It was such an amazing enemy-to-lovers, royal romance, and payback book, that I couldn't put it down! It did take me a long time + efforts to finish this one, but daresay I didn't enjoy it. The banters between Genny and Theo were a treat to the eyes, and I loved them chemistry-ing over budget discussions.

Theo is an oaf, most of the time, and reading his povs or how critical he is of the whole budgeting concept (coz, um, assumptions should never be made), I liked how he navigated the changes around him. Specifically of his opinions. And Genny, what a lovely princess you are 🥺 She's definitely written to be a role model, because her thoughts, opinions, beliefs, attitude, etc. are all so amazing. I loved hers and Kelsey's relationship too, and how the latter one helped her loosen up a bit.

The best part though? I found two areas I would like to extensively research - Monarchy + Budgeting and Auditing 👍🏼

~Ruling The Princess is the second book in Christi Barth’s Royal series and is the story of Princess Genevieve and Lord Theo, an enemies to lovers, secret romance that will have you swooning and laughing as we follow the journey these two follow.
~Set in the fictitious European country of Moncriano, we met Princess Genevieve in the first book, The Princess Problem. Slowly the frosty layers of Genevieve were revealed, as the relationship with her long-lost sister Kelsey grew and blossomed. In Ruling The Princess, we see more of Genevieve outside her role of Princess, the loyal and fun woman she really is underneath the layers of tradition and royalty.
~Lord Theo has just returned back to Moncriano after years away. Exiled and years of resentment burning, he is hell-bent on showing no mercy to the Royal Family and the extravagances they exude. Hired by the Government to audit the expenses of the Royal Family, he specifically Princess Genevieve, as part of the nation’s pre-entry in joining the EU. Time spent together has sparks flying and passions burning, as Lord Theo slowly discovers there is more to the House of Villani and what the public see.
~ Christ Barth writes with wit, humour and passion and shows an uncanny ability to allow her readers into the world of which she is writing. I loved getting to know these characters, their Royal life, values and traditions and the wonderful secondary characters that make up the extended Royal Family (the duo of Duchess Mathilde and Grand Duchess Agathe are awesome!) The romance could be described as somewhat slow burn, you can see the desire and respect building between these two as the lines between enemies and lovers becomes blurred. It is definitely the perfect balance of sweetness and steam which I believe readers of contemporary romance and romantic comedies will just adore. We have been getting to know Prince Christian, heir to the throne in these first two books and I am really looking forward to his book coming up next, his cheeky and laddish ways are sure to unravel to a more vulnerable character and I can’t wait to find out more!
~A 5 star read from me, thank you to the author, Entangled Publishing, LLC and InkSlinger PR for the early copy of this book. This is an honest review and the opinions are my own.

I think I liked this one better than the first! It's nice to see Genny and Kelsey getting along and the sister bond is really evident in this one. Theo and Genny made a great couple because while at first they brought out the absolute worst in each other, they also truly brought out the best in each other which made for a great enemies to lovers story! I'm a little annoyed at how the king's mental health just isn't dealt with and am hoping that gets resolved in some way in book 3 or at least not swept under the rug. This is a fun, sexy and light series where each book can be read as a standalone.

Ruling the Princess was laugh out loud funny, sexy and tearful all wrapped up in one. I love love this series and can’t wait to see what happens next! MUST READ!

I binged the Princess Diaries after reading this. I could not get enough! It was such a cute, fun read that packed a punch from the first chapter!

I just loved getting to enter this world. It was just so easy to get lost in and I just had so much fun with these characters. I look forward to reading more wonderful stories in this series.

The princess + the numbers guy = love!

Ruling the Princess was just what I needed this weekend. The enemies-to-lovers element (especially in the first half) was just delicious--and when they weren't enemies anymore? Deliciousness squared! ;) I loved watching Theo and Genny realize that their previous assumptions were wrong, and loved even more that they did it like grown ups. They both were wrong at times, they both made mistakes, and they both took responsibility and steps to make things better. Who knew responsibility could be so sexy?

