Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I can't say enough about how much I loved Callum and Oliver's love story! I did not want to put it down! The story was well written, and each chapter left you wanting more and more. I may have been secretly reading on my phone when I was supposed to be working because I just couldn't stop! Truly beautiful and heartwarming.

i received an arc from netgalley, this review is voluntary!

i wont lie i was trying to find RWARB vibe the forbidden ‘royalty’ love but this was much of the same.

i wanna say this was well researched in the case of politics but it didn’t feel like to me like you knew this wasnt written by a british, scottish or even welsh person.

idk if it was a typo but it was henry the viii who established the church of england to divorce not henry the vii he loved his wife lol.

i did feel like this was right amount of slowburn personally for me but i also didn’t feel much connection between the two main characters.

and callum saying hes been an unapologetic republican all his life made wanna barf like his boyfriend oliver that be his opposition yk!

the backstories were good especially oliver he did know the people of the uk as he has been in that position of being in poverty, i would have love to have seen more question time!

the plottwist at the end i didn’t see coming and aint gonna lie amelia was so real for that speech about women

ANYWAYS OVERALL MY CONCLUSION IS LET THE UK PUBLIC VOTE ON WHETHER OR NOT WE WANT A MONARCHY IN THIS DAY AND AGE!!

If you liked Red White & Royal Blue, you’ll love this one!
I had no idea what to expect from this book even though the premise sounded interesting, and boy was I surprised…it was a very cute book with fascinating little historical tidbits & quirky characters. For that, I give it a solid 4/5.
- I loooooved Callum, he was so quirky with him just spouting random facts here and there about life and everything he’s gathered.
- I appreciate the exploration on the characters preferences’ as well.
- It just felt fun and enthralling to read, I finished it in a day and didn’t want to put it down.
- Putting the text conversations as part of the actual writing and inclusing that banter was genius, it really transported me into the moment and made me miss having someone I could text random nothings to.
- Ultimately my favorite thing about this book, is the lesson it shows about how you just gotta be yourself, and you’ll eventually find your people without having to change one thing about yourself.

Note: thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for providing an ARC for an unbiased honest review of this book.

*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Actual rating 4,5⭐

Let me tell you, I absolutely adored this book and I was really scared I wouldn't. You may think it is inspired by the famous "Red, White & Royal Blue" ... and it probabely is. It is after all about "a" prince of Wales and about a secret relationship between an american and a british public figure (to summarize it very briefly)... but that's where the similarities end and I am so happy about it. It definitely stands on it's own and you should all read it!

It is a very easy and fun read and I caught myself more than a few times smiling or laughing.

The characters are very likeable and you are rooting for them throughout the whole story. I absolutely loved Callum's mind and how he sees the world. I would like to be Callum's friend please, where do I sign up to meet him? I had so many laughing-out-loud moments and I smiled along with Oliver about the fact that he sees small wonders everywhere he is. He is literally what I picture when I think about a feel-good person. I found it also very interesting to see how he handled being in the spotlight and a very public figure all of a sudden. He had to learn that sadly not everybody is trustworthy and some people will do anything for their 5 minutes of fame. I was just sad that his american best friend, Scott, simply disappeared. He seemed like a decent guy and he could have played a much bigger role in helping Callum with his new identity.

I also liked Oliver and how he can seem very distant and professional, aIways putting his job first and desperately not wanting to care, when in reality he cares very deeply.

Just a warning - I was a little taken aback by the big age gap between the couple (14 years) which isn't mentioned until mid book.

I really liked their relationship and how they found comfort in each other. It started with a few innocent text messages, but they quickly got closer, realised they could trust each other and could simply be themselves around the other person.
And let me tell youuu... the pining and sexual tension are *Chef's kiss*. The cute and funny text exchanges topped everything off.

The conflict was also logical and there wasn't any unnecessary drama. I was satisfied with the way in which it was solved and how everything ended.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read more from this author. If you like to read a short & fun M/M romance and are a fan of "Red, White & Royal Blue", you should definetely give this a try.

Such a cute read!

This book came highly recommended to me, and it sounded like the perfect post-RWARB read.

I very much enjoyed the simplicity of this read! It was such a fun, and light-hearted romance. This book is very cutesy and fast-paced on the romance scale. The storyline definitely focuses a little more on the romance element than the politic element which aided in the simplicity factor. The romance itself was very fun to read for the most part, and overall I enjoyed both characters' POVs.

