An interesting sweet fairytale story which I enjoyed.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my own thoughts

I usually really enjoy Donna Alward’s books, but this one did not do as much for me. I had not read the previous book but this was a total standalone so I didn’t feel as if I missed anything. What I did miss was becoming emotionally involved with the characters. This was an enjoyable book but it was just a read for me. I want to feel the characters as they go through their emotions and for me, that wasn’t there in this book. I had no great feelings for Stephanie or Raoul and didn’t much respect either of them. She kept loving him silently for years, and frankly Raoul was a coward for most of the book. This is just my opinion and certainly others will like this book much more. I think Donna Alward’s writing is good. She can create a story. This was just not the story for me.

Stephani has had a crush on Raoul and she has kept it a secret and plans too as she thinks nothing will come of it. Being his assistant and being able to be there for him and her cousins kids is more important. Raoul has lost two women who have been closest to him and he is never going to marry again. When things go array in his life he knows he can always lean on Steph. Can they find hope for a relationship or is the working relationship all they will end up with?

I really enjoyed this book and I loved how the author made Stephani this amazing strong women who wasn't afraid to speak her mind. I really enjoyed the story I think the only thing that I felt was I wished there was more, not that the story was lacking just wished it was longer such a fun read. The story is over all a pretty clean read it does have adult situations and topics but over all a fun story. This story is somewhat predictable but the story was so sweet.

I revived a free copy from NetGalley

The Crown Prince's Bride drew me in with the the cast of characters. They are smart, funny, and endearing. I felt for Stephanie because she had loved Raul for years while her cousin was married to him. When her cousin dies she has to try to continue to be his assistant while trying to figure out her place in the life of the royal family and Raul. She technically is family because her cousin is the mother to Raul's kids, but now that she's gone she struggles with feeling like an outsider. On top of that she has to find a way to figure out if she can stay and work with Raul or if she should move on and try to find love and a life outside the royal family. The story about broken hearts, moving on, finding your place, and romance.

This was a pretty good read but a little rushed. I wish we could have seen more between the heroine and kids and it all felt too forced.

3.5 Stars

Another enjoyable read from Donna Alward! This royal family has faced some hard times and it was nice to see Prince Raoul find his happy ever after.

This book picks up in parallel to the ending of the first book, The Playboy Prince and the Nanny, but can easily be read as a standalone. The plot is not new and the twists are not unique, but this love story between Prince Raoul and his assistant is an easy read that gets a little bit angsty but delivers a nice happy ever after.

I really enjoyed Stephani. She had a strength about her that I admired. She was committed to doing what was right for her – and was resolved to do so even if it meant leaving the job, country, and family she has come to love.

Raoul irked me at times. He has had a hard time with the loss of his wife, and, add on the pressures of knowing he would one day take over the throne, I could definitely see why he needed to be cautious with his choices. What irked me though is what he put Stephani through – for someone who always needed to be conscious of what impact his decisions may have it got me just a little mad how he ended up treating Stephani. Of course, he does come to his senses – this is a romance novel, so that was a given – but boy did I want to give him a good talking to a couple of times!

I enjoyed catching up with other characters from the first book, and Diego’s children were just as endearing in this one. Having met the other members of the royal family already and seeing the impact that Rose (from the first book) had made on the family made this an even easier read for me – I’m not a huge fan of royal romances but this family did make me smile and enjoy each page I turned.

Donna Alward has created a wonderful fairytale world in Marazur and this book was a nice read to escape in. She has crafted a well put together book that is an easy read.

A must read for those who are fans of royal romances or anyone looking for an easy read to escape in with a happy ever after.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book of second chance love. The Crown Prince of Marazur, Raoul lost his wife in a tragic accident and has a broken heart and busy with his two young kids. Stephani has been his assistant for years, but has kept a secret from her boss, she has had a secret crush on him for years. As her cousin was married to him, he was always off hands. Raoul has asked Stephani to stand in as date for him, when he finally sees Staphani as more than his assistant. But, is he ready to open his heart again.

A great story that kept me turning the pages. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand alone, because now I have to go back and read the first story. I highly recommend this story.

This was a great continuation. Loved how all learned that everyone can have a second love and we all deserve to have our big moment.

A sweet and simple romantic tale where the girl finally lands her prince.

I loved the first book in the series so I was looking forward to reading this. The story is very much centred round Stephani and Raoul's attraction to each other, spending time together and Raoul debating with himself whether to commit to a real relationship or not. There wasn't much elese to their story so I didn't find it very exciting. The story could have been more developed and livened up with a subplot that would bring the couple emotionally closer. Their HEA seemed a little forced at the end.



All in all, it's a nice enough story and a quick read.

