Thank you to Wednesday Books for the free book and to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

This was just delightful and even more so than I anticipated. Jamie is a regular teenager when his adoptive mom sits him down to share his lineage. It turns out he is a Prince of Minator. And his father, the King, wants him to come visit for the summer. The king recommends Erik, the second son prince of a neighboring country as a contact who can help Jamie with the transition to being a prince.

There were so many sweet moments. I thought the family drama and pressures were handled in a well that transcended the fantastical royal plot and can just resonate with current youth.

I also greatly appreciated that both men were out and accepted. This book celebrates queer joy. I know there's a place for more difficult coming out stories, but sometimes it's such a relief to read a book where people are accepted for who they are and love.

I would have liked a bit more from secondary characters, especially Jamie's friends from the US. They felt like they existed only to move the plot forward and weren't quite as fleshed out as I prefer.

Overall, this was a fun royal romance and a great queer spin on Princess Diaries. The audiobook format was a delight with dual narration by Major Curda and Max Meyers. They performed all the parts seamlessly.

I love royal romances and RWRB is one of my favorite books, so I had really high expectations for The Rules of Royalty and it did not disappoint! I absolutely loved Jamie and Erik's story and I was really rooting for them the whole time. Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the advanced copy!

This was a really good book. Definitely gave off "The Princess diaries" vibes. Jamie finds out his father is a king. Like in the princess diaries Jamie will have to be schooled in how to behave like a prince. Erik, from a neighboring kingdom is picked to train him. Both of them are gay, but Eriks grandmother, the queen of Sunstad, does not want Erik to get involved with Jamie.
I loved the interactions between Jamie and Erik. It was so well written and I didn't want to put the book down till I found out what happened.
Well worth a read!

The audio version was perfect. The narrators did an excellent job!

This everything that I thought it might be. I heard it was going to be like The Princess Diary and although I wasn’t sure this was going to be as good, it definitely was. It was basic, but also had some LGBTQ+ characters and royals, which of course I loved so much. Definitely made this a little more less basic lol

So the characters were one of the reasons I said this was basic. They didn’t exactly have anything that made them different than any other royal. The best part was Jaime finding out that he was a Royal. There wasn’t a lot of back story on them, so I just had to judge them on what they were finding out about each other in the book. I think it was ok since this was more like a new beginning, but I didn’t really FEEL anything for them. And then there was Erik who was just ok. I felt sad for him, but I was not happy with any of his family. They were terrible. Why is every adult in YA books such horrible people lol But they were too sneaky for me. But I didn’t feel any real empathy to them because we don’t really know much about why she was so extra.

The romance was cute. I like forbidden romance and even more so when it’s royals lol It was interesting trying to see how they were sneaking around and trying to find different ways to be by themselves. Their flirting?! Top tier! They didn’t exactly have “banter” but their flirting was very sweet. I wouldn’t call it elite, but…. Well you get the idea. I didn’t like that they brought someone else into this whole thing tho. Even if he did seem like he didn’t want to be there. I don’t think they should have kept that one person there. But here we are.

The writing style was the best part of this tho. I think if there was more like descriptors and some more in-depth information about the characters or something I would have given them 5 stars. But this was ok. I still love Dietrich and will read what they have. This was good, make sure you pick it up and let me know what you think!

{🎧 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕗 ℝ𝕠𝕪𝕒𝕝𝕥𝕪}
by Cale Dietrich
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Narrator(s): Major Curda | Max Meyers
Length: 10h 55m
Source: ALC - NetGalley, Macmillan Audio
Release Date: December 10, 2024

#QOTD 👉🏻 What’s your favorite movie or fandom?

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~ Two princes from neighboring countries fall into a whirlwind royal romance in this sparkling spin on The Princess Diaries. ~

Jamie Johnson is used to being in the background and he likes it that way. But when the truth comes out and the world finds out he’s the only heir to the small country of Mitanor, his life is thrust into the spotlight. Side Note: His love of Studio Ghibli is my faaave!!! He’s so nerdy and I LOVE it.