There were a few issues I had with this read. One of the biggest things for me was the romance was a little rushed to the "I love you" stage, and it felt a little instalove trope, which personally I'm not a huge fan of. Because this book is very focused on the romance aspect, it felt a little too simplistic at crucial points in the story. I guess I was just hoping for a little more angst and drama. But where the complexity is lacking, it is made up for in heartwarming and feel-good story moments.

Overall, I did enjoy the read. It's definitely not a complex read or anything like that. So if you're looking for a lighthearted, sweet, and cute romance then this is the perfect next read for you!

Overall Rating: 4.2/5

"You don't have to change; you just need to find someone who loves you exactly how you are"

This is the first book that I read by Jax Calder, and after watching the movie adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue, my body was asking me for more of this kind of books, this was the perfect option.

The Unlikely Heir is a dual POV between Oliver Hartwell (UK Prime Minister) and Callum Prescott (the American Prince of Wales),

When I start reading this book, I was a really excited about it, and the more I was reading it the more I was falling in love with the story and the characters. At the beginning I was really against the age gap between Oliver and Callum, but Oliver is such a sweetie that it was impossible to wish for him the best.

For me it was not a simple book about the Prince and the PM of UK falling in love, it was a book about how important loving itself it is. How, it does not matter how hard things are, if you have someone with you, someone who can listen to you, you can get through everything. And specially, that your work and social status does not define you,

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

Initially I expected this to be very similar to RWRB & I was pleasantly surprised that it was not. The twist at the end plus the epilogue were a great touch and conclusion

The tagline to this novel should be: Suspend Your Disbelief!

This was genuinely so frustrating on so many levels, and it's a shame because I feel like it could genuinely be good. The Unlikely Heir follows Callum, an American who, despite working in a call centre, is eleventh in line to the British throne. Why he was working in a call centre I have no idea - his dad was a prince and his mum was an actress. Surely he should be being an annoying nepo baby somehwere in the streets of Brooklyn? But after most of his family is embroiled in scandal and later arrested, he must step up and become the Prince of Wales. Which he does...and then later falls in love with the Prime Minister.

As a cute romcom, it's great! I thought Callum was really endearing, and I loved Oliver's backstory. But other aspects just...fell flat. Oliver is a Labour Prime Minister, and yet for a good chunk of the book, he's trying to save the monarchy. Surely someone who is a self-proclaimed republican would jump on the chance to call for a referendum to end the monarchy. But he doesn't and instead...a Conservative MP is the one who's pushing to end the monarcy.

Also...don't even get me started on Amelia. Let's treat our women characters better, please! Especially the one's who are fighting for a good cause!

But again, I think the book should be called 'The Unlikely Heir: Suspend Your Disbelief'! So if you're looking for
a quick, cute romcom to read - and potentially one to fill the Red, White and Royal Blue shaped hole in your bookcase - this is the book for you!

First, Thank you so much for allowing me to read this book!

Now, on the fun bits. I knew i would like it but imagine my surprise with how much I loved it! I related to Callum so much. His random facts, studying things to better understand and just the sheer amount of anxiety in the new areas of his life.

I think it was so refreshing to see characters with flaws but being so adorable and lovely as well.

The relationship between Oliver and Callum was so great because it built on a foundation and it just happened to progress naturally.

I was shocked by who the “bad” person was because I thought it was someone else but nice shocker.

I will say yes, it was a bit predictable however, it was done is such successful way that didn’t make you feel like you were reading the same story just change the names.

So, overall, I had a hard time rating it but it will be a well worth adventure.

I loved this story! I had some doubts that it would just be a RWRB rewritten, but the story was very different. The chemistry between the two men was fantastic and the sense of “forbidden” was done really well. This author is new to me, but I will definitely be checking out their previous works and am excited for the second book in this series!

It’s official: I’m squarely in my forbidden royal romances era, and I’m not mad about it. Not at all.

After half the royal family get themselves renounced from their titles for dodgy deeds, affable American-born prince Callum finds himself the sudden heir to British throne.

