A Royal Without Rules by Caitlin Crews: In the kingdom of Kitzinia, there are two famous families. The Royals and the Righettis. And while the reputations of each are polar opposites, there’s no denying the connection they share. The notorious Righettis are reviled because their women have been mistresses to the Royals throughout the kingdom’s history.
Adriana wishes to change all that. Taