Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I really enjoyed The Unlikely Heir. Callum and Oliver were both very likeable characters for completely different reasons. And a peak behind the scenes of the relationship between the Royal family and British government is inherently interesting, even fictionalized. The relationship between Callum and Oliver was a sweet slow burn without feeling like the story dragged. I found myself really rooting for them to have a happy ending. I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a lovely little escapist romance.

This book is not just a tale of inheritance; it's a celebration of the unexpected joys and challenges that life presents. Jax Halder has crafted a novel that is as heartwarming as it is entertaining, offering readers a delightful escape into a world where the ordinary can become extraordinary. If you're in the mood for a charming and feel-good story, "The Unlikely Heir" is a worthy addition to your reading list.

I will admit I was scared the comparisons to “Red, White, and Royal Blue” would take me out of this read but Jax Calder was able to craft a fun and addictive romance all of its own. There were definitely similarities but I found myself enjoying this story for its unique qualities and appreciated it for them.

If you love red, white, and Royal Blue them I highly suggest you pick this book up. It could be a 5 stars.

✰ 3.5 stars ✰

“You don’t have to change; you just need to find someone who loves you exactly how you are.”

Yes, The Unlikely Heir does bear similarities to the typical frowned upon romance of a royal falling in love with someone that would be not be approved by credence, but that does not make it any less of an enjoyable read. 🩵 There is political intrigue and royal conflict, but there is also a tender and moving relationship that blossoms between a stoic Prime Minister and an adorable sunshine Prince that unfolds in the most endearing of ways that proves just how likely it is for them to belong together. 🫅🏻 ✨

“That night in Essex…” Callum says.

I stop at the door, take a deep breath, then turn to face him. “What about it?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “Do you ever…do you ever think about it?”

The vulnerability in Callum’s eyes draws the truth out of me with a force I can’t control.

“I can never stop thinking about it,” I say quietly.”

A slow burn that is still oh so very smooth is how California's sun Callum slowly lit up the dreary dull darkness of Oliver's grumpy and well-maintained life. A breath of fresh air that was missing in his drab life - someone who personifies Stirrup Trouble for Oliver. 💘🌞 It's not an instant-lust but there is definitely mutual attraction and an understanding of souls that know what it's like to stand apart from everyone else.. And I enjoyed the slow build up of being a gracious acquaintance to the belle of the ball, to enjoying each other's company to the point of becoming friends and then sneaking out to savor the time they spend together. It was cute and their personalities were distinctively different - enough for me to find something to relate to in both of them. 💜💜

Callum was a dear - awkward with himself and brimming with interesting quirky facts that helped him adjust to his new royal life and also sparkled in a way that made Oliver crave his presence. And Oliver - Oliver who has had his heart-broken - who even when Oliver confesses 'I’ve never felt like this about anyone,' it is that unyielding flinch that his 'wheedling, strategic brain will spend eternity rattling against the walls of this cage I’m trapped in, trying to figure out how to escape.' 🥺 I felt bad for Oliver - his past has not been a happy one, but even as he warred with his inner emotions, it was that moment when they finally caved to their desires that never fails to set my heart a-fluttering! I live for those moments - that unyielding give-and-take, that push-and-pull that a couple can no longer fight off! 🤌🏻🤌🏻

“None of it matters compared to this kiss.
This beautiful, soul-shattering kiss.

There is still no future for us. There can never be a future for us.
But there can be a now.”

There's something inherently pleasant about Jax Calder's writing - almost calming, but still very fresh like the scent of flowers. Weird allusion - I know - but, it allows a reader like me to appreciate the finer details and still enjoy how she creates this believable dynamic to her characters' relationship. They were just so very cute together, but still with enough tender and steamy moments that keep the heat of their attraction alive - that even their humorous remarks and endearing words can stir up the romantic heart in me at how they're simply meant to be. 🥹🥹

Haha, the plot twist was a bit of a surprise, albeit a rather generic one, but still far-fetched enough for me to just roll with it - for the sake of a good ole time. But, it was that ending that made me laugh - very oddly reminiscent of a very popular 90s film's climax, that had me envisioning Callum and Oliver in those respective roles! 😅 And if you really are a movie fan like I am, there's another reference to a 90s film, in the way in which Oliver and Callum reciprocate their feelings for each other. It's not glaringly obvious, but it does take you out of the feel of the intimate moments.