Just don't tell Genny's grandmother--the throne room may never be the same again ;)

I haven't read the first book yet ( The Princess Problem --no worries, I picked it up before I was even out of the "enemies" phase of this one!) but I didn't have any problem following along with what I needed to know--Ms Barth gave us the pertinent details in a way that felt organic rather than overly didactic. Sure, it's a bit spoiler-y for what happened in that book, but having seen Kelsey and Elias here? I need to read their book anyway, even if I do know some of the major details and drama of their story already.

And as for Christian and Mallory's? Bring. It. On!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Loved it!! The second book in the series, I had to backtrack and find the first one and I am glad that I did. Initially what a way to find out you are royalty and then what a family to be a part of. All of them are amazing characters with strong personalities that clearly at times are going to clash. I really liked the writing style and the way that the stories unfold. I can't wait for the next instalment.

I was really surprised by this book. I expected just some mainly fluff. But, this book had some depth to the characters as well. Theo had a past grudge, which led him to some assumptions. Genny took his hostility and showed him who she truly was. Along the way they fell for each other. This was a great mix of physical steaminess and also personality and emotional connection between Theo and Genny.

I loved the first book in this series and I was curious to see if author Christi Barth could make me grow to really like Princess Genevieve because she wasn’t my favorite character in that first book. In fact she was a bit obnoxious and rude to her sister who was returned to the Royal Family of Moncriano after being kidnapped 20+ years prior. However Genevieve (Genny) meets her match in Ruling the Princess and I very much enjoyed watching them both let down their defenses and fall in love.

The last thing Genny wants or needs is a Royal Auditor making assumptions about her spending as her country prepares to join the EU. What Genny doesn’t know if the auditor, Lord Theo Holst holds a grudge against her for something that happened when they were children and he doesn’t much care for the Royal Family.

I enjoyed the push/pull between Genny and Theo and the fact they both made some pretty big assumptions about the other and they both made mistakes. Their banter was hilarious and fun. It was easy to see the attraction between them from the start, but what I truly loved was watching their relationship blossom throughout this story. The more time they spent together, the more they grew to know the person behind the façade and it was fascinating to watch their respect and love intensify. I loved watching the three siblings relationship change and seeing how much they’ve grown to rely on one another in a short time. While Genny and Christian have always been close, with each passing day their sibling bond with Kelsey grows.

A joy to read from beginning to end, I loved Ruling the Princess and I am so looking forward to Prince Christian’s story!

4.5 Stars Very Entertaining

Very enjoyable Royal romantic comedy. The story held my interest and kept me guessing who the bad guys might be, although I spotted one early on. And I’d have to say that Theo was better off not being raised by the parents he was dealt.

Mostly loved this book except for the occasional acronyms used unnecessarily in the narrative, all of which I had to look up. Examples: FWIW, FFS, and Btw used in the narrative is just laziness.

I have to say, Genevieve was not my favorite person in book one, and so I wasn't so sure how I was going to feel about a whole book with her as the heroine. But Christi made me a fan by the time I read the last page and I'm totally in love with this series!

In RULING THE PRINCESS, we get to see the human side of the princess who has always had to be perfect in the public's eye. She's had a lot going on lately, and it's taken its toll on the princess. A sister that was lost is all of a sudden back home and so the dynamic of the family has shifted. And to top it all off, now she's being audited! With her father disappearing into his chambers, in a deep depression over the attempted assassination of the princess' sister, more pressure is being put on Genevieve and her brother Christian as they are training their sister in the ways of the royals and pulling up the slack with the king's duties. It doesn't help that the auditor they assigned her doesn't seem to like her very much and is wickedly gorgeous too.

