“Everyone’s into the Romanovs. Their story is one of history’s most famous unsolved mysteries.”

“What if there was more to the story?”

I admit to always having been fascinated by the Romanov’s, the last ruling family of Russia before the revolution. The intrigue continues over the supposed survival of Anastasia. Therefore I readily sign up for any new, fictional or otherwise, read regarding this. Knowing this is a ‘chick lit’ (after my last few heavy reads, I was in need of some ‘light and fluffy’ as I like to call it!) I was pleasantly surprised to discover this book contains so much more than romantic escapism.

In equal parts this is a romance AND, importantly, a rewrite of the classic story, ‘Anastasia’. This is the second book in the Royally series, but the books are in no way related and this most definitely reads as a standalone. What a delightful surprise to discover that there were bonus and legitimate historical references.

‘July 17, 2018 will mark the one hundredth anniversary of the execution of the Tsar and his family ... the Century Rule was instituted here in France after so many claims were made on notable pieces.’

So on the one hand you have this simmering romance but at the same time, this engaging mystery that could possible change history! What fun! A mysterious, exciting, romantic love story!!!! I was hooked. Add to the usual recipe of romance, an assortment of clues and it proves a fun adventure. The inclusion of things such as the famous Romanov Fabergé eggs, and the female lead working at the Louvre make for some credible facts.

‘The Louvre was the biggest museum in the world. The tour guides and docents were fond of telling visitors that the museum was so immense that it would take one hundred straight days to see every piece of art in the Louvre’s extensive collection. And that would leave a mere thirty seconds to look at each one.’


The tragic end to this famous Royal Family has always intrigued and produced many ensuing legends. What the author has done here is create a credible storyline of a man who may indeed be the grandson of the Archduchess Anastasia. It’s a great to journey along with Maxim and Finley as together they seek to investigate and discover the truth behind who he really is.

‘what about the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, who’d been the Tsar’s mother’

Does the combination work? I believe it does. Yes there is some humour but instead of detracting from the story it provided lighter moments.

‘meeting a man who gave her serious Mr. Darcy vibes.’

In conclusion, Royally Romanov is a good romantic story with a most worthy and interesting twist on a classic tale - that little bit of mystery that will engage you through to the very end.

‘She ate, drank, and slept the Romanovs twenty-four hours a day. She’d been chasing them through decades of history’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Royally Romanov was such a great escape! You are whisked away and romanced until the very last page!!

I don't think I know the story well enough to enjoy this retelling.

MY REVIEW OF "ROYALLY ROMANOV' by Teri Wilson

"Royally Romanov" by Teri Wilson is a delightful retelling of the "1956 classic of Anastasia". The genres of this novel are Fiction, Women's Fiction and Romance.
Terri Wilson describes the characters as complex, and complicated. In this novel, Finley is an author and curator in a museum specializing in the Romanov history. She is fascinated with the family and the beautiful intricate jewelry.
Maxim wakes up in a hospital  after an attack, and has no memory of what happened. His only clues are from the journal the Detective gives him. He finds out that his name is Maxim, and in the back it says that he is Maxim Romanov.
The timeline of the story is in the present, and takes place in Paris, France.
Maxim goes to the bookstore where Finley is representing her book on the Romanov Family history, trying to get some information, and meets Finley. Somehow the two feel a deep attraction. Finley's past reminds her what has happened to Maxim, and she can relate.
I love the way the author describes the museum, and Paris. It sounds so romantic and appealing.
Will Maxim find out who he is? Is it possible that he is a Romanov? Is it possible for Finley and Maxim to have a Fairytale ending?
I would recommend this charming, enchanting and delightful novel for those readers that enjoy a light and easy read. I received an ARC for my honest review.

Teri Wilson takes the modern legend of Anastasia gives it a fresh twist in Royally Romanov. I adored Maxim and Finley’s story – it’s sweet without being cloying, fun, romantic, and fast-paced. Add in the mystery surrounding Maxim and whether or not he’s the grandson of the Grand Duchess Anastasia and you have one addictive story.

Finley loves her work as assistant curator at the Louvre. Her upcoming exhibit on the Romanovs could help secure her a much-coveted promotion, but her hard work is threatened by the arrival of Maxim. Maxim has just recently been brutally attacked and the head injury he suffered wiped out his memory. All he has are a few clues which lead him to believe he is the grandson of the Grand Duchess Anastasia. If his claims are true, then all the art Finley has borrowed from various museums for the exhibit would belong to him, which would ruin the reputation of the Louvre and make Finley unemployable. Maxim has to be a con man…right?