3 1/2 stars

The Crown Prince's Bride is for all of you die hard romantics who dream of a handsome Prince falling in love with a commoner. (Not like that could happen in the real world, right? )
While I was wowed by Donna Alward's realistic Deck the Halls, which I reviewed here, I was a little less impressed by The Crown Prince's Bride mainly because, although very capably written, it felt uninspired. I think The Crown Prince's Bride falls into the comfort food of the romance genre. It's well-written with few surprises and the much-desired happily-ever-after.
The saving grace for me came in the form of Stephani, the book's heroine. She is intelligent, savvy, and, although she's been in love with Prince Raoul for a decade and has worked alongside him, she never allows her love to make her a doormat.  She has the strength of character to demand respect and receive it.

The supporting characters were also drawn very well. I liked Diego and Rose and am intrigued by their story which occurred in book one of this duology, The Playboy Prince and the Nanny.

I was not overly enamored with the ever-vacillating Prince Raoul, although Alward did a good job in providing the basis for his behavior. Without reading the previous novel, I felt a little like I was supposed to take it for granted that he was worthy of Stephani's love and devotion because just having the title of Prince doesn't do it for me.

This is for all of you devotees of Cinderella.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a sweet, romantic story of a man dealing with loss and learning to live and love again. To make his struggle more difficult the woman who has gained his attention is his long time assistant and his deceased wife's cousin. Stephani has been in love with Raoul for years but has always hid her feelings for the sake of family and most recently respect and her job. She now has a decision to make. Go after who and what she wants or move on in both her personal and professional life. This story takes us on the journey these two travel to find their HEA.

I would definitely recommend this one.

I have to admit that I have become accustomed to more raunchy and steamy romances. So if you're looking for something that will leave you hot and bothered and have you blushing, than this romance isn't it. But if you want a sweet second chances romance that leaves you with a smile on your face, then this is the romance for you.

Stephani has been working for the crown prince of Marazur of years. What's more, she's also had a major crush on him. But Raoul Navarro hasn't been the same since he lost his wife Ceci in a car accident. He is now a widower with two young children and no hope of every finding love again. He loved once and lost it in a heartbeat. He never wants to feel that helpless ever again so he is guarding his heart.

Raoul has no idea that his personal assistant is madly in love with him. She is his late wife's cousin and is like family. But when a romantic wedding is coupled with too much scotch, he finds himself drawn to Stephani and is finally able to see her as more than his right hand and the woman who has kept his life in order.

But when you are the crown prince and everyone's eyes are on you, can you really be able to live life as you wish? And can Stephani really keep on living her fantasies from a far and not be able to make her dreams come true?

A sweet romance with some heart wrenching moments. I must say that there were many times when I got mad at Raoul, but then we get to understand his hesitation and doubt and can't help but be touched by his pain and anguish. A modern fairytale!!

THE CROWN PRINCE’S BRIDE by Donna Alward is book Two in "Royal Duology " series. This is the story of Raoul and Stephani. I have read the previous book, but feel you can easily make this a standalone if you choose to do so.
Raoul is a Crown Prince whose wife CiCi died leaving him with the kids to care for. Stephani is the assistant to Raoul and also has been in love with him since her first day and she was also CiCi's cousin. But knowing nothing can every be between them under than work makes it hard for her. When Raoul ask her go to a business dinner/function she goes...but Raoul hardly recognizes Stephani...she is stunning. They both feel the loss of CiCi but they both are feeling mixed emotions with each other.
This was a sweet second chance at love story that I so enjoyed having a chance to read it!

The Crown Prince’s Bride by Donna Alward is reminiscent of a fairy story, unrequited love being reciprocated after a broken heart finds healing and a willingness to love again. Stephani, assistant to the Crown Prince and amazing at her job, has been in love with her boss for years but would never act on it. In fact she considers leaving her job andf the royal family to find someone who would love her for her. Raoul, the Crown Prince, lost his wife, Stephani’s cousin, and believes he will never find love again. Raoul finds himself at a crossroad between opening his heart to love again or remain the dutiful and lonely father to his children.

I loved reading this story. Ms. Alward is an excellent storyteller, keeping me interested in this story so that I had trouble putting it down. I highly recommend this outstanding book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Crown Prince Raoul is a widower with 3 children and a fierce need to be the perfect prince for his beloved country, the perfect father and, a man who will not allow himself to go through the pain of loving and losing yet again.
Stephani has been Raoul's assistant for years, the cousin od his deceased wife and, in love with Raoul for years!
At Raoul's birthday party, they kiss and, both realize that the heat is definitely there. The problem is that Stephani knows she loves Raoul but, Raoul refuses to allow himself to love ANYONE AGAIN! The angst and heartache that he puts Stephani through leads her to believe that he will never be able to love her. So, what will happen between these two when they butt heads = not only over their feelings for each other but, over Raoul's ability to allow himself a true happily ever after!
I started this book and did not put it down until I finished it!

