The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle, for release Aug 31
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“An ordinary summer goes royally awry when a prince and princess move next door, bringing their handsome bodyguard with them.”

It’s no secret, the royals are so captivating. I’m not a huge Royal watcher but I still find myself intrigued- which is why the concept of this book I knew I needed to read it. As a Canadian, I devoured this one, set in BC. It was SUCH a fun, captivating read. Here are just some of the things I loved:

👑Piper’s character was so easy to root for. I really felt for her regarding her feeling of being an outsider, her history with her crappy ex, and her relationship with her mom.

👑I haven’t read a ton of bodyguard romance in contemporary romcoms and I was allllll over it. I loved Harrison as a hero. He’s a total alpha but is the perfect amount of sweet and sensitive.

👑The dialogue was super witty and hilarious. It had me laughing out loud multiple times.

👑I always love a slow burn!! It kept me turning the pages.

👑The portrayal of her mom and her neurodiversity / mental illness really moved me. I really felt for both her and Piper.

👑The Canadian references ❤️🇨🇦

👑The steam 🙌🏼🔥🔥🔥

I can’t recommend this swoony, fun, sexy romance enough! Massive thank you to Berkley, Netgalley, and Karina Halle for access to this ARC 💖

Appreciated the very low angst in this book and how sweet it was! Even with the veiled Harry/Meghan of it all, Karina made those characters her own! I enjoyed the ride and am now obsessed with Harrison. Very much reccomend!

Super cute, and lots of fun! I really enjoyed this lighthearted read with a cute plot. In the end you are really rooting for the charachters and come to love their friends and family.

What a delightful book! I didn't know what to expect, but Karina Halle did wonders with this book. Personally, although some of the references regarding the royals was similar to the Harry and Meghan narrative, which wasn't my favorite, I still enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it if you want a feel-good summer romance.

Piper, a quiet teacher who keeps to herself, except when she's an anonymous podcaster, ends up with new neighbors one summer - royals. While trying to take care of her mother, who struggles with mental illness, Piper navigates a new life in her hometown.

With her whole life thrown off "track" because of the media frenzy, Piper develops a friendship with Harrison Cole and can't quite read him. Unsure of whether Harrison is taking a liking to Piper or is just being neighborly, Piper finds herself in the middle of a scandal and has to decide what she's willing to change in her life.

I know everyone is caught up in the royals and their crazy lives. I admit I am somewhat as well. I was honestly looking forward to reading the other version of royal life, the part when they leave and live like the average Joe.
Piper was a unique character and so was her mom. I liked the story. It was cute. A little slow, but good.

Well, while the title and cover lead me to believe this was a breezy beach read, that was not the case. The book reads more like dramatic fiction. It was an indulgent story for those who love all things royals. I’d like to have seen Piper be herself with less of the body guards actions prompting her to react. She often felt passive. The ex boyfriend scene with the baristas at the coffee shop was too much exposition. There could’ve been less of her backstory told while still achieving the same result, and saving her backstory for her to reveal to the bodyguard as they become closer. This bit of the story felt a bit over done and rushed. It was sometimes hard to enjoy the romance of it when so much more of the story felt centered on her relationship with her mother. The mother-daughter living together dynamic takes it out of romance and into fiction for me.

Piper is a 2nd grade teacher on a small Canadian island in the Pacific Northwest. When high-ranking royals move into the mansion next door, Piper suddenly finds herself becoming their friend and falling for their Henry Cavill look-a-like bodyguard. Who's life is this?!

This is a really cute, feel-good rom-com. It's a bit incredulous at times but funny. Piper and Harrison's love story is sweet and entertaining, though there was a really forced animosity to their meet-cute and its aftermath that I didn't buy. But I like that there aren't any big blow-ups or contrived miscommunication.

While the neuro-diversity and mental health inclusion aren't main themes, I think they provide a necessary grounding for the airy quality of the romance. I really liked Piper's mom, and seeing her progression in managing BPD was appropriately uplifting.

Great summer vacation read, for sure.

