Royal romance for the 21st century abounds within the pages of Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins, the second book in the Royals series.
Millie Quint is devastated when she discovers that her sort-of-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been kissing someone else. And because Millie cannot stand the thought of confronting her ex every day, she decides to apply for scholarships to boarding schools . . . the farther from Houston the better.
Millie can’t believe her luck when she’s accepted into one of the world’s most exclusive schools, located in the rolling highlands of Scotland. Everything about Scotland is different: the country is misty and green; the school is gorgeous, and the students think Americans are cute.
The only problem: Mille’s roommate Flora is a total princess.
She’s also an actual princess. Of Scotland.
At first, the girls can barely stand each other–Flora is both high-class and high-key–but before Millie knows it, she has another sort-of-best-friend/sort-of-girlfriend. Even though Princess Flora could be a new chapter in her love life, Millie knows the chances of happily ever afters are slim . . . after all, real life isn’t a fairy tale . . . or is it?
Apparently I’m a sucker for the royalty romance trope, because I just adore this series — and Her Royal Highness feels like an absolutely refreshing twist on this beloved staple of romantic fiction. Yes, a lesbian royal romance!
I love how absolutely sure of herself Millie is throughout the book, even as she struggles to fit in with her wealthy (and, in some cases, royal) new classmates. Her relationship with Princess Flora is fantastic right from the start, when she lets fly with a snarky insult before even realizing who her new roommate is. Flora’s response is also surprising and delightful; she’s not a pushover, but she’s also not the kind of bratty princess to recoil at a catty remark. If anything, she finds Millie’s bluntness and attitude refreshing.
It’s the dynamic between these two that really drives the book forward, and seeing them become closer is a real treat. (Although let’s not discredit the supporting characters, who are all equally delightful in their own right!)
Fans of the series will also enjoy getting little glimpses into what’s happening with the main characters from the first book. (It should be noted that Her Royal Highness is more of a companion than a sequel, and it can be read as a standalone, although it does contain spoilers to book 1. Book 1 was originally published under the title Royals, but was renamed Prince Charming for paperback release recently.)
Highland hi-jinks, romance, and a refreshing spin on this popular trope, Her Royal Highness is a fantastic new royal romp. Get lost in this charming book when it comes out on May 7th.
Novel Novice 
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