I loved the banter and flirting between Genevieve and Theo. This book left me with a smile on my face and ready for Christian and Mallory's story! I can't wait! Christi's Royal Series has given me a love for reading Royal Romances like I've never had before! Check out this series, it's a ton of fun to read.

This is the second book in the series and although you could read this potentially as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first one beforehand. Ruling the Princess continues the story where The Princess Problem left off, only focusing on Princess Genevieve and her royal auditor. All your favorites from the first book are there especially Kelsey and Christian; along with some new characters and new plot lines.

I am really enjoying this series of books and cannot wait for the third one. They are total romantic fantasy books with some over the top scenarios and unrealistic situations, but who cares? It is fun and sexy.

Heat Factor: Panty melting, but make it classy

Character Chemistry: They’re like a chemistry experiment…they’re prim and proper until mixed. Then ka-boom.

Plot: Duke Jr./financial auditor is sent to examine the Princess’ books because the country is considering entering the EU. Duke Jr. doesn’t like the Princess or royalty at all, but that feeling is short-lived and then lots of fascinating drama ensues.

Overall: I grudgingly started this book and ended up completely absorbed by it–sexy, fun, and well-written. (And a series! My favorite.)

So I’m usually pretty open-minded — the other Smut Reporters tease me about liking every book I read — but imaginary monarchies are just something I normally struggle to enjoy. For one, I find that there’s often this “I’m so perfect, but you don’t know me!!” type of undertone and I find that trope a tiny bit tired. There’s also often the “you think this glamorous life is so desirable but I’m tired of being admired and publicly worshipped, darn it!!” message and every single time I read that I kind of snort because frankly no, that does sound not glamorous to me. At all. Being seen in a group larger than five humans makes my skin crawl. Frankly it sounds terrible. So, you know, at best I often find that I just don’t GET imaginary monarchy books, and at worst I kind of grit my teeth while royal characters toss their hair and prove they’re just not like all the other princesses.

This one did win me over. First of all, Genevieve the Princess does pull a few “not like the other princesses” moments but then she really starts to expose the inner workings of the monarchy to this anti-royal sexy auditor/Duke Jr. and I gotta say, I was convinced right along with our sexy auditor. The author kind of takes you through some of the cliches and then all of a sudden there’s an attempted coup and a yacht tryst, and I just, I LIKED IT. I LIKED IT A LOT.

In fact, the only “oh, come on” moment I had involved the entire royal family helping with a dangerous crisis and they were all risking being killed or injured but hey, it’s fiction. Prince Harry and Prince William did military stuff, so I think I can suspend my disbelief long enough to enjoy some steamy post-trauma whoopie. Right?

I would suggest starting with the first book in this series–I didn’t find that it was at all challenging to enjoy this without reading the first one, but there is some backstory I would have enjoyed experiencing first. And let’s be real, we’re all stuck at home. You have time to read a nice smutty series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review can also be found at The Smut Report.

Christi Barth has penned another charming tale. Princess Genevieve, second in line to the throne of Moncriano has not had the life that most think a princess has. Her baby sister was kidnapped out of her crib and only recently been found, now all grown up. When the infant princess had not been found, their mother had committed suicide. Genevieve and her older brother Christian had been raised that the throne and the people of Moncriano come before any personal desires.

The return of her younger sister, now called Kelsey, has brought joy into the castle, yet now their father is declining. The country is on the cusp of a national referendum on whether to join the EU and the PM has hired an auditor to audit two members of the House of Villani. She chose Lord Theo Holst, who has hated Genny since they were children, holding her responsible for him being exiled from Moncriano and sent to boarding school. He has since built a successful life for himself, in New York, but detests what he believes is the unearned excessiveness and lavishness of royalty. He wants nothing to do with his own position as heir to a duke, hating the traditions and rules, but really disliking his cold family. Genny, sensing his antagonism, readies herself for battle. But as Theo spends more time with the royals, he finds that their "excesses" are part of the role that their people want them to have and they themselves are very generous and real people.