What a fun book! I went in expecting the Royals to be the focus of the story, but I was so pleasantly surprised that their Bodyguard is the hero! The royal couple is (not so) loosely based on Harry and Megan and their desire to escape royal life and the spotlight. But this rom-com is about their bodyguard and the quirky next door neighbor. It's about getting out of your comfort zone and putting yourself out there. It's sweet, funny and super steamy. The sexual tension between Harrison and Piper is INTENSE and when it explodes (all over the dryer), I was downright giddy. And hot. The Royals Next Door will have you swooning and smiling from beginning to end.

This is one of a handful of Karina Halle books that I've read and I really enjoyed it! Definitely will be planning on reading her huge backlist!

I actually adored Piper from the get-go and while you could absolutely see the comparisons to the actual royal family I was glad to see that they were not the focus of this story! I love a good bodyguard story and Harrison Cole had me sold from the beginning!

I love light, fun, romance and this definitely fell in that category. Thank you so much for the early copy

The Royals Next Door was just what I needed. Funny, sweet, honest, and oh so steamy, I adored every minute of it! From our heroine, Piper, the elementary school teacher with a secret romance book podcast, to her lovable mother and their complicated relationship, I could've spent a whole book getting to know just the two of them. Throw in a royal couple vaguely reminiscent of Harry and Meghan on the run from the press with their stoic, complicated bodyguard and we've got some intrigue.

I thought Karina did a great job creating really thoughtful, diverse characters that were openly facing mental illness and internal challenges, but determined to be more than 'just' their struggle. I instantly connected with Piper who struggles connecting with the locals in their tiny island town after an incident in her past causes her to close off from the community. Her battle against her 'antisocial' instincts is a triumph as she navigates both small town politics and big time politics with a famous royal couple. The Royals Next Door ticked all my boxes, a savvy and witty heroine, a sexy romance, and just enough drama to keep me on my toes.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I was skeptical at first-I really didn't want to read a faux Harry/Meaghan romance but I'm happy to say this exceeded my expectations and was not a royal copycat! Complex characters, great dialogue and scenic descriptions. I appreciated the inclusion of real-talk mental illness, my only criticism is that perhaps it could have been even more detailed, especially about BPD since it's a complicated issue.

I enjoyed this book but I was disappointed the author felt it necessary to draw such a blatant parallel between the Royal couple in the book and Megan and Harry. The premise of a Royal couple renting the house next door would be great without the close comparison. Otherwise, the story was fun and entertaining as well as informative in its explanation of mental illness. The main character is a kindergarten teacher on a small Canadian island near Victoria. She and her mother, who is dealing with mental health issues, live in a secluded house which was the guest house for the mansion next door. When a Prince and his wife move in the mansion for the summer they bring with them lots of security people and of course, the inevitable press. The teacher and one of the body guards fall in love, try to keep it secret, and chaos ensues. There are lots of bumps along the way but as usual in a romance, there is a happy ending. I give this three stars because of the Megan and Harry comparison. I think the author could have been more creative.

I really enjoyed a few things about this book. First of all, I love the premise. Piper and Harrison are fully imagined characters and their romance is wonderful. I especially loved the relationship between Piper and her mom, Evelyn. Mental illness is represented in this book and the topic is treated with great respect and care.

This is a royally fun book! Every now and then I get in the mood to read a "royal book". I'm so glad I picked this one cause it's just so much fun!

Here we have schoolteacher/anonymous romance podcaster Piper who lives on an island with her mom and Harrison Cole moves in next door as the royals bodyguard. He both annoys and intrigues Piper and over the summer they get to know each other...and it's a bit steamy to say the least!

This is my first Karina Halle book but it will not be the last! I've already found a new series to read by her on Amazon and I can't wait!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

This book was really cute- I love Royals fiction and this one fit the genre while taking on a different angle (body guard of the prince). It is a direct fan fic of Harry and Meghan but with some changes. Def an enjoyable summer read.

