The Rules of Royalty

September 16, 2024
On Jamie Johnson’s 17th birthday, his adoptive American mother informs him that his biological father is the king of Mitanor, a sunny country near Spain. Though reserved Jamie insists “there’s nothing royal about me,” his father asks northern European prince Erik Lindstrom, also 17, to befriend Jamie and answer his questions. Soon both princes are invited to the Cristalia Palace in Mitanor for the summer where Erik coaches Jamie in all things royalty such as etiquette, presentation, and posture. The boys are immediately smitten, and Erik relishes the break from his life playing second fiddle to his straight, engaged older brother. But Erik’s gram has another suitor picked out for him, one meant to boost diplomatic relations and appearances, and when the media learns of Jamie’s identity, challenges mount. Immediate and emotional first-person chapters alternating between Jamie and Erik detail the highs and lows of royal teenage life in this slow-burn romance by Dietrich (The Pledge), which is studded with high-society extravagance and old-world charm and which paints a familiar and convincing portrait of the responsibilities and excesses of a monarchy. Ages 13–up. Agent: Moe Ferrara, BookEnds Literary.

Starred review from September 15, 2024
Seventeen-year-old Jamie is gobsmacked when, on his birthday, his adoptive mother spills the beans: he's actually the son of Alexander, King of Mitanor. His birth mother died when he was one and she asked his adoptive mom to keep his identity a secret--until now. Before you can say "fairy tale," Jamie, his mom, and stepfather are on a plane headed to Mitanor. The King, who turns out to be a sweetheart, warm and welcoming, arranges for Erik, prince of Sunstad, to tutor Jamie in being royal. Why Erik? Because he, like Jamie, is gay. Given that, it's no surprise that the tutor-student relationship quickly turns into something romantic. The only problem is that Erik's grandmother, the queen, has decreed that his relationship with Jamie must remain strictly platonic. Unfortunately, when the queen learns that the two have become boyfriends, she lowers the boom. Dietrich (The Pledge, 2023) has written a quintessential gay romance. Everything about it--its tantalizing premise, its highly engaging plot, its to-die-for characters--is practically perfect, and it's irresistibly readable, to boot. The pages fly by as readers root for the star-crossed boyfriends, with whom readers will have doubtlessly fallen in love, and hope for a happy ending. Royalty rules!

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October 15, 2024
Jamie Johnson is just a regular American high school kid--until his adoptive mom upends his life. It turns out that Mom knows more about Jamie's bio parents than she originally let on: He is, in fact, a prince of the kingdom of Mitanor. King Alexander invites Jamie, his mom, and his stepdad to spend the summer with the royal family, and what follows is a wholesome reunion filled with patience, respect, and love. After the news of Jamie's royal status is leaked to the press, Prince Erik of Sunstad becomes his tutor, teaching him the rules of royalty and preparing him for his first press conference. Erik is also the perfect companion for a fellow gay prince. Despite being in a fight with his bestie, Max, for the majority of the narrative, Jamie is well supported by his core group of friends and his adoptive, biological, and step families. Likewise, Erik may not always see eye-to-eye with his parents and grandmother, but he's very close to his older brother, crown prince Stefan, and Stefan's fiancee. Readers will enjoy indulging in the deliciously slow-burn romance between the kind, honest, and adorable boys, who narrate in alternating first-person chapters. While Jamie's and Erik's narrative voices can sound too similar, this cozy royal love story is thoroughly delightful. Main characters are cued white. Healthy relationships and honest discourse abound in this sweet romance.(Romance. 13-18)

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December 1, 2024

Gr 9 Up-Seventeen-year-old Jamie Johnson is an average high school student until he finds out he is a prince of Mitanor. To make the transition to the new aspects of his life easier, the king brings in Erik, Prince of Sunstad, to give him lessons on royal etiquette. What starts as friendship quickly blossoms into something more. Readers, through the novel's dual points of view, experience the princes' burgeoning romance and the royal expectations that create obstacles in their new relationship. Jamie's family, both biological and adoptive, are supportive of his being gay and encourage him to find balance in his new role as European royalty and in his life back in America. Erik's nation and family embrace his queer identity; however, his family believes they know what is best for him when choosing a suitable partner and exercise heavy control of his life. Readers will enjoy watching the relationship develop against the background of the opulent royal lifestyle. While the pair do not take their relationship past making out, an overnight trip in which they make out in their underwear makes this a purchase for high school collections. VERDICT An LGBTQIA+ romance reminiscent of The Princess Diaries with characters readers will root for.-Ashley Leffel

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