This is book 2 in the Royal Duology series but is easily a stand alone read. Stephani is crown prince Raoul's private secretary and cousin to his dead wife. She's been part of the royal family's life for years and secretly in love with Raoul before he married. Sort of a predictable read with Raoul being a bit obtuse and Stephani planning to leave.

Donna Alward is a favorite of mine, so picking this up was a no-brainer. I read The Playboy Prince and the Nanny and enjoyed it, so I was looking forward to reading Raoul’s story. While I didn’t like him as much as younger brother, Diego, he slowly grew on me. Stephani I liked from the get go, but I wondered why she put of with some of Raoul’s nonsense.

Stephani is the Crown Prince’s PA, and she’s worked for him for ten years. Raoul was married to Stephani’s cousin, Ceci, and when she died tragically in a car accident, both she and Raoul were broken hearted. Raoul hasn’t moved on yet, and believes that inviting another woman into his life and the lives of his children would be disrespectful. He’s just not ready for another relationship, even though his family is pressuring him to move on with his life and find happiness again.

Stephani has been secretly in love with Raoul for years, even when Ceci was still alive. She carefully kept this secret, and never gave any indication that she had feelings for the Crown Prince. When he has too much to drink and kisses her, she’s hopeful that maybe he has some feelings for her, too. But when Raoul pretends that nothing happened between them, she realizes that she’s living a pipedream thinking that they could be a couple.

While I did enjoy this romance, it features one of my least favorite tropes. The sneaking around trope. I hate that. Literally hate it. I think it’s demeaning to both parties, and don’t see the need for it, unless one of the parties is cheating on someone else. (Okay, that would be my absolute most hated trope – cheating on your partner. Ugh.) I didn’t really see the need for it here. The power inequity between Raoul and Stephani didn’t sit well with me, but since she was looking for employment elsewhere, it didn’t bother me as much as the sneaking around. This worked better for me in the previous book.

The other niggle – Raoul was so wishy-washy. Yes, we have a chemistry and are attracted to each other and we should explore our feelings. No, it’s a mistake and I can’t have a relationship yet. Think of the kids. Ugh. Man up, dude, or just stop. Stop playing with poor Stephani’s feelings and making her think there is something there when you are too emotionally conflicted to see if there could be something there. After being so preachy with Diego, you’d think Raoul would have acted more like an adult here. It was fun to see Diego finally able to set him straight.

This is a quick read, with a low steam level. I read it on our recent vacation to Disney, and found it perfect for relaxing after spending all day wandering around the parks.

Grade: 3.75 stars

The Crown Prince's Bride is the second book in a series by Donna Alward. That being said, I didn't read the first book and do not feel I missed out on anything. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the only thing I would change would be that it was longer. This is a quick read, one I feel was perfect for this day where it is drizzling outside, a lovely day for a cup of tea and a charming story. I loved the sweet story of Raoul, the Crown Prince of Marazur, and Stephani, his assistant. I smiled a lot and got teary-eyed a couple of times. The story is fairly predictable, with a twist thrown in toward the end. I'm giving this book five stars because it kept me entertained throughout and I did not want to put it down once.

Stephani secretly loved her boss. Being his personal assistant was a job she loved but it slowly became too painful to be around the man she loved. Although she missed her cousin, she slowly gave up the fight to be with Raoul. The crown prince needed a queen but would she feel worthy of the position or forever miss her cousin as she searched for her happiness?

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Stephani has worked as an assistant to the crown prince of Marazur, Raoul, for years and is also his friend and quasi-family since her cousin, Ceci, was married to Raoul until her untimely death. For years, Stephani has had a secret crush on Raoul but would never have acted on it out of love and respect for her cousin.

Raoul has been going through the motions since the death of his wife. He can't imagine having a another chance at the strong love he had with Ceci. At a state dinner party one night, however, Raoul sees Stephani in a different life and feels the beginning of a feeling he never expected to feel again. Would taking a chance on Stephani be worth the scrutiny it would bring?

This is the second story in a duology, but it can easily be read as a standalone. The story for me was OK. It was a fast read, but there was nothing to make it stand out from the thousands of other romance novels out there.