Ms. Wilson does an excellent job of updating and putting her own spin on the Ingrid Bergman/Yul Brynner classic. I watched Anastasia right before starting Royally Romanov, and though it feels almost blasphemous to say, I actually preferred Finley and Maxim’s story to the film that inspired it. Finley and Maxim are both incredibly likeable characters who have both suffered trauma and their meeting is the catalyst for each to come into their own. The two of them have excellent chemistry and though they fell in love rather quickly, their romance charmed me so much that I didn’t care. I loved watching them work to put the pieces of Maxim’s identity together, and I enjoyed how Ms. Wilson kept me guessing as to whether or not Maxim is a Romanov. There’s just the right amount of intrigue mixed with romance in this story, and that makes it very difficult to put the book down.

It’d be remiss of me to write about Royally Romanov and not mention the backdrop of Paris. Ms. Wilson brings Paris vividly to life and I just itched to hop on a plane and visit the places she described, particularly the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Royally Romanov shines in every scene set in the famous bookstore and Finley’s love of the place and – more importantly – her love for literature shines through and grabbed my heart.

Royally Romanov is the second book in the Royals series, but it is a standalone. Unless things change in the third book, Royally Roma, Royally Romanov, and Royal Wedding are connected by theme rather than characters. After finishing Finley and Maxim’s story, I cannot wait to read the next Royals book because I just love how Ms. Wilson reimagines classics. Royally Romanov made me smile and sigh, and I just plain adored Finley and Maxim’s romance. It’s the perfect escapist read.

Maxim Laurent wakes up in a hospital bed in Paris. He was the victim of an attack and now has amnesia. He has no memory of his assault or his former life. His best clue is a notebook found in his possession which is filled with research on Russian history. The notebook also claims that he is the grandson of the famous Grand Duchess Anastasia. He leaves the hospital and begins to investigate his former life and any connections to the Romanovs.

Finley Abbot is an art curator who works at the Louvre. Her expertise is artifacts from the Romanov dynasty. She has recently published a book on this subject and is having a reading at the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore. Maxim shows up and asks Finley’s for help substantiating his relation to Anastasia. He claims to have some items from his grandmother that may interest Finley. She finds Maxim attractive but believes his story is a con. They agree to meet and the story unfolds.

This book is the retelling of the 1956 classic myth Anastasia. This is Teri Wilson’s second book in The Royals series and the third volume, Royally Wed, will debut in November. I enjoyed this story which has a mixture of romance, mystery and suspense.

The story of Anastasia has always enamored me. Whether fact or myth, the idea that hope and courage can rise out of one of the most tragic events in history appeals to the heart. Maybe it's the humanity that keeps me from believing that cruelty and hate can be the victor over love and optimism. Teri Wilson gave a fresh face to a haunting story that has echoed through time but still proves no less powerful. The fact that people can't forget shows the impact. Maxim was a creation of that legacy and the fact that Ms. Wilson took on the task of creating a fictional character that embodies such a historical figure is amazing.

After suffering a devastating event causes Finley to shut down in her life and she loses almost everything for which she has worked. She builds a brand new start in Paris, France at the Louvre as an assistant art curator, her dream job. Well, the start to gaining her dream job. She is on a fast track to promotion as a full curator. Her love for all things Romanov, especially Anastasia Romanov makes her the leading expert in Paris, France and the head of an upcoming show portraying exclusive works of art from the Romanov family borrowed from several other museums. As the leading expert, Maxim comes to her for help after he loses his memory and needs help investigating information found with him after the attack, a document where he is referred to as Maxim Romanov.

Maxim and Finley have immediate chemistry but Finley is extremely shy about meeting new men and has not dated since the incident that caused her to leave the U.S. When he approaches her for help she is extremely apprehensive about believing he could possibly be related to Anastasia. Many claims have been made and have also been debunked. But, something about Max's claim just might ring true, unfortunately, helping him could put Finley's job in jeopardy. She has a big decision to make.

Maxim and Finley's relationship rings true for two people who have both been victimized in the past. The reader gets to see how hard it is to step out on faith especially given both of their pasts and the risks both have to take to trust each other. Maxim needs to find out why he was attacked and Finley needs to know if he really is a Romanov. Royally Romanov does a great job of building the characters for the reader to enjoy and even does a pretty decent job of also giving the reader a mystery as well as a romance that is great to live with the characters. This is one of those series where the reader just cannot wait to see how Teri Wilson builds the next installment. Review can also be seen at LadyTechie's Book Musings

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun, light read. Perfect for summer! If you like retellings, this is a great book. If you like the fairy tale...this is your book! Set in Paris, the location is beautiful and romantic.

