Mags_louise
4.25⭐ Royal Bastard was a wonderful read that drew me in from the start. As American inventor Nick travels to England and the home of his grandfather the Earl of Englefield for one reason, and one reason only, and that is to tell the Earl where he can stick his title. And I was really excited to see this story was set in England. But admittedly I was also a little nervous as sometimes authors can mangle the words we Brits speak or at least regularly use words we wouldn't. But I can safely say on this aspect alone Avery Flynn knocked it out of the park, and I could really tell she had visited the area this book is set in, although the village itself is fictional. The characters felt super authentic as did the language, although some were missing that Yorkshire twang. But certainly they were all eccentric, welcoming, and delightful and I loved that; and the plot really drew me in. As did the main characters Brooke and Nick, who is understandably reluctant to be in England and anywhere near the man who rejected him and treated his mother so badly. And whilst this story had some emotional issues running through it, it was also sweet, entertaining and one hundred percent engaging, and genuinely I was charmed throughout, especially with the epilogue, which is why I would happily recommend it to others. **I was kindly provided with an ARC via Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
1 person found this review helpful
Emma Davies
While Royal B@st@rd is a cute romance with wonderful characters who appear opposite but have far more in common than anticipated. For me, Royal B@st@rd was a succinct narrative of the classist system still alive and well in the UK with the gap continuing to widen between the working class and the upper and middle classes. As a member of the working class myself, and a socialist, the story did hit a few hot spots for me, including the superior attitude of the landed gentry and the way in which duty is prized over happiness. Which is exactly what happened to Nick’s father and altered the course of Nick’s life in the process. The story also touched upon the difficulties many towns undergo in the face of high levels of unemployment and the lack of disposable income within its communities. Again, this is another topical issue that is near and dear to me, and as such provided some very interesting initiatives to consider under revitalisation. I loved the way in which Avery Flynn captured the quintessential Northern persona with the quirky peripheral characters. Alongside a double dose of romance within the pages. Although the romance was all the things, for me, and reading being subjective, it was the topical issues which really stood out within Royal B@st@Rd and Avery Flynn should be commended for her clever incorporation of the issues seamlessly with a swoon-worthy romance.
Dina Bushrod
Avery Flynn has done it again, but I knew she would. A wonderful story of unexpected could even say, unwanted love. Two stubborn people, who've lived through pain and loneliness, but remembered the love in the beginning. Having had it and then lost it, just made the armor they surrounded themselves with even stronger. But through hurried promises, they must continue on the set path. As we all know, paths, like fate, can wander here and there before the truth is met head-on. Through humor, stubbornness, and oh so sensual sexy action, love is finally forced to show itself. As you can tell I don't do spoilers, so I hope my words have intrigued you into picking up this oh so delightful love story