Stephani Savalas loves her job as the assistant to the Crown Prince of Marazur, and appreciated her cousin Cecilia, the Prince’s wife, offering her the position. Cecilia’s death a year earlier has left the Prince depressed, though he bravely carries on with his royal duties and always has time for his two children. Stephani admires Raoul’s loyalty to the Kingdom and to Ceci’s memory, but she is growing increasingly uncomfortable around him, since she has loved him from afar for years. When Raoul kissed her after his birthday party, she had a fleeting hope that they could begin a relationship, and when she discovers he has similar feelings, they begin a discreet affair that is left in tatters after Raoul’s sense of duty and his guilt over Ceci’s death lead him to ignore Stephani and refuse to discuss his feelings. Stephani begins to pursue other employment possibilities, but stumbles up against a roadblock she cannot resolve alone.

The Crown Prince’s Bride is definitely a feel-good story, and as always, Donna Alward has written a HEA that’s fun and enjoyable to read. I liked Stephani’s efficiency and determination, and her ability to keep everything running smoothly for the Crown Prince and the rest of the royal family. The friendship and sense of family that runs through the story is wonderful, and I enjoyed the closeness shared by the Royals of Marazur.

Crown Prince Raoul still hadn't moved on from his wife's death, but as the future King of Marazur, he knew he needed someone by his side to help rule and lead his people. Stephanie, his assistant, was his late wife's cousin, and was really dependable at all times. He knew he had big responsibilities on his shoulders, and blurring the lines with Stephanie would not be a wise move. But one kiss, one night, made him doubt about his feelings and scared the hell out of him.

This is book 2 of The Prince Duology by Donna Alward and my second book from her. I've read Playboy Prince and the Nanny and I loved it. I'm glad the story leveled up and the characters were flawed yet mature with their decisions. I love Stephanie, strong, fervent, determined and intelligent. Raoul was a fool when he repeatedly denied his feelings for her. I wanted to smack him in the head for making that big offer when a situation was presented. Marco, his personal driver, had even more sense than him. But I'm glad that Raoul soon realized his shortcomings and became the man he was destined to be.

Sweet and loving Stephanie deserved to be called the heroine. I loved her as much as I loved Rose from the first book. These women that the Royals had fallen for deserved all the love in the world. While the story was kind of predictable, I still enjoyed it until the end. Loved the butterflies on my stomach while reading this story. It was muy bien.

Raoul was the crown prince of a small European country. His wife, Cici had died tragically leaving him alone with two small children to raise. Cici's cousin, Stephani, had come to work for the royal family several years earlier and Raoul depended heavily on her abilities and strength. Stephani had been secretly in love with Raoul almost since first meeting him but she never would have betrayed her cousin but now that Raoul was single and struggling with idea of being single for the rest of his life, those feelings kept coming to the surface.

On Raoul's birthday, after a night of drinking, he kissed Stephani and what a powerful kiss that was for both of them. But, in order to move forward and keep things professional, they couldn't give in to the feelings both of them were feeling. Or could they? Would Raoul ever be able to move past his former life and build a new life with another? Would Stephani always be living in the shadow of her perfect cousin in Raoul's life? Would that be enough?

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I found the story to be sweet and entertaining. It was well written and while, not a completely clean romance, most of the sexual encounters were behind closed doors. There wasn't a lot of graphic description of their sex life.

Really enjoyable and emotional story. I loved it! Can't wait to read the next one.

Sorry. Not a fan of the story. I had a very hard time buying into the romance between the MC's especially given how much the H was said to have loved his deceased wife, the h's cousin. I also didn't like how he ended up treating the h in this book.

The Crown Prince's Bride is an interesting, contemporary take on royalty and the lives they live. Author Donna Alward gives the reader seemingly real life love story between a royal prince and his administrative assistant. The prince, Raoul, is a widower who has lost his wife in a tragic auto accident. The administrative assistant, Stephani, is a cousin of the deceased wife. Raoul hired Stephani at the request of his late wife. Stephani has proved herself invaluable as his employee. Stephani also has a crush on Raoul though she never acted on it being extremely loyal to her cousin. It's been a year since the princess' death and Raoul is at a celebration of his birthday. So now the fun begins and the reader is taken thru a romantic adventure where the couple first fight the attraction, then decide to see what will come of said attraction but decide they need to be discreet about it. The author's character development is quite nice. There are a lot of people involved, including the prince's two children, his family and the people employed by him. This is a very nice sweet romance.