Erik Lindstrom is the stoic “spare” prince of a neighboring country. Often looked over and used, he jumps at the opportunity to tutor the new southern prince in all the ways of royalty. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself and love along the way.

This was the SWEETEST little romance. First love, identity crisis, familial expectations, and two young men who pull strength from each other. Gah! Erik and Jamie were well developed, mature, and considerate characters. I adored them both and rooted for each of them.

NARRATION:
Love, love, loved these narrators! Not only did each narrator portray their character perfectly, they also had a fantastic production. The audio added such a vivid and personal touch to the story. It made my rating a half star more just from it.

{I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. All reviews are my own.}
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It seems there's something about MLM romances and royalty that really captivates people, and I definitely fall into that category because I enjoy it every single time. but I feel like this could have been shorter. It kind of dragged in the middle, and it took me a bit to get through. Still, it was really cute, and I loved the voice actors, especially Erik's!

4.5 stars. This was such a fun book that gives the vibes of The Princess Diaries meets Red, White, and Royal Blue!

On his 17th birthday, Jamie learns that his biological mother who died when he was a baby was an european aristocratic and his biological father he never expected to meet is the king of a small southern european country. To help Jamie navigate being thrust into a royal family overnight, the king asks Erik, who is the "spare" prince of a neighboring country, to teach Jamie what it means to be a prince. For Erik, this gives him a break from the weight of his family's expectations. But suddenly he finds himself in risk of breaking the one order he was given for his summer away, don't develop feelings for Jamie.

I thought Jamie and Erik had a really sweet dynamic. Jamie is navigating so much during this story and I loved seeing how he navigated the situations gracefully. He is simultaneously coming to terms with who his biological is but also that his mom lied to him his entire life that she knew nothing about them. There's so much pressure placed on the main characters and what it means to be a prince, so I really enjoyed getting to see how they were able to let their walls down with one another since they knew that the other understood what they were going through.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for an ALC of this book!

What a sweet and lighthearted queer romance, with a royal twist! There's forbidden love set within a beautiful European setting that made me want to jump on a plane! Overall, I found the direct writing style left little room for reader engagement. I enjoyed the narration and felt the voice acting brought depth to the characters that the writing maybe overlooked.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for an advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.

While I did end up enjoying this one, I would say that I'm probably not the target audience. I'm finding myself leaning more and more away from young adult books and I know that's 100% a me thing. I know there were a lot of things that happened in this book that were just too easy for me and I was expecting things to take a turn that it never really did.

But all that said, I would say that if you're looking for a book that really doesn't have high stakes, is just a nice pleasant read about two princes falling in love, I would definitely recommend this one. I feel like I read it at just the right time because I've been struggling a bit with reading lately, so reading such a fun little romance really was what I needed.

Cale Dietrich’s The Rules of Royalty is a heartwarming and refreshing YA love story that brings a modern, LGBTQIAP+ twist to the classic “royalty meets commoner” trope. With its relatable themes, endearing characters, and engaging narrative, this novel is an absolute gem for young readers and beyond.

The story evokes the charm of The Princess Diaries while carving out its own unique space in the genre. At its heart, it’s a tender romance that explores identity, societal expectations, and the courage to pursue love in the face of obstacles. Dietrich skillfully weaves in themes relevant to the LGBTQIAP+ community, addressing them with authenticity and care. This grounding in real-world issues adds depth and relatability, making the story feel both timeless and timely.

The characters are truly the beating heart of this book. Lovable, multifaceted, and brimming with personality, they draw readers in and refuse to let go. From their heartfelt struggles to their joyous victories, you can’t help but root for them every step of the way. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric yet tender, making their romance an irresistible thread that keeps the pages turning.

Dietrich’s writing is as delightful as the story itself—sharp, witty, and emotionally resonant. The pacing flows naturally, and the dialogue feels authentic, capturing the voices of young people navigating love and self-discovery.

