Very cute. I loved the foreigner aspect of them being the bodyguard and nanny to the royal family. The kids drove me
Nuts and they did not act like normal kids though. Very disrespectful

3.5⭐️ for THE ROYALS UPSTAIRS!

Overall a cute story with found family, all the unresolved feelings and tension, as royal nanny Laila Burset, and Scottish bodyguard James Hunter give love a try.

I paired the book with audio and loved the immersive style of reading!

WHAT TO EXPECT
-second chance romance
-bodyguard x nanny
-some spice
-a sweet HEA

*many thanks to Berkley and PRH audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

I thought this book was fine, but as a warning there is a lot of open door romance. I don’t think of my self as a prude, but I will say it was a bit much for me. The story was good and I enjoy reading about royal families, fiction and real life, but I found myself wanting more story and less bedroom material. I read The Royals Next Door in March of 2022 and gave it three sunshines as well. I don’t remember if it was as open door as this one, but I think this will be my last book by Karina Halle. I should have been clued in when the covers of her other books look waaaaay different than these chick lit type illustrations.

I’ve become a fan of Karina Halle.

It’s nice to read something in a different setting. Being the Norwegian royal family.

Always fun to read a second chance romance. It could have been a bite more…

Their relationship outside the debroom could have been better developed

If The Royals Upstairs were a royal decree, it would demand swooning, laughter, and the immediate clearing of your schedule to binge-read. Karina Halle delivers a story that’s equal parts heart-wrenching and toe-curling, set against the regal backdrop of Skaugum Estate on the outskirts of Oslo. At the center of it all? A sexy Scotsman and a nanny with a heart of gold—plus one very inconvenient past.

James Hunter is the kind of brooding, emotionally unavailable hero that romance dreams are made of—a tough, disciplined bodyguard to bring anyone to their knees. But underneath his battle-hardened exterior is a man who once found solace in the arms of Laila Bruset, a vibrant, independent nanny who deserved far more than his fear-driven retreat. Their past was fiery, passionate, and (at least on paper) no-strings-attached—until Laila’s heart got involved, and James bailed faster than a royal scandal cover-up.

Laila, meanwhile, has been busy living life, caring for her ailing grandmother, and working through her heartbreak in the most dignified way possible—by absolutely not thinking about that devastatingly handsome bodyguard who stomped all over her feelings. That is, until she takes a new job at Skaugum Estate, only to find herself face-to-face with a very familiar (and infuriating) Scotsman. Apparently, fate—and Crown Prince Magnus of Norway—has a twisted sense of humor.

Their reunion? Let’s just say it’s not exactly tea and crumpets. James, in all his rugged, broody glory, crashes back into Laila’s life with all the grace of a royal carriage losing a wheel. Their chemistry? Still hot enough to melt the Norwegian snow. Their emotional baggage? Heavier than the Crown Jewels.


While their history is essential to their emotional journey, it’s the present-day tension that truly shines. Their chemistry is electric, their banter sharp, and their emotional wounds deep enough to make every glance and touch feel like a high-stakes moment. Laila’s pain is palpable, James’s internal struggles are infuriating yet believable, and their journey toward healing is layered with heartbreak, longing, and just enough hope to keep you turning the pages.

That being said, while I thoroughly enjoyed their journey, the one thing that kept this from being a full 5-star read for me was the frequent flashbacks. I love a good slow burn, but the constant jumps to the past disrupted the pacing, pulling me out of the present-day intensity I was so invested in. Their past is important, of course, but I found myself itching to stay in the now, where the stakes felt highest and the emotions most raw.

Still, this book delivers on so many levels. Laila’s relationship with her grandmother is deeply moving, adding an extra layer of heart to the story. The setting at Skaugum Estate, with Crown Prince Magnus stirring up royal mischief, brings a fun, fresh twist to the romance. And when James and Laila finally let down their walls? Pure, well-earned magic.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Royals Upstairs by Karina Kalle!

James and Laila are so heartwarming! I loved this imagining of a different group of royals and their entertained staff just as much as the first. The characters felt real and lovely!

This one was not for me. I was really hoping for a royal, swoony romance, and there was just no chemistry or plot here.

This wasn't bad, it was just underwhelming. I didn't connect to any of the characters and the plot felt like it's been done before.

Sadly, this book did not work for me. I loved the first book in the series but this one was a major disappointment.

This one is a second change romance between a royal bodyguard and a royal nanny who find themselves working together. There is still a spark between the two. Overall a sweet story. The children being nannied by Laila were fun. Overall, while a sweet story idea, the outcome was a little underwhelming, but still a solid story. Thank you to the Netgalley and the publishers for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I LOVED the Royals Next Door but this book did not live up to its predecessor. The writing felt choppy, it felt VERY steamy with not a lot of plot, and I just didn't feel very invested in the characters. I would recommend to skip this one but read The Royals Next Door if you 'haven't yet!