Raoul and Stefani’s story did not disappoint! A read so emotional you found yourself feeling for Raoul and at the same time I wanted to strangle him for what he was putting Stefani through. Really enjoyed this read and can not wait for the next book!

In the earlier book of this series, readers saw Raoul, the future king, and the heartbreak he was experiencing over the loss is his beloved wife Ceci.

In this book of the series, Stefani is Raoul’s longtime assistant who has loved him equally as long. As Raoul begins to emerge from his grief, he finds himself attracted to Stefani. They decide to see where their budding relationship can go, but heartbreak and joy are even odds.

I enjoyed this story although not quite as much as Rose and Diego’s story. Emotion seemed a bit superficial. The events that would cause emotion were well-placed, but as the reader, I just didn’t feel it. However, I found the book interesting and the characters are people I would revisit in another story.

I give this book 4 stars.

Though this book is okay, I personally do not think it is one of this author’s better books. It just did not excite e all that much, though I did enjoy it. Crown Prince Raul knows he will one day be King of Marazur. Thus, every action, decision, even every thought must be carefully thought out and planned. The biggest heartache he faces now is the accidental death of his wife this past year, which has left him a shaken, empty shell of a man. Raul so loved his wife Cecilia that he is leery of ever giving his heart and soul to anyone else again. Instead, Raul focuses on his life as Crown Prince and future King and on his two young children, also left motherless with Cecilia's death, despite the loneliness and the emptiness within him. Cecilia's cousin Stephani is Raul’s loyal assistant. Stephani has always had a crush on Raul, though she realized a long time ago it would never amount to anything. In this book, Raul recognizes his attraction to Stephani, and both explore what a relationship could mean. Still, Raul is still smarting from Cecilia's death, and is unable to let his past go. As the story progresses, the author takes the reader through the angst Raul feels about his recent loss and the joint angst and worry both Raul and Stephani experience as their relationship progresses.

This book is first and foremost a romance. The ending is fairly predictable. There is definite chemistry between Raul and Stephani from the start—probably unleashed by the death of Raul’s wife. The relationship progresses at a nice clip, not to fast or too slow, with plenty of events, decisions, comments and conversations between the pair or with other members of the household helping things along. Though predictable, I found the book nevertheless enjoyable, providing another glimpse into the royal family of Marazur. I enjoyed watching Stephani, a strong, intelligent woman, make good, solid decisions about her own life, while still remaining faithful to her role as Raul’s assistant. Like the previous book in the series, this was a woman who will definitely provide a good influence on the country, her husband and future king, and to Raul’s young children (who obviously need a mother more than anyone can imagine). I enjoyed reading more about this family, as I said. I am not sure where the series will go from her, but I certainly hope it will continue, as I enjoy reading about the tiny country and its royal family. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

The Crown Prince’s Bride by Donna Alward is the 2nd and final book in her sweet Royal duology. Once again, Donna Alward gives us a wonderful sweet delightful romance. The Crown Prince’s Bride continues the story of the Royal family of Marazur, with the Crown Prince, Raoul now the hero. The story picks up close to when it left in the first book. The wedding planning for Diego and Rose is on the way, with everyone working hard in the preparation. Stephani, who is Raoul assistant, is working overtime time to make sure the wedding goes as planned, as well as helping Raoul with his duties.
Just a brief refresher: a year ago, Raoul wife’s , Ceci was killed in a car crash, devastating him and his two children. Stephani was Ceci’s cousin, and has worked for Raoul for 8 years. Over the years working for Raoul, she knew she had fallen in love with him, but she loved Ceci and would never allow herself to push her feelings.
Even now, with a year past, Stephani knows Raoul is still in mourning, and continues to hide her feelings, as she works hard to be the best assistant for him. At Diego and Rose’s wedding, Stephani had to step in to be Rose’s maid of honor, and wore the fancy beautiful gown. Raoul begins to see her in another light, besides being his trusted friend and valued assistant. What follows, is a slow built romance that will bring them very much together, with both knowing their true feelings. They take a week long business trip to the Rivera, and act on their lustful feelings.
Raoul though falling hard for Stephani, is afraid to move forward, claiming he is not ready, causing Stephani to reevaluate her staying in Marazur. She loves her job, and is very good at it, but she knows Raoul is afraid of moving forward, and she needs to put her own happiness to the forefront. She makes moves to leave and find another job, because she can’t handle her feelings for Raoul, and feels he needs to find a proper Queen.
Raoul, with advice from his brother, father and friends realize that his fears are also based on losing another person he loved, and the pain it causes. He must get past the grief and pain to accept the joy that could come from being with someone he loves. Will he let Stephani leave?
The Crown Prince’s Bride is a sweet, wonderful, heartwarming romance, with some heartbreaking moments. I loved this family that we got to know in the first book, and continued to spend time with in this book. I loved Diego and Rose, and loved Raoul and Stephani equally.