Piper is a woman living on a small island with her mother. She is an elementary school teacher who keeps to herself, but secretly has a romance book podcast as well. Everything gets shaken up when the royals decide to move to the house right next to hers. And they have a super serious bodyguard that puts her on edge, but slowly they both start to realize that there could be more between them. Also the honest and open way everyone talked about mental health was awesome. I loved how she slowly came out of her bubble and made some new friends along the way. She learns to stand up for herself and do what she believed in. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

Yes! Yes! A big yes! After reading too many thrillers I was needing something stimulating, tempting, entertaining, extremely feel good but also powerful, inspirational, thought provoking: I know I want too many things at the same time. But guess what! I got it all by reading this book!

Karina Halle is hell of a way too much talented author who can dance between different genres from erotic romance to paranormal, contemporary to romcom and she nails all of them! I’m still so thankful she brought one of my best paranormal series back: as a team Derry ( Dex- Perry) fan!

She never disappoints me! I never had to grade any of her works less than four stars ( I think I devoured all of her works) And I’m telling you guys: I know this book is so intriguing because the royal couple mentioned in it is so similar to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry! But: It’s more than a realistic approach this scandalous story. It has unique approach to mental illnesses ( PTSD, borderline personality disorder, dependent personality disorder,anxiety disorder etc), genuine criticism of invasion of privacy and promising enemies to lovers/ forbidden love premise!

This is not ordinary soft/ sweet/swoon read to be consumed at one bite. This is so much more than that! Especially the last chapters about self discovery, standing up for yourself parts ignite your inner rebel to take action for the things you resented for so long!

Let’s give you some scoops about the storyline: Piper Evans : elementary school teacher, a hermit, an outsider even though she’s been living in the island for five years because of being punished to dumb her cheater fiancée’s ass who comes from one of the island’s wealthiest and most powerful families.

Luckily her occupation and taking care of her mother suffering from BPD, DPD, already took so much time of her so ut doesn’t hurt her so much to be shunned by townies and or to have hard time to make friends but her uneventful life will completely change when recently married prince Eddie and Grammy winner, popular singer Monica left Britain for a yearlong for undisclosed reasons: a sabbatical sorts.

There are too many theories whirl around where they are going to move! So Piper can hardly imagine she’s going to be neighbors with the scandalous royal couple whose reputation is tarnished by ruthless British paparazzis.

But when an incredibly hot human wall stops her car and asks her ID, she remembers the face: that’s notorious, ultra sexy, intimidating bodyguard of royal couple: ladies and gentlemen: here’s the hottest protector, veteran, irresistible Harrison Cole: oh stop drooling ( note to myself !!!)

Actually Piper has the same reaction with me but Harrison’s rude manners, acting like she might be big threat against royal family brings out the worst of her. The guy literally pushes her button so bad!

The smart banters, flaming chemistry, slow burn blooming romance between them keep you at the edge.

And you know what the guy is hell of a cook!

But Piper already had so many a.hole experiences which gave her second thoughts about attracting to the emotionally detached people. Even though there are undeniable sparks flying around them, the possibility of starting a relationship will cost them too much. The press not only watches every move of royal, they also watch Piper and Harrison because they know their close connection to the couple.

Meghan oops Monica already invited Piper and her mother at their mansion, she and the prince are way too much friendly than they expected.

Could Piper and Harrison take risks and leave their past traumas behind? Could they have their own HEA against all odds?

Overall: I loved it so much! It’s so much meaningful, fiery, powerful, thought provoking and entertaining earned my five royal, secluded small island, and IIiiiiiiii will always love you stars!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

Wow I'm really not into the royal trope but I loved this book!! It was just a well written funny heartfelt book!! The main couple are not even royals ! Lol but I did think a few times " I wonder if this is really what happened to Meghan and Harry?! " I highly recommend reading this book! Its so worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

A fun and frothy royal-adjacent romance! I'm a fan of Harry and Meghan so it was fun reading Karina's take on their story. Piper felt authentic to me and I really liked reading about a heroine with relatable real-world problems. I also liked Harrison and the development of their relationship. A rom-com with some depth, this is a perfect summer read.

A quiet, unassuming school teacher gets her world turned upside down when the Duke and Duchess move in next door, along with their sexy PPO. This was so fun and sexy and tackled a lot of tough subjects without being overbearing.