The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich

Jamie Johnson has never been the centre of attention, and he’s perfectly okay with that. His entire world unravels as a hidden truth emerges: he's the heir to the throne of Mitanor, a sun-drenched southern European country, and the press is ready to expose this secret to the world. An invitation to spend the summer in his father's palace arrives, giving Jamie a chance to get to know the man he never thought he’d meet.

Meanwhile, in a northern European kingdom known for its cold climate and stoic royals, Erik Von Rosenborg, the spare prince, grapples with the upcoming marriage of his golden-boy elder brother. With the country’s spotlight trained on his family more than ever, Erik feels sidelined and tightly controlled. So when he receives an offer to tutor the newly found American prince in the ways of royalty, he accepts without hesitation.

At a magnificent summer palace, Erik guides Jamie through the intricacies of royal etiquette, politics, and history. What neither prince anticipates is the connection that sparks between them—one that challenges both of their futures. Now each must make a choice: follow their hearts, or the time-honored royal path where crown and country reigns supreme, no matter the personal cost.

---

The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich is a contemporary royal romance with all the charm, intrigue, and conflict you'd expect from a story about love colliding with duty. With a mix of heartwarming moments, intense dilemmas, and plenty of royal drama, it’s a story that will resonate with fans of royal courtships and self-discovery.

Dietrich has a knack for creating engaging characters who are easy to root for. Jamie, with his reluctance to embrace his royal destiny, is relatable and empathetic. Erik, in contrast, is more reserved and bound by duty, but his gradual opening up to Jamie is both tender and believable. Their developing relationship is sweet and grounded in their shared experiences of navigating a life dictated by others, making it easy to invest in their journey.

The setting is lavish, with the descriptions of the palaces, the royal duties, and the dramatic political landscape drawing readers into a world of opulence and tension. Dietrich balances the glamour of royal life with the internal struggles of both princes, capturing the weight of tradition and the personal cost of following a royal path.

Strengths:

• Well-developed, relatable characters with emotional depth.
• An engaging romance that feels authentic and develops organically.
• An interesting exploration of duty versus personal desire, set against the backdrop of royal life.

Challenges:

• Some readers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, particularly in the build-up to the romance.
• The conflict, while meaningful, feels somewhat predictable in parts.

Book Recommendation:
The Rules of Royalty is perfect for fans of books like Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston or The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. It combines the best elements of royal intrigue and heartwarming romance, with a refreshing take on what it means to be true to yourself amidst the pressure of duty and expectation.

TV Recommendation:
For a TV series that mirrors the dynamics of The Rules of Royalty, I’d recommend The Royals. This show delves into the lives of a modern-day British royal family, where the younger generation is constantly under pressure to live up to their royal duties. With themes of rebellion, romance, and navigating the complexities of public life, it’s a great match for this story about two princes struggling to balance their hearts with the weight of their crowns.

The Rules of Royalty publishes on the 10th December, 2024. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.