Callum quickly gets whisked away from his life as an insurance claim operator in California, rushing to his dear gran’s side, the queen, to step up to fulfil his birthright, as the new Prince of Wales, in the face of global criticism and a nation that is quickly losing faith in its monarchy.

Meeting the out and proud Prime Minister, Oliver Hartwell, is yet another overwhelming event in Callum’s life-turned-upside-down, but soon enough their interactions, at countless royal engagements, turns into a friendship and support system both men so desperately need in their responsibility heavy, press-scrutinised lives.

Soon, texts turn into late night video calls and friendship slowly shifts into attraction and longing, and before long Callum and Oliver find themselves struggling to remain impartial, as they fall deeper into a secret love affair that can and will have major ramifications for not only their own lives but the lives of a nation.

The real winner here are the great characters and the expertly executed slow burn romance that develops pitch-perfectly between sweet and big-hearted Callum and more serious and duty driven Oliver. Their love story took me by surprise, starting very slow and simple and growing into something that left me breathless and swooning.

There are some serious themes and ideas explored here, where politics and the monarchy are concerned, especially considering all the complications such a relationship would have in reality, but Jax Calder handled her storytelling with skill and thoughtfulness, taking what seemed like a very outlandish romance premise and turning it into something very grounded and breathtaking.

Calder has landed on the MM scene in a big way for me this year, after I discovered and adored her NA story Attractive Forces earlier in the year, so picking up The Unlikely Heir—a book already pimping themes and romance tropes I eat-up—was an absolute no-brainer for me and, unsurprisingly, resulted in me finding one of my personal favourite romance reads of 2023.

Naturally, book comparisons will be made here, what with the renewed buzz over the recent Red, White & Royal Blue movie adaptation taking over the interwebs, but beyond the general themes of a prince falling for someone he shouldn’t, this story was very much its own thing, with its own sweet, witty voice, and characters who are wonderful and memorable in their own right!

If you’re a lover of royal romances, in any way, shape, or form, this is one not to be missed!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3

Not gonna lie, I've requested this ARC because I've been looking for RWRB vibe. And I found it here - royalty, politics, pinning, secrecy, drama, forbidden romance. However, the story is different as well as the writing style, obviously. I wasn't very happy with the latter at first, but soon I fell in love with Callum and Oliver. I have some minor misgivings about plot development, the way bi-awakening was dealt, but in general, I liked this book a lot.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange of honest review.

Huge thank you to Jax Calder and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was so worried this would simply be a book trying to ride the Red, White & Royal Blue wave and would lack nuance and depth as a result, and I’ve never been more happy to be proven wrong.

This book was an absolute delight. These men are disgustingly soft for each other and it was the absolute sweetest thing I think I’ve ever read. I loved it so much.

Callum was just so precious, oh my goodness. The way people treated him made me so angry. How could none of them see how sweet and wholesome he is?! His interest in EVERYTHING was honestly so contagious and I couldn’t help smiling at all his random facts.

Oliver actually listening to Callum, actually loving Callum’s nerdy weirdness, made my heart so giddy. This serious, ambitious man was turned to mush by a silly, clumsy heir to the throne and I highkey loved that. Oliver’s character held so much raw emotion and depth and gosh, he may actually be one of my new fave fictional characters ever.

Some moments in this story were incredibly silly and far-fetched, and it could have been a little more polished, so I was going to give it 4.5 stars, but as I was writing this review, I realised just how much I adored this book and had to bump it up to 5 stars. I’m too soft for these idiots in love, clearly.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of The Unlikely Heir.

I would recommend this book to fans of red white and royal blue.

Callum and Oliver make such a great pair. I love their dynamic. They both have complicated family relationships. Watching them grow together through the public eye and the growing pains of their jobs was interesting.

This book was a pleasure reading! If you loved Red, White & Royal Blue this is for you! Such a good, slow burn, forbidden romance.

Callum Prescott is living a normal life in California working as an insurance agent after dropping out of a Master’s program. You would never know he is a distant heir to British throne. Until, thanks to his relatives misbehavior, he becomes THE heir to the British throne, the Prince of Wales.

Callum arrives in England ready to fulfill his duty to the country and his grandmother despite a less than warm welcome from the nationals, who don’t appreciate the idea of an American King and are beginning to reject the idea of a monarchy all together. Then he meets Oliver Hartwell. The broodingly handsome Prime Minister who has risen into the most powerful man in the country from poverty. Oliver understands Callum in a way no one else can and the two quickly form a friendship based on that bond.