Verdict:

The Rules of Royalty is a must-read for fans of inclusive, feel-good YA romance. Cale Dietrich delivers a story that’s as charming as it is impactful, blending royal fantasy with relatable, real-world themes. With its lovable characters and uplifting message, this book is destined to become a favorite for readers looking for a story that celebrates love in all its forms.

In this cutie-patootie nod to The Princess Diaries, the nostalgia runs deep and so do the feels
The Rules of Royalty has a truly heartwarming love story. Jamie and Erik have the perfect balance of modern fairy tale and awkward first love.
This queer YA romance brings together two gay 17 year old boys from totally different worlds.
When Jamie Johnson learns his biological father is the king of a small European nation, he is invited to stay in the palace and get to know his father and his country. To help him adjust, the king introduces Jamie to Prince Erik, the second son of the royal family of a neighboring nation, as someone he can talk to and who understands what it is like to be a gay prince. The two fall for eachother, even though Erik's family has already decided that the perfect boyfriend for him.is the son of a politician who has his own political aspirations.
The story is sweet and the boys' emotions seem real.and relatable even with the fairy-tale premise. The narrators are excellent, but my only complaint is that they sound very different in age and itb took a little time to get used to that. Otherwise, this was a really great coming-of-age romance plus fans of The Princess Diaries are sure to enjoy all the sneaky little references to the movie.

This is a DNF for me.
I requested the ARC based on its comps, not realizing it was YA, with 17-year-old main characters. I gave the book a try anyway, and unfortunately, it doesn't work. If I were younger or still read YA romances, this would be right up my alley with a hidden prince situation.
The narration was great, and from what I listened, would be a good way for a reader to approach this book.

In this YA novel being billed as a queer spin on the Princess Diaries, American boy Jamie Johnson discovers that his father is the king of Mitanor, a small, European country, on his seventeenth birthday. Since Jamie is out of school for the summer, this seems like the perfect time to get to know this new-to-him family and country.

Jamie’s father taps Erik Von Rosenberg, the spare prince of another small, European country, to help Jamie learn all things royal.

Meanwhile, Erik’s grandmother, his country’s queen, informs him that it’s time to do his duty and find a boyfriend before his older brother’s wedding but, under no circumstances, should that boyfriend be Mitanor's newly-announced prince.

There’s a problem with grandmother’s orders: we’ve got a forced proximity situation here, folks, and the more time Jamie and Erik spend together, the more the affection and attraction between them grow.

I enjoyed this one, but it didn’t charm me quite as much as I had hoped.

In many ways, Jamie is a bit hopeful, clueless, and naive. He’s grown up sheltered and out of the spotlight.

Erik is more world-weary and attuned to what is expected of people in his position.

I feel like this would be a good fit for younger teens looking for a queer romance and who are comfortable with on-page mentions, but not necessarily depictions, of physical intimacy.

The audiobook has dual narration from Max Meyers and Major Curda. The pacing by both narrators is consistent.

The narration of Jamie’s section fits his character well; the narrator captures Jamie’s wide-eyed perspective and youthfulness. The narration of Erik’s sections is perhaps older than the character, and some of the emotional moments felt overly-dramatized to me.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.

Where do I even start with how much I loved this book? One of the reviews I read before asking for this ARC said that Jamie and Erik are the princes we deserve. And boy they weren’t kidding. This book is basically if Red White and Royal Blue had a baby with The Princess Diaries. Erik and Jamie are sweet together. They both are trying to figure out their new roles and grow together. I did love that this book didn’t make being queer the drama of the book. It was just a part of who they were. The character felt real to me, and I was crushed when the book was over. Great ending but I wasn’t ready to leave Jamie and Erik yet. Cale Dietrich gave me everything I needed in a book. So glad I was given a chance to read this book early!

The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich is a captivating and heartwarming story that skillfully blends the thrill of royal intrigue with a slow-burning romance. The novel’s premise — two young men from different royal families navigating love, duty, and self-discovery — draws readers into a world of opulent palaces, hidden secrets, and heart-pounding choices.