While this book could be read as a stand alone, the reader would miss out on how Kelsy came to be found and how her sunny personality has changed the family, positively. The characters are delightful, the banter fun to read and the way that Genny and Theo move from enemies to lovers is enchanting. I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Are you a fan of royal fiction and romcoms?
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RULING THE PRINCESS 
by Christi Barth is out now!
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RiC7FL
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Synopsis:
I’m thrilled that my first trip back to my homeland, after years in exile, is for an assignment from the prime minister. Even better, the job's to put Princess Genevieve in her place...by cutting off her cash flow. Spoiled royals—even drop-dead gorgeous ones—don't do anything to deserve their wealth and status. Hell, they don't do anything. She's fighting me tooth and nail, of course. The only way to stop her arguing is, well, to kiss her.
And I can't seem to stay away from her. Now I see a whole different side to the princess—and not just because I've gotten her clothes off. But I was put on this assignment for a reason… Those outside the castle want to see the Princess discredited and push their own agenda, and I may have just given them all the ammunition they need.
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*REVIEW* ☆☆☆☆
Ruling The Princess reminds me so much of The Royals. This is a story about the consequences of making snap judgments based on outside appearances. Both Theo and Genevieve assume the worst of each other, and both have something to prove. A little time spent together soon turns their heads. Theo and Genevieve begin to see the value and worthiness in each other rather than the faults and baseless assumptions. I love royal romance, and this story was a fun charming read with witty and, eventually, likeable characters. I adored Theo and Genevieve and their journey. I am looking forward to the next book! 
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Comment

Hilarious, romantic, laugh-out-loud fun, drama filled read! It was so fantastic to the last page! I read it in one sitting, because it was that spectacular, I was just cracking up all the time with this story and get totally lost into the story that I couldn’t put this book down at all. Had the perfect amount of drama, emotions, sexy and sweet moments and romance. Definitely getting added to my favourites list of 2020. You totally have to get a copy of this book, you won’t regret it, I promise. Happy reading everyone!

Full review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 03/30/20

Genevieve is in a tough spot. Her small country is on the brink of joining another which could be a positive step in the right direction. But before the merger is even brought to the table, an accounting of the expenditures of the royal family must take place. And lucky Genny, she’s been picked to have her accounts gone through at great length. When her accountant sends her a list of places to begin cutting expenses, she balks. He lunges, she parries, and so their relationship goes. But the sizzling attraction they both felt at their first meeting only turns their battle of wills into a form of foreplay. Hooking up is inevitable at some point, but the thrill that Genny feels each time she and Theo are at odds is like nothing she’s ever experienced before. He obviously strongly dislikes the royals and isn’t afraid to push back. Their verbal spars become addicting and soon so does their naughty pleasures. But Theo has old feelings of spite that he’s nursed over the years and Genny doesn’t remember him from their much younger years. She’s unsure why he seems to hate her, but she is determined to bring him around and show him that she’s all about her people. Most unfortunate is that there seems to be a traitor in their midst and when the heat is suddenly thrust upon Theo, Genny breaks everything off with him. She’s been burned so many times before and the very idea that he could have betrayed her is more than she can handle.

Theo is finally right where he’s wanted to be since childhood – back home where he belongs and, in a position to stick it to the Royals. A damned nuisance if there ever was one. They spend frivolously and care for only their selfish little selves. He ought to know, having been on the bad end of one of their debacles, which ultimately cost him everything he loved. To says he’s been harboring a grudge is putting it mildly. But his reputation is a solid one and even if he ends up turning in a glowing report, it will be because that was what the evidence provided; even if it’s the last thing he wants to do when he arrives on assignment. While Theo definitely hates the Royals, he is also internally at war with himself. He desires Genny to the point of distraction and is quickly befriending the other younger members of the family. Never would he have imagined himself in this position; defending and protective of the Royal family. But he’s honorable above all and as tough a pill as it is to swallow, he comes to grips with his mistakes and owns them. When a plot against the family which is tied directly to his position makes itself known, Theo knows it is up to him to keep the threat from harming the unsuspecting family. His role has shifted in what seems like the blink of an eye from punisher to protector. What’s even more astonishing is that he’s perfectly fine with it. But he and Genny have so much working against them that he’s unsure this won’t be anything more than temporary despite how much he wants permanency. When Genny rejects him, he is at a loss of how to fix it. Before he can get back to wooing her, he has to save the family and he’s going to need some help with pulling it off.

I have to preface this review by explaining that I have not read the first book in the series. However, there was enough included within this book that I didn’t feel that I had to, or that the deficit was harmful in any way. Within this book, I was still allowed to get to know Kelsey and Elias a bit and with enough to basically piece together the first book with little effort. However, I did not feel a great connection with either Kelsey or Elias and didn’t come away with a need to go back to the first book to find out what I had missed. I did, however, fall completely in love with Christian! Good grief I cannot wait until I can read his book. And I am proud to say that I successfully guessed who his romantic interest would be. Given a couple of enlightening scenes in which little to nothing was said, but behavior gave me every indication, I am thrilled to place the third book in the series on my TBR list in anticipation of reading Christian and Mallory’s story. And no, I do not consider this a spoiler as it wouldn’t be difficult to figure out – plus the first chapter of the book was included at the end of this story, which is how I knew my powers of deduction were on point. Cristian is an absolute joy and had lines that were so perfect, they almost bested Theo’s. Almost. He’s really in a tough place with everything his family has suffered and the weight of the crown resting on his shoulders, even though it is not yet official. He juggles the brotherly, friendly, Kingly duties with flawless ability … at least it appears so to any outsider but takes its toll emotionally. And with that, I will leave Christian until I am able to read his story. Never before have I included a paragraph about a secondary character within a book. To say I was enchanted by him would be an accurate description.

I haven’t read all that many royal romance books, which is surprising given how many royal romance movies I have gotten lost in. My last couple of experiences have been fantastic and I am thrilled to have discovered both this author and series. I was hooked purely on the blurb, which was my only reason for choosing to read this book. Theo may have his biases for good reason but I don’t think they are all that off from what many people think. I, for one, never understood the whole obsession with the royal family and all of the need for such extravagance. Meh. Never did anything for me. But neither am I from a country that places such value on that kind of title. Maybe some do, like Theo’s socially climbing dysfunctional parents. Maybe those who hail from countries with royalty are much like the subjects in this book, who look up to the families to set the standard and justify their extravagance as a necessary consequence to keep up appearances. One example given is that Theo wants Genny to use a cheaper brand of pantyhose and one of the citizens overhears their conversation in a clothing shop. Theo asks her if she finds that her hard-earned tax dollars paying for these ridiculously high priced panty hose is acceptable. The woman replies that she should have them because she is a princess. As if that explained it all. So the views on royals was an interesting approach within this book. Also proven in that scene was the need for the expense of clothes being sent to the palace for Genny to try. However, seeing the ramifications of public appearances, Theo quickly sees the error in that particular way of thinking. He wants to cut costs but doesn’t actually understand the necessity for much of it – until he does. Had Theo not experienced much of the effects of his cost-cutting personally, he would have carried on without a thought to Genny’s lifestyle and unknowingly left her quite vulnerable in several instances. Ultimately, they end up working together in cutting costs rather than Theo dictating to Genny about her budget. In working so closely with Genny, he also sees where her heart lies. Whereas before he was sure that she was nothing more than a selfish being whose world revolved around her alone, up close and personal he sees just how much good she does for her people and how her love for them is what drives her on a daily basis. Even to the point of denying herself love when she slips off of her podium a bit.