Donna Alward has written a very enjoyable, sweet contemporary romance. She always gives us great likable characters, and from the start you will root for Stephani to get her fairy tale romance.

This is the 2nd book in the Royal Duology. At the very beginning of the first book the Crown Prince Raoul's wife is killed in a car accident. That book focuses mostly on the younger brother Diego's story. However, this book is all about Raoul. Years ago he hired his wife's cousin, Stephani to be his assistant and it has been a decision he's never regretted. Stephani is the perfect assistant, she's organized, tactful, and detail oriented. When her cousin, Raoul's wife, dies she's devastated and does her best to support Raoul and the family. However, doing that means she's sacrificing any hope she of a HEA which isn't helped by the fact that she's a little in love with her boss.

I was a little worried about this relationship because a imbalance of power makes me uncomfortable in a romance and Crown Prince vs assistant sounds like a pretty hefty one. As well, Raoul is a recent widower. Would he really be ready to move on? I was very comfortable with how Alward handled both of these issues. The death of Raoul's wife was very much dealt with and he struggled with being sure how ready he was to move on. There is no magic switch. As well the relationship between Raoul and Stephani felt equal. I never felt like she was being pressured into any situation. The relationship was one built on a friendship and incredible trust. It was sweet and had more heart than I was expecting. I liked both Stephani and Raoul and enjoyed their story.

This story is a sweet read about the Royal family . This story is about Raoul and Stephanie. Stephanie is Raouls assistant who has feeling for him. Raoul brother is getting married and it brings back memories of his wedding. His wife was killed a yr ago

Stephanie has had feeling for Raoul for a while but she doesn’t think now is the time to act on them. Raoul is wandering if he should let go of the past to live

The Crown Prince’s Bride by Donna Alward is the second book in her Royal Duology series, but the first book in the series I have read. I did not feel lost while I read this second chance at love story with all the fairytale feels.

Stephani has been working for Raoul as his assistant for years. She is a great employee. She is loyal and very discreet and very in love with her boss. Not that it matters, she is not queen material. When and if Raoul ever marries again, it will not be with someone like her.

Raoul loved his wife. She was everything for him and after she is gone, he does not believe he could ever fall in love again. He decides to be the best father he can for his children, but he finds himself getting lonely. Does he really want to spend the rest of his life alone?

Then Raoul finds himself without a date to an important dinner and invites Stephani to attend with him. But when she arrives, he barely recognizes her! But can two people who have so much history find a way to each other? Though this was a sweet story, it was a bit angsty as they find their way.

This was a sweet and charming story about loss, grief, hope and second chances. A fairytale story of sorts that give us all the right feels!

I just did not enjoy this Cinderlla retelling. It was not my cup of tea. However, others may like it. Just fell flat.

Raoul is the Crown Prince of Marazier who lost his wife and queen in a tragic car accident and wa snow doing his best to get over his grief and raise his two young children. Stephani was Raoul’s late wife’s cousin and had worked for Raoul for many years as his assistant. Stephani had been in love with Raoul but would never do anything about it even now. Raoul has no idea of Stephani’s feeling for him. Raoul is the next in line for the throne. Stephani was Raoul’s right hand woman. Raoul is conflicted when he starts to develop some feelings for Stephani raoul started to feel maybe the woman who helped him through his grief may be the woman who could make him whole again and that woman was Stephani.
I liked this book but I would have liked it to be longer. This was an easy fast paces romance. I really liked Stephani. I liked the plot and pace. I loved Stephani and Raoul I liked the humor on this book. I advise you to read the first book of this series to keep everything pulled together. I didn’t like how raoul treated Stephani toward the end of the book. But the end turned out good. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.