This book was a delightful surprise. This romantic story is a rewrite of the classic story, Anastasia. The author created a story that was simmering with underlying heat along with a mystery, of sorts, that could change history.

A stranger, a hot attraction, an intrinsic connection, and big decisions that will change your life. Would you do it? Would you drop everything for a guy you barely knew but deep down trusted?

A beautiful romantic story is recreated in today's world that begs you make the decision....Trust or not. You decide.

Have you ever noticed how the movies are mining the classics? Disney's live recreations of Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella, Jungle Book, etc. This is the point where plenty of critics moan and groan that no one has an original idea.

At times, I've certainly wondered about this, too. But then again, I know that plenty of stories we enjoy follow similar formulas -- friends to enemies, best friend was THE ONE all along, etc.

I think my struggle to warm up to Teri Wilson's retellings are more her writing style. That it lacks depth that would've made the story soar more, that the insta-love lacks fuel to really make the attraction electric.

Lately, I've been all-in with the Anastasia revivals. It's clear that Wilson did a lot of research to make Paris and the art world real for her readers. I appreciated the work. Just wish there were additional efforts in the story to help draw me into it more.

Romantic and Charming.
I loved this up-to-date version of Anastasia. It would in fact make a great film. The tragic end to the Royal Imperial Family has always spawned legends and this one is top notch. The author weaves a believable story with amnesiac Maxim as the grandson of the Archduchess Anastasia. It doesn't hurt that he is smoking hot and that he falls in love with an assistant curator of the Louvre, who is an expert on Romanov treasures. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

a good solid plot with a unique and interesting storyline .I enjoyed it a lot!

JANEANE - 3.5 Stars

A retelling of Anastasia? This had me intrigued.

I find the story of the Romanov family and the mystery of whether Anastasia survived or not fascinating, so it was not hardship to read Royally Romanov.

I liked the cute and quirky Finley, adored her passion for her work.

Then there is Maxim in all his amnesiac glory. Broody and surrounded by mystery, I could understand why Finley gets swept away in all the mystery and romance of the "lost Romanov".

Whilst I enjoyed the cuteness and the romance of it all, I did feel that the conclusion of things felt a little lack lustre. I felt that there was so much lead up, so much suspense all building up, and then ... nothing. It kind of fell flat - however this could just be me.

I haven't read Royally Roma, however I did like Romanov enough that I will go back and read it too.


BIANCA - 4.9 STARS

I really enjoyed this story.

This is the second book in the Royally series, but the first book doesn't have anything to do with this one. You don't need to read it. But I liked it ☺ so read it! Royally Roma
I haven't watched that Anastasia movie and I didn't know much about all those Russian royals. So it was very interesting to learn more about that. But don't worry, it wasn't just some dry history thing. It was an adorable and mysterious and exciting and romantic lovestory!!!! I just couldn't stop reading!!! I had to find out if Maxim was a con man or a real Romanov. And what happened to him that night! He didn't know himself, so we're right there with them hunting for the truth. I really loved reading it!!!

ROYALLY ROMANOV was an amazingly exciting and interesting and romantic lovestory! What's more romantic than Paris?! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Maxim - this one is MINE! ☺

If I had to complain about some little things.... the french in the book - which was a lot - was not always correct. I know it's hard for americans to differentiate between our european YOU's, but they do exist, and a stranger gets another word for you than a friend!
Also, the end of the book felt a tiny bit too rushed for me. And I always like an epilogue :/

Maxim just woke up in a hospital in Paris. With no idea who he is, what happened to him, and why he only has a notebook filled with Russian history with him.

Finley is working at the Louvre. She's an expert in Russian history. She's busy preparing for a huge exhibition on the Romanovs.

Together Finley & Maxim need to find out what everything in the notebook means, and if Maxim is really the grandson of the famous Anastasia. Which can't really be, because she was killed in 1918 ... but maybe she escaped, like some experts believe! But then Finley's whole exhibition would be in danger - if Maxim is a Romanov, he has, by french law, the rights to ALL the pieces that used to belong to his family.

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I really enjoyed this story.

This is the second book in the Royally series, but the first book doesn't have anything to do with this one. You don't need to read it. But I liked it ☺ so read it! Royally Roma
I haven't watched that Anastasia movie and I didn't know much about all those Russian royals. So it was very interesting to learn more about that. But don't worry, it wasn't just some dry history thing. It was an adorable and mysterious and exciting and romantic lovestory!!!! I just couldn't stop reading!!! I had to find out if Maxim was a con man or a real Romanov. And what happened to him that night! He didn't know himself, so we're right there with them hunting for the truth. I really loved reading it!!!