Jamie Johnson, a young man who has always lived a quiet, unassuming life, is suddenly thrust into the limelight when he learns that he’s the heir to the throne of Mitanor. As he grapples with his newfound identity, Jamie travels to his father’s palace for the summer, giving him a chance to meet the parent he never knew and learn the intricacies of royalty. The plot’s tension ramps up with the press eager to expose Jamie’s secret, forcing him to confront his royal destiny and the consequences of his lineage.

Erik Von Rosenborg, the spare prince of a cold northern European kingdom, also struggles with the weight of royal expectations. As his older brother prepares for a highly publicized marriage, Erik feels overshadowed and constrained by his family’s expectations. When offered the opportunity to tutor Jamie in royal etiquette, Erik seizes the chance, leading to an unexpected and tender friendship that slowly transforms into something deeper. Their chemistry is palpable, and the way their relationship develops feels natural and well-paced, with both characters growing as individuals and partners.

The growth of Jamie and Erik is a highlight of the novel. Jamie’s evolution into his royal role is both realistic and inspiring, while Erik’s journey toward finding his voice and rejecting his family’s rigid traditions is empowering. The romance itself feels genuine, with moments of tenderness and passion that will have readers rooting for these two to follow their hearts despite the pressures they face.

Dietrich does an excellent job of balancing the royal drama with personal stories. Jamie’s friends struggle with his new position, and it’s heartwarming to see their support, even as they face their own challenges. Erik’s relationship with his older brother is another strong dynamic, with the brother acting as a pillar of support and offering encouragement for Erik to pursue his own happiness.

The novel’s conclusion is nothing short of perfect, with a resolution that feels earned and satisfying. The Rules of Royalty is a delightful mix of royal escapism and personal growth, offering a charming romance set against the backdrop of duty and tradition.

If you’re a fan of Young Royals or The Princess Diaries, you’ll love this book. It’s an emotional, thought-provoking, and utterly enchanting read that leaves you longing for more.

The princess diaries meets Red, White and Royal Blue in this YA M/M friends to lovers, forbidden royal romance. When Jamie learns he is heir to the throne of Mitanor on his 17th birthday, his whole world tilts. With a high learning curve, Jamie is assigned a royal 'advisor,' fellow gay royal, Eric and the two quickly become friends and then more only for Eric's grandmother to forbid a relationship between them. Angsty, fun and with good mental health rep (anxiety and panic attacks), fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexis Hall will be sure to enjoy this latest queer royal romance. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

3.25⭐️ im trying to get back in my audiobook era yall👏👏

apparently there is something about mlm romances and royalty that people love and i am people because i eat it up every time. this book was so so young royals coded (with less depression) and so so cute.

jamie is actually one of the most wholesome characters i have read. hes such a sweetie and willing to do anything for his friends and for the people around him i wanna hug him 🫂 he perfectly balances erik and shows him how to take control of his own life which i loved. hes such a teenager i love him😭😭

ERIK MY FAV💗💗 guys he is adorable like hes so down bad for jamie. although he isnt so much a "grumpy" character in this dynamic i still loved seeing his walls come down for jamie even though he tried so hard to keep them up. they are so wihelm and simon coded i wanna cry.

i dont know if it was just because i havent listened to an audiobook in a while or just because of the writing but i feel like this couldve been shorter and it kind of dragged towards the middle and took me a while to get through. still super cute and i loved the voice actors especially eriks. thank you to netgalley for this audio ARC!!

The plot was like Princess Diaries with LGBTQ rep. There was also some fake dating and a mentor/student relationship. You could tell it was geared toward the YA audience. It was a relatively mindless listen. I mostly listened on high speed while doing chores.

A cute book but felt like the timeline was hard to follow. The jumping narrators at time made it hard to see the relationship develop because it seemed to move quickly.

I saw a review for this one mention that it was like Princess Diaries meets Red White and Royal Blue and I couldn’t agree more! Such a sweet story, characters that are easy to love, I really truly enjoyed every minute of this one!