Book Review: Royal Marriage Market by Heather Lyons

Synopsis:

Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues—and arrange marriages between kingdoms.

Elsa may be the Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia, but she finds the entire situation archaic and unsavory. While she wants what's best for her country, she isn't about to jump into an unwanted relationship—let alone a marriage—with a virtual stranger. Of course, her feelings matter little to her parents, whose wheeling and dealings over trade pacts and alliances achieved at her expense begin the moment they set foot in California for the Summit. So when a blindingly handsome royal runs into her, she doesn't hesitate to tell him there's no way she's marrying him.

Christian is all too happy to agree: no marriage. As the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, his main goal is to get through the summit without a bride being foisted on him. Which is why he suggests they help each other field potential intendeds. As Christian slowly gets to know Elsa, though, he realizes they have a lot more in common than just their feelings about the Royal Marriage Market. Only he can't fall for her, because royal or not, they're not meant for each other.

Elsa and Christian will have to evaluate matters of the heart verses those of state and crown, and decide whether or not tradition trumps love.

Heather Lyons never fails to enchant with her writing; her characters are lovable, her banter witty, her romance swoonworthy, and her descriptions whimsical. Royal Marriage Market was a little different than her normal fare, but it was no less charming.

Royal Marriage Market is what it sounds like: a bunch of royals get together to arrange their royal children’s marriages. Because it’s set in modern day, that pesky thing called love gets in the way of the most cutthroat monarch’s plans. Christian and Elsa aren’t allowed to get married, even if they wanted to, since they are both heirs to their own respective thrones. But that doesn’t stop them from falling in love.

The setting, though it takes place in California, is as whimsical and colorful as Lyons’ Wonderland from The Collectors’ Society. Lyons chose Hearst Castle as her backdrop, a place I now very much want to visit from the vivid descriptions. Every room is delightfully painted with lovely details, making every reader want to take a trip there.

Elsa and Christian are both likable, responsible, mature people; sure they do some less mature things while at the RMM, but that’s what keeps it interesting. Their banter is delightful, and though they have a rocky start to their relationship, the reader grows to love them faster than they grow to love each other.

If it’s got Heather Lyons’ name on it, I know I’m in for an extremely enjoyable time. Her books never fail to entertain me immensely, and Royal Marriage Market was certainly no exception. With exceptional writing, beautiful settings, absolutely dreamy romance, and incredibly likable main characters, Royal Marriage Market is exactly what I look for in a Contemporary Romance.

Content Warning: Graphic Sex, Language. Recommended for 18+