“‘To catch a glimpse of the beauty and magic of this world, you simply need to look at everything through the lens of wonder.’”

“That’s the whole point. You never know when the magic will reveal itself.”

It's nice to know that this was the first of a series - although, it is a long wait till the next book's release date. But, Jax Calder's writing is so pleasant and wholesome that it makes the reading experience all the more something to appreciate. And while I know this was not a novel idea, in a world where there is so much scrutiny and reluctance to accept change, it's nice to read a sweet and wholesome read where two princes have the chance to have their happily ever after that they deserve. 👑🥰

Probably one of my favourite books this year. I do see the premise's similarities with the very famous "Red, White and Royal Blue," but aside from a couple of tropes, it's massively different. The story was engaging and the characters were super likeable. This was so fun and sweet, and if you like slowburn romances like I do, you will absolutely love this book.

Callum and Oliver's chemistry was off the charts, and some parts of the plot really tugged at my heartstrings...
I was sad to finish the book, but I'm so stoked to know there will be a sequel! I already know it'll focus on another pairing, but I'm glad I'll get have an excuse to read more of Jax Calder's writing.

I heard it was similar to Red white & royal blue. And i was going in not expecting it to be exactly like it because all books are different. I enjoyed this book because of the plot and the characters and the chemistry they had and the cover was very cute. I am not going to compare it to the book mentioned previous. Its a good book on its own. I would love to see more from this author about the characters. I would recommend highly. Thank you to the author and netgalley for this copy.

I really wanted to like this book. I enjoyed Red, White, and Royal Blue so I was excited at what the plot promised. Right away the writing didn’t really speak to me, which was just a personal preference and nothing against the author.

But for the constructive criticisms, I think there were some good and bad parts to the story. The good things were I liked the banter and joking between the main character and his love interest. I’m a sucker for random trivia so that plot point and how it came back to help was also nice to me. Unfortunately I didn’t like the way social issues and some of the politics in the book were handled. I called the plot twist pretty early on, but the reasoning for it ended up feeling shallow. I didn’t like the reasoning for how the main conflict was resolved either.

Amazing book, here are some facts and tropes:
❤️mxm romance
👨‍👦age gap
🤭forbidden romance (pince x prime minister)
😂lots of banter and bad jokes
👿villains and bad situations
🧑‍🤝‍🧑friend to lovers

I really really enjoyed this book. I was kinda expecting something like red white and royal blue, but while it is a bit similar, this was an amazing and unique story of its own. I really liked the characters, the plot line, the proportions between the scenes (like spicy, fun, and sad scenes). I overall just enjoyed all of it, no negative aspects whatsoever.

Recommend to anyone!

Thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review!!

4.5 Stars!!

It will be inevitable that this will be compared to Red White and Royal Blue. If you loved that book, then this should easily satisfy. If you didn't love that book, then I think this will better satisfy.

Callum is thrust into the spotlight as he’s now the heir to the British throne through crazy circumstances. He’s a fish out of water to say the least, wholly unprepared to be scrutinized and judged for everything he does and says. When Callum's plight strikes a chord with Prime Minister Oliver, neither man thinks exchanging numbers would lead to anything more than maybe friendship.

So, texts lead to calls, leads to video chats and commiseration, leads to support and camaraderie which turns into so much more. These two men are lonely and isolated by the very nature of their position and as they connect and bare their very vulnerable souls, they soon find that their days and nights and ultimately, their entire reason for living, is nothing without the other.

Not gonna lie. This gave me some heartburn as the understandable need to keep their relationship under wraps gave me anxiety. However, the evolution of their feelings rang true and I was moved. Just know that Oliver Hartwell is absolutely one sexy man. He’s good looking, confident, smart, and so in control … until he isn’t. And Callum? Him not growing up with the royal family is what makes him a one of a kind genuine article, his klutzy charm, his joy in interacting with people, connecting with them, and leaving them feeling noticed is his greatest gift.

While this has a serious note to it, it was also fun and funny with a great supporting cast. I also felt very educated afterwards, but it was never forced or boring. These days, I’m typically not for contemporary romance, but I read this in one day and that is the strongest endorsement I can give, showing just how much I was captivated and how much I enjoyed this. I’ve not read Jax Calder before, but if the rest of her works are anything like this, then she’s found a devoted reader. I eagerly await the sequel and am totally bummed I have to wait a year to get it in my hands.

Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Prime Minister and the new Prince of Wales (who just happens to be American) fall in love in this brilliant read. Funny, touching, and surprisingly dramatic. More please!

I enjoy royal romances so much for an anti-monarchist! And now it's gay! Listen, I can go high and low about this book, but in the end, it was swoon-worthy and fun to read. The slow-burn was delicious, and the themes of politics and monarchy was so awesome to explore. I'm definitely reading this again!

Do you know these books that get compared to RWRB and have actually nothing to do with them? I know at least 3267 and this one is one of them.
I see where the comparison comes from, but this book actually reminded me a lot more of The princess diaries!

Callum is casually having a date with a woman in a bar in the US when a security guy tells him he needs to come to England with him, because he’s the new heir to the throne.
Who would have guessed.
He’s not only American, but also works at an insurance company and his dating life is a series of horrible dates leading to nothing. He’s a bit of a mess himself too, so him becoming the king of England is the last thing anyone envisioned for him.
Falling for the Prime Minister included.

This book wasn’t only extremely(!!!) unrealistic, it was also quite hilarious and sweet. Like a perfect 90s royal romcom!
I loved Callum, he’s a bit neurospicey me thinks, going into obsession mode over random topics, rattling off random facts at any given moment and being a little more clumsy than any prince should be. He’s an absolute sweetheart and giving his all to make people happy.
He and Oliver were really cute together, I loved their little newspaper competitions and how they just understood each other so well.

I think nothing that happens in this book has anything to do with how royal events actually happen and what Princes really need to learn to become future kings.
But it was simply entertaining and a lovely romance story!

I absolutely felt the chemistry between Oliver’s best friend and his political rival, can’t wait to read the sequel!

This is one of the most unexpectedly charming romances I have read in an eternity. The slow burn between Callum and Oliver is perfectly paced, the love feels genuine, and the complications somehow felt like something that could happen (seriously, that is NOT something I expected from the premise: who would buy an American (male) heir to the British throne falling for the (also male) Prime Minister???). HIGHLY recommended and I already want the next book from the author. It's a series, right?!

Princess Diaries meets Red, White and Royal Blue

Brilliant characters and a brilliant and engaging love story

The Unlikely Heir by Jax Calder is a fantastic recommendation for anyone looking to remedy the longing for everlasting want to re-read Red, White & Royal Blue for the first time. With its’ humor, banter, international scandals, politics & spice, it has similar vibes, but with its’ obvious own story. In the unlikeliest turn of events, 25 year old American, Callum Prescott, goes from eleventh in line for the throne to up next. He eventually forms an unlikely relationship with the Prime Minster, Oliver Hartwell. Cue the fireworks because the sparks have started & with this unlikely heir, there may also be an unlikely pair.

The Unlikely Heir is great for fans of
👑Royal Romance
👑MM Romance
👑Forbidden/Secret Romance

This is quite an outrageous plot but I think if you just hop in & buckle up, you’ll enjoy a fun ride. It’s giving me movie vibes & I am not mad at that. It’s fast-paced, highly entertaining & quite an interesting tale.

Favorite Quote: “You don’t have to change, you just have to find someone who loves you for exactly who you are” (2% of the book).

If you are looking for an easy to get lost in, entertaining royal romance, The Unlikely Heir is a great recommendation!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & the author for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

Not gonna lie, when I first read the synopsis I thought "Oh well, it's giving red white and royal blue innit?" and in some way it did, the comparison cannot be helped. Now I must say, while the tropes were similar to RWRB, it felt like its own story with its own characters, stakes, etc. It was hilarious at times, which is always a win for me but also featured interesting themes and their romance was totally believable but also super cute and adorable. Both Oliver and Callum were so likable and just warmed my heart which is considerable since I don't have a heart (for obvious reason this is a joke). Now the writing was the greatest but eh, I still enjoyed my time with this book so I'll give it a 4 stars.

This reminded me a lot of red, white, royal blue and I mean that in a very good way. I absolutely loved this book, definitely would recommend.

This felt like a very bad red, white & royal blue knockoff and I could not wait to be finished with it.

LOVED! Forbidden romance, LGBTQ REP, ROM com! So many of my favorite things. Can’t recommend enough!