Things between the two progress from supportive texts into late night phone calls and deeper, unexplained feelings. However, the monarchy must remain politically neutral at all times, meaning the Prince of Wales can’t possibly be in a relationship with the Prime Minister. Can Callum honor his duty to save the monarchy without losing the man he’s falling in love with?

I really did adore this book! Callum and Oliver are both so cute and dreamy. I loved their punny banter and cute secret moments. Reading as their relationship grew from mutual circumstances and good natured support into heartfelt love (with amazing steamy bits!) was a great experience. I’m absolutely interested in checking out Jax Calder’s other work, especially since it appears this is number one in a series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC!
Publication date 8/24/2023

Let me preface this review by saying that I went into this fully expecting a RWRB knockoff, and I was glad to learn that it isn't completely that. But I'm also not saying it isn't, because there are a few too many similarities.

After a scandal eliminates the line of succession to the British throne, the American 25-year old Callum is suddenly first in line. He's far from the posh and polished royal the British want for their monarchy, and that's if they even want a monarchy still.

As the life-changing move to London leaves him lonely, Callum strikes up an unlikely friendship with the 39-year old, gay, divorced primeminister. What follows is your classic star-crossed lovers fairytale as they navigate what it means to be in love while also being indebted to your duties and to your country.

While the premise is interesting, I was constantly thrown out of the very fictional plot by thinking "but this would be impossible in real life." Calder did not manage to remove the story far enough from reality that I couldn't ignore the real life implications of the scenario, and that sadly left me with a few things I couldn't enjoy.

I didn't enjoy the romance as much as I felt I should have, and their relationship and the overall pacing seemed rushed and odd. The writing was repetitive and laden with metaphors that didn't work, and it tended to end in a lot of sudden stops. This left a lot of explaining to be desired, plot wise, as there was a general "telling not showing" vibe to the writing

One thing I do want to highlight though is the character of Callum who was a delight with all his fun facts and clumsiness.

Tldr; don't expect a RWRB knockoff, but also don't expect anything new either.

4.5 stars

This was so freaking cute!
I had no expectations with this one, I saw the cover, read the blurb, and i was intrigued about it.
This one follows Callum, a nobody who turned out to be the Prince of wales and Oliver, who just happens to be the UKs prime minister. Their story was hilarious and so sweet (also very steamy) the way everything develops and the twists!!! Omg!
I'm not giving away anything, just that it was amazing!
If you want something with similar vibes to RWRB, read this book immediately!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one!

I loved the slow burn between Oliver and Callum, and the progression within the relationship felt a bit natural. I felt like the ending could have been drawn out ever so slightly more to explore the consequences and potential political fallout but that's just me being nosey!

I'm sure there are comparisons between this and RWRB, but I felt this encapsulated the British Monarchy better, and it's traditions more accurately (albeit with obvious loopholes for Callums half siblings)

Thank you NetGalley and Jax Calder for an ARC of The Unlikely Heir!

I should start by saying I’m already a huge Jax Calder fan! I loved the Sporting Secrets series! I love books that take place in places other than North America. Different perspectives adds an element of interest!

This story centers on The UK Prime Minister Oliver (major book boyfriend alert here) and the new unlikely heir to the British throne Callum (that sweet, smart, golden retriever).

This was dual POV, friends to lovers, low angst, sweet love story!
I loved the beginning of their friendship. I have a thing for text messaging in books. I think it is a great way to know the real person. They were so supportive of each other. I had no idea how this would be resolved because literally they were in a tough situation. Also I loved all the historical references about the royal family.

I devoured this book in one afternoon while I hung out by my pool! It made me smile and happy! I can not wait for the next book in the series!! Also I seriously thought ohhh that needs to be a book!

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. In exchange, I am leaving an honest review. The Unlikely Heir was very easy to read, and the writing was enjoyable. I also enjoyed the story itself, but didn't find myself connecting with the characters very well, which impacted my rating, as I feel I would have enjoyed this book more if I had grown more connected to the characters. Nevertheless, I did find myself enjoying this book and I flew threw it rather quickly while reading because I wanted to know how the story ended.