Royally Raised by Emma Chase | Rating:  ★★★☆☆

Oh, I didn't realize how much I missed Emma Chase's Royally series (I still haven't read the third book, sigh) until I picked up Royally Raised. Short stories set in a well-developed verse can be a tricky business and while I enjoyed Royally Raised, and Emma Chase is still totally my girl, I thought as a story it could have been concluded differently. Not to sound picky or cliched, but the short story felt too open ended.

Unless she plans on expanded it into a full story in the future, of course. I loved seeing Henry and Sarah again. Their happily ever after, their family, their kingdom. I enjoyed the general fluffy aspects of it--entirely because their novel in the Royally series was my favourite to begin with. Seeing them in their ever-after was sweet and not unlike dropping in to see an old friend. I loved it!

But, the plot felt a bit stilled when it became apparent that we wouldn't get a glimpse into what it's like for them trying to get through to their daughter. Again, it's such a minor thing that just made me step back from the short story in disappointment. It felt like it could have been better. It felt like the outline to another installment that hasn't been written yet, you know what I mean? Which, again, isn't the way you should approach it--basically, don't be a wet blanket like yours truly.

Royally Matched by Emma Chase | Rating:  ★★★★☆ (4.5)

“I was happy with myself before – with my little life. But this is different. It feels like I’m on the edge of a mountain cliff, the wind whipping my hair, the sun blinding – but there is no fear. Only exhilaration, pure and right. I’m not going to fall. I can’t. Because Henry has shown me how to fly.”

Emma Chase has really knocked me straight on my ass with the Royally series. While I loved the dynamics in Royally Screwed, and connected with the characters on some level, Royally Matched blows the previous book out of the water. I had a feeling I would enjoy Henry's story but nothing prepared me for how much I loved seeing him and Sarah's romantic tale progress. To make things better, we see some familiar faces from Royally Screwed and it's just as delightful as you'd think. More importantly, Matched is far steamier and the superior of the two novels. That's hard for me to say because they are both some of the best royal romances I've ever read. I think the only way to accordingly describe the second installment of this series is: hot. So hot that I would put the fire emoji all over this review if I could.

At first glance, Royally Matched would appear to be an adult version of Kiera Cass' The Selection series. Very, very, very adult. But I don't need to tell you that. Sexy prince? Check. Quiet girl who (kind of) is on set for a reality program similar to The Bachelor, but doesn't really want to be there at first? Check. Fireworks from tension and respect? Check, check, check. Although the premise is entirely similar, the stories aren't actually much off a mirror image and there's plenty to satisfy fans with this one.

Royally Screwed by Emma Chase | Rating:  ★★★★☆ (4.5)

“Because this place, Olivia, it’s a pretty little shitheap—with a thousand bloodthirsty flies. But there is goodness here. I’ve felt it. I’ve found it.” She covers my hand, squeezing. “And my Simon loves Nicholas like a brother. So if he loves him, I know he is one of the good ones.” 

Well, well, well. It appears Emma Chase really knows how to get a girl's heart pounding when it comes to a delightful and ultimately frothy romance. You know the sort of romance book that is so good you kind of wonder if it's bad for you? The very novel you take with your all girls trip to the beach one hot summer weekend? This. Is. It. Royally Screwed takes you away in one full sweep of royalty, romance and steamy sex scenes. Chase weaves a heartwarming (and at times heartbreaking) tale of love, loss, life and inbetweens, sprinkled into a grand plot of the exploits of one royal family. Get ready for a wild ride, kids. You're going to need to sit still for this one.

Royally Screwed is the ultimate summer book that women will be bouncing around in excitement over. Although it is not terribly unique (it isn't meant to be) in premise, it's still a delicious romance that will leave you with the warm and fuzzies. My experience with it was nothing but wonderful and it's definitely going down as one of my favourites in the better part of a decade. Which, coming from a gal who isn't particularly fond of romance novel's and their suffocating tropes, is pretty high praise. Not to toot my own horn, of course. The fact of the matter is that it's a bit cheesy--sure--and has a hell of a lot to offer besides the various tropes.