel even more lively and fun to experience.

If you’re looking for a cozy Christmas read with a sprinkle of royal magic and plenty of holiday feels, this one’s a great pick!