ROYALLY ROMANOV was an amazingly exciting and interesting and romantic lovestory! What's more romantic than Paris?! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Maxim - this one is MINE! ☺

If I had to complain about some little things.... the french in the book - which was a lot - was not always correct. I know it's hard for americans to differentiate between our european YOU's, but they do exist, and a stranger gets another word for you than a friend!
Also, the end of the book felt a tiny bit too rushed for me. And I always like an epilogue :/

I received an eARC for Royally Roma in exchange for an honest review.

I was actually REALLY excited about this book. I even talked about how excited I was about it to two different people. It sounds like it has everything. It had a good cover, an excellent plot description, good reviews to get you intwrested. I don't think I saw one review below four stars.

I thought I was going to like it as much. But I think I'm always going to be the opposite of what the rest of the audience is like. I didn't hate this book at all. I guess the excitement just kind of died down and it made me lose interest or something. I tried to finish this book because it was a review book. And I wanted to like it too. But maybe it just wasn't for me at this moment.

I couldn't finish it at fifty percent, and it wasn't a lack of trying or strong hatred feelings against a book that do not finish books usually have. And it doesn't even mean the next reader will hate it either. It just wasn't meant for me now I guess.

I still want to give Royally Roma a try because that sounds like my thing too. Thank you for giving me the chance to read Royally Romanov, book number two!

Romances involving royalty have always been iffy-choices for me and that has more to do with their believability than anything else.

With an injured man suffering from amnesia trying to piece together his life, ‘Royally Romanov’ sucked me in immediately when it turned the table on the usual speculation surrounding Anastasia and chose to throw the spotlight on a possible grandson instead. Along with a curator who specialises in all things Romanov, Maxim Laurent’s sudden presence in her life has the power to make or break it.

I loved the mystery that surrounded Maxim and the developing case that at times felt more like a thriller than a romance—it was both troubling and seductive in that disconcerting way when it was obvious nothing is all it seemed.

I really anticipated the part where all the secrets were cracked open, except that didn’t quite happen that way at the end, which I thought was disappointingly rushed and abrupt. There is as always, a con job associated with Anastasia’s identity and that goes similarly in Maxim’s case. I felt as though Max’s past hadn’t been sufficiently unravelled to make it a persuasive one. Was he really an investment banker, for starters? Or was he something else entirely? How then, had he gotten to this point in his life? In fact, it was harder even to believe, that his boss—a wealthy manager of a reputable bank—had been the one pushing the con job all along and was responsible for all the thuggish behaviours that had Maxim injured in the first place.

I wished all of those questions were fully addressed, but Wilson pushes those aside in favour of securing the romance with Maxim and Finley when both of them eschew what they have in life to start anew someplace else. The connection between Finley and Maxim happened so quickly that it felt like instant love, and while their HEA—as the movie credits rolled on—had the hallmarks of a Disney ending, I think I still needed something more concrete to tie them together than just the dreamy (or dangerous) streets of Paris and the romanticised ideal of royalty living amongst us.

I received an advance copy of this via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was cute. It's a typical chick lit book with an interesting what if backstory because of Anastasia and all of the hidden references. For what it is some parts were asked to suspend disbelief and if you can do that the story between the two leads - Maxim and Finley - pays off.

ARC copy for an honest review...I admit it's very much a chick-lit read based on the "fantasy" of Anastasia's survival so it's very much packed with historical references like the Grand Duchess herself and the famed Faberge eggs which I find adds weight. However since it's based around the "fantasy" surrounding her survival, I found some parts of the narrative too unconvincing to believe like how it can be possible in the first place. Yes there was the romance, which actually got steamy...I'll leave it to the reader's imagination.

This delightful story will take you on an enchanting trip to the City of Paris and embroil you in a hundred year old mystery. When the book begins Maxim is in the hospital, having suffered a vicious attack, and with no memory of who he is or of his previous life. The investigating police officer gives him a notebook which belongs to him and which is full of information about the Russian royal family, ending with a page stating "I am Maxim Romanov". Meanwhile, Finley is a curator at the Louvre mounting an exhibition of Romanov family objects and publishing a book about them. When they meet sparks fly between them as they begin to figure out if Maxim really is the descendant of the Grand Duchess Anastasia. This is a combination of a love story, a mystery story, a history story and a description of Paris so inviting that it will make you want to get on a plane for a trip there of your own. I was hooked from the very first page and I highly recommend it.