Very clearly Theo comes in with his ideas of what he will find, but ends up coming to grips with the grudge he held as not being entirely fair and has to come clean about it so he can let it go. Once he does that, he is able to really see the big picture instead of the blinders he’s been using to propel him through life up until this point. Likewise, Genny has a lot of issues to work through as well. She might have successfully changed Theo’s opinion of her and the rest of her family, but internally she still struggles with the tragedy that has plagued their family and all of the hurt and betrayal that followed it. She’s always been the good girl who behaves as dictated, never veering off course of what is expected. Realizing that she is allowed some bits of happiness for herself, she then has to make a decision about who it is she really wants to be. Until then, she is in no position to ask anything of Theo. As previously mentioned, there are a couple of threats to the family. The first is a leak from somewhere within. I can’t say I was completely taken by surprise by the reveal, but it was still heartbreaking all the same to see someone hurt by the revelation. Also tossed in was an actual plot against the family designed to block the possible upcoming merger. A plot that involved Theo’s well-known bias against the family and the gamble that he would end up taking them down with so much hatred simmering for many years. The foe becomes a friend and lends aid in thwarting the danger. Both Genny and Theo were a pleasure to experience. Their sexy banter was a highlight for sure. Seeing both of their transformations from the first chapter to the last was exciting to read. Kelsey, being brand new to the whole royal thing was perfect in the battles she chose to take on when it meant standing up for what was right versus going along with behaving properly. And Christian – well, I was pretty clear about how awesome he is.

This family may have gone through quite a bit of negativity ranging from horrific events to bad press. But no matter the subject, they always rally back … for their family and their people. Family remains when nothing else does and together Kelsey, Christian, and Genny are stronger. For two of them, finding the love of their lives has only made them stronger. I suspect the same will hold true in the next book as Christian will finally embrace his. I also suspect that the blows will keep coming in one form or another for this family. But as long as they stick together, they will always be able to successfully rally back from whatever the set back is. In one way, I wish I could speak to the first book to see if the family ties were always so strong, or if this is a newer connection born from Kelsey’s reappearance. I suspect the later. Either way, the bond is there now between siblings and was definitely strengthened even more so within this story. With the added support of Elias and Theo, I look forward to seeing what these Royals will accomplish and conquer with such a strong and loving support system in place. You can bet that as soon as Christian’s story is available, I will b soaking it up and finding out for myself just how awesome this small Kingdom will become,

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/Entangled in exchange for an honest review.

Ruling the Princess is the second book in the Sexy Misadventures of the Royals. This was the first book I have read by this author. It was good as a stand-alone but, I think that reading the first book would have helped me to understand the history and tension between Princess Genevieve and her sister, Princess Kelsey.
Princess Genevieve “Genny” was second in line to the throne of Monciano. The country was about to vote to join the European Union and an audit of the royal expenses were being conducted. Genny was upset when she received her revised budget from Lord Theo Holst, the Royal Auditor assigned to her. She couldn’t believe that he hadn’t consulted with her before he slashed it. Lord Theo Holst has hated the House of Villani and especially Princess Genevieve for years. Now in the position of Royal Auditor he was able to finally show how extravagant the royal family was. The longer Theo worked with Genny the more he began to see how important the House of Villani was to the people of Monciano. Will his opinion change enough for his report to help the vote of the people?
I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading the other books in the series. I loved how the author showed the royal family’s emotions as a person and a member of the royal family. It made it so easy to connect with the characters and to feel their emotions. This is definitely a must read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh how I loved the banter between Theo and Genevieve throughout this entire story! They truly got under each other's skin, both in a good way and maddening one. They were highly entertaining. But when they took a deeper look at each other, that is when the magic happened. They became more understanding, accepting, and admiring of the other; realizing that what they had first thought of the other was not really the truth. I adored their journey to find a happy ending. Ms. Barth took a complicated situation and made it a hopeless romantic's ending. Now for Christian and Mallory's story, please. I am thoroughly enjoying this series.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.