(2.75) THE RULES OF ROYALTY is a cute, queer take on The Princess Diaries, perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston.

Following an American teenager finding out he is a prince, THE RULES OF ROYALTY explores queer relationships, politics, family, and friendships. While the plot was simple enough, and read rather like a movie, I found it difficult to enjoy as the characters are quite flat. I found myself glossing over hastily thrown together events such as the “only one bed trope” which didn’t really add anything to the development of the characters’ relationships.

Similarly, the book seems to lack any depth, with little character growth and true tension. This was disappointing as Dietrich’s previous books had apt character development. The dialogue was slightly strange as well, and I found it difficult to imagine Erik, the love interest as being a European royal given that he spoke in a distinctly American tone.

I would have loved more insight into Jamie’s change of identity to a prince, and more tension in his relationship with Erik. I would have also enjoyed further exploration into his relationship with his father and other royal members of his family. However, the book was easy enough to read and made for a light-hearted escape.

This was a fun YA read about Jamie Johnson, gay American high schooler, finding out he is the Prince of a small European country! He goes for the summer and the Prince of a neighbouring country is asked to give him ‘prince lessons’… although turns out Prince Erik is gay too, and he and Jamie really hit it off!

Unfortunately, Erik’s grandmother, the Queen, is not at all pleased that Erik wants a relationship with Jamie, and forbids him from dating Jamie, telling him he has to date the man she has chosen for him instead, Sebastian. But Sebastian doesn’t want to be in a relationship and definitely doesn’t care about Erik.

But the boys have grown close and Erik isn’t sure he wants to abide by his family’s rules any more…

I did like this - the premise of it being the Princess Diaries but gay was pretty accurate, but there were some glaring issues for me. Firstly, Erik’s grandmother is fine that he’s gay, but not fine with him dating a boy he chooses for himself… who is a literal prince? It seems like such a power trip and didn’t sit right with me. There is also a section where Jamie has a press conference after the press find out about him, and Erik agrees to help him prepare for it… by teaching him which forks to use at dinner and how to ride a horse? Huh? I also found the writing style a bit jerky - some unnecessary repetitiveness and unbelievable speech.

So overall a solid read but not one I’d read again I think. Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!

When Jamie is told the truth about his birth mother it’s a shock. His father is the King of Mitanor, making him the heir to the throne.
We follow Jamie as he visits Mitanor to spend some time with his father. Helping him come to terms with his new status is Erik, the second son and spare of another royal family. Erik is tasked with educating Jamie in manners of etiquette…but neither of them are prepared for the developing feelings they have for each other.
The likelihood of such a scenario is low. The chance of everyone involved being as well-adjusted as they all are is slim. However, it’s hard not to find Jamie’s story entertaining.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.

Jamie finds out on his seventeenth birthday that he is the prince of a tiny European country called Mitanor, and then travels there to meet his father and learn about his new life as a prince. He receives help in navigating these new social circles from Erik, the spare heir of a neighbouring country. In between social engagements and etiquette lessons, sparks fly between the two princes. But their responsibilities may stand in the way of love.

The Rules of Royalty was a sweet queer take on The Princess Diaries. It delivered the elements I was expecting given this comp - etiquette lessons, wardrobe makeovers, and balls. I liked both Jamie and Erik, but found that their narrative voices weren't that distinct - I often forgot whose chapter I was reading. This didn't impact me following the plot, but perhaps made them less individual. Overall, it was a sweet romance, perfect if you enjoy a coming of age romance against a royal background.

I spoke to the publishing team at YALC and they really sold this book to me. The following day I sat on my sofa and devoured it.

If you like Red, White and Royal Blue, you will like this book. It's similar but different enough to be unique. I loved the European setting and the palace was very visual, I could imagine myself there. I loved the friendship to relationship trope and the fighting against your family for love. I was rooting for these two.

I would love a sequel, please :)

Super cute book I think will become a fire favourite amongst YA lovers.

Great pacing and well written characters. Loved the nod to the princess diaries!

It was okay at best. The way the main character found out he was royal and then made to be with the other main character felt a bit forced. Also the secondary character annoyed me! Just not for me.