This second chance romance is full of soul. The circumstances are complicated, and coming to the terms with out of control emotions can be destructive as well as as productive.

Raoul, the Crown Prince is grieving for the loss of his beloved wife. He finds solace in his work and two children, but loneliness catches up with him.

Stephani is the Prince's assistant and over the years, they have become friends. She is a competent and a caring person. Secretly, she has been harbouring feelings which she can't act upon.

After all these years, Raoul sees Stephani under a different light on his birthday celebration. He allows himself to relax on that day and acts on impulse. It's like a dream come true for Stephani, but here begins an emotional and painful journey. She feels like a shadow of what he craves and his denial only leads to more complications. Can he try and allow himself to love again or continue to mourn his loss? Not an easy decision!

This is a heartbreaking novel where the romance is pretty unbalanced. The past keeps getting in the way and at some stage, everything looks impossible. I feel that the twist at the end might have forced the issue instead of allowing the outcome to progress naturally. However, it's a compelling and heartwrenching read with the desirable outcome.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

3.25 Stars
A Crown Prince gets a second chance at love with the woman who’s always been there, this is the second book in the prince duology & Diego and Rose from the first book do make appearances
The Crown Prince of Marazur is suffering from a broken heart. After losing his wife and future queen, he knows he’ll never find love again with a partner as wonderful as her. He’s thrown himself into his duties and is trying to be a better father to his two children, but he’s lonely. Stephani has been Raoul’s assistant for years. Smart, loyal, and discreet, Stephani is fantastic at her job. Except for the fact that she’s been in love with her boss since her first week of employment
Then fate takes a hand when Raoul’s date for a state dinner is unable to attend, he invites Stephani. At last he sees her as a woman.
An enjoyable read that kept my interest but nothing stood out so I think in a couple of months time I won’t remember the book. I’d say ideal for reading on holiday, easy to read & interesting but not soul searching. The characters are well portrayed & the plot is also enjoyable.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

stephani has been in love with raoul for far longer than she should have. he was married to her cousin cecilia after all. and since ceci's death steph has been by his side, supporting him in all things, and it's suddenly become too much. she wants marriage and babies and love. and right now all she does is work for the palace.

she knows and understands how heartbroken raoul is. but when the attraction that flares between them can no longer be denied, when for the first time she isn't fading into the background, the hope that they have a chance at something real is almost too much to bear.

and there is something between them. something beautiful and unexpected. she loves raoul with her whole heart. and even if it's not fair to ask him, she wants him to love her that way too. but raoul has had too much loss. his mother, his wife, and he doesn't know if he can stand to lose stephani too.

but when the unexpected pushes them out of their comfort zone, it's how they react and how they fight for a chance with each other in the crown prince's bride that will make all the difference. love and life after loss isn't easy. but second chances abound, and perhaps both raoul and stephani have found one.

this is a sweet, royal romance. both stephani and raoul are idiots at times, but when they do come through for each other, when they go all in, it's well worth it.

**the crown prince's bride will publish on january 9, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press (sweve) in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 Stars

This was a cute, sweet read.
Raoul is a Crown Prince and widowed father of two. Stephanie is his long time assistant, his right hand, and his deceased wife's cousin. It turns out that Stephanie has also had a crush/been a little bit in love with him for a long time.
Having seen these characters previously (in the first book of this Duology), it wasn't difficult to slip right into this well written story. I genuinely liked both Raoul and Stephanie, but I have to admit some frustration with how he handled the situations around their budding romance. As I read, I found myself really rooting for Stephanie. I appreciated how she decided to take matters into her own hands and put herself first, even if it meant leaving behind what she loved.
My one real complaint - and the thing that kept this from being a full 4 star read for me was how the author handled the "big conflict/resolution" part of the story arc. I feel like she had something set up that would have allowed for Stephanie to really stand on her own and for Raoul to make a truly grand gesture, but didn't pursue that line of the story. The direction taken was ultimately sweet, but I felt like it was the easy road and a bit trite.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and was happy with the resolution. If you've read Diego and Rose's story then this is a book you'll want to pick up too.

Princes. They’re just like regular guys. Stephani Savannas, the executive assistant, and all-round live in help to Raoul Navarro, Prince of Marazur, is a kick-ass, get-things-done kind of gal. Her Achilles heel is that she is hopelessly in love with her boss, and he, a recent widower, is a long way from being ready to return that love. The good news is that Stephani is patient. The bad news is that Raoul is slow to learn! This was a quick, fun read.