Look, this book is delightful if you're the right age for it. It's a feel-good, escapist romance that delivers exactly what it promises: a charming love story between two appealing characters in a fantasy political setting where love actually can conquer all. The writing is sharp, the chemistry works, and it clearly struck a chord with readers hungry for joyful queer representation.
But let's be crystal clear: this is NOT a YA book, despite how it's sometimes marketed or shelved. The sex scenes are explicit and frequent. The language is adult. Common Sense Media says 16+, and honestly that's the floor, not the target. This is New Adult romance—think college-aged characters and content.
For older teens (16-17) who are into romance and ready for adult content, or for adults looking for a fun, hopeful queer love story, it's a solid pick. The representation matters, the themes about authenticity and courage resonate, and it's genuinely entertaining. Just don't accidentally hand this to your 13-year-old because the cover looks cute and it has 'Royal' in the title.