I didn't initially realize that this was part of a (loosely) interconnected series and I think I would have enjoyed it more had I had that background. It can certainly be read as a standalone but I felt like I was missing some of the plot.

I received this for free through netgalley for my honest review. Although I enjoyed reading this book, I was left wanting more from it. It just felt like there was something missing to make me want to pick the book up and not stop reading. Would read other books by the author but wouldn’t necessarily recommend this to others.

This was a slow read but it does have a lot of smoldering between the two. It's a heartbreaking story between two lonely people who get a second chance. I did enjoy the push and pull between the two and revisiting the Nordic King's family.

A fun entry into this series! Didn't quite live up to the first book, but still a joy to read. Karina Halle can do it all

A second chance romance between a royal bodyguard and a royal nanny. Laila and James had an affair years ago when working for monarchs Eddie and Monica, but it ended poorly when Laila admitted her feelings and James freaked out. Now years later, they find themselves working for Norweigian royals Magnus and Ella and their two children Bjorn and Tor. There's still an immediate spark between the two of them, but can Laila ever really trust James again?

Karina Halle is an author that never disappoints in her writing and her trademark compelling writing style still stands out in this book. My favorite parts of this book were Laila and her grandmother, it was really sweet and pulled at my heartstrings. The children were also really fun to read along with. I never really saw why Laila and James liked one another other than pure attraction: I would have liked more development of their relationship a level more than sexual chemistry. Overall really glad this book wa published and happy to read more by Karina in the future.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley

***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

James and Laila were never expecting to see one another again, so discovering they are working together at a remote country estate is, well, less than thrilling for both of them. It's clear from their initial interactions that both are still hurting from the way their previous relationship ended.

I enjoyed the development of this book and the characters. Watching them navigate the relationship in the present as well as healing the damage of the past made me feel very engaged with the story and with both of the main characters. I think this connection with them deepens the emotions of the story, and let me really feel the emotions of the characters and the things they are feeling.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

This and other reviews can be found on our blog: https://www.bookedallnightblog.com/

Karina Halle’s *The Royals Upstairs* is a delightful and engaging romantic comedy that intertwines the lives of two richly developed characters, James Hunter and Laila Bruset, against the backdrop of royal life in Norway. From the moment readers are introduced to James, serving as a protection officer for the enigmatic Prince Magnus, the narrative grips you with its unique premise and captivating humor. What initially seems to be a tactical error for James quickly unfolds into a humorous and poignant journey filled with unexpected twists, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry. James's character wrestles with the duality of his role. On one hand, he is the stoic protector, tasked with warding off threats to the royal family, while on the other, he is burdened with the guilt of having broken Laila's heart in the past. The tension between duty and desire creates a compelling conflict that drives the narrative forward. Readers will find themselves rooting for James as he navigates the complexities of his feelings for Laila, all while managing the antics of the "demon children"—a term Halle uses affectionately to describe the unpredictable royal kids who add an element of chaos to the otherwise serene estate. Laila, on the other hand, is a strong and relatable character. Taking the nanny position to care for the royal children while also being near her ailing grandmother in Oslo showcases her resilience and dedication. However, her encounters with James reveal layers of vulnerability as she grapples with unresolved feelings and the complications of their past. Halle expertly paints Laila's emotional landscape, allowing readers to empathize with her struggles and triumphs as she attempts to strike a balance between her professional responsibilities and her personal life. One of the standout features of *The Royals Upstairs* is Halle's ability to blend humor with genuine emotion. The witty banter between James and Laila is electric, filled with playful jabs that highlight their unresolved tension. As the story unfolds, the stakes rise, and readers are treated to a masterful exploration of second chances. The chemistry between James and Laila is so palpable that it practically leaps off the page, making their journey toward reconciliation both thrilling and heartwarming. The setting of a royal estate adds an enchanting layer to the story, immersing readers in a world of opulence and tradition. Halle’s descriptions of the estate’s grandeur contrast beautifully with the chaos of the children, creating a vivid backdrop for James and Laila’s rekindled romance. The narrative flows seamlessly, capturing the essence of royal life while grounding it with the relatable struggles of love and forgiveness. In conclusion, *The Royals Upstairs* is a delightful read that perfectly balances humor, heart, and romance. Karina Halle has crafted a story that not only entertains but also resonates emotionally with its audience. With engaging characters, a whimsical setting, and a plot that keeps readers on their toes, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with a royal twist. Whether you’re a fan of second-chance love stories or simply seeking an enjoyable escape, *The Royals Upstairs* promises to deliver—so grab your copy and let the enchanting journey unfold!

Fun light romance that has you pulling for the main characters. A bit of holiday escape that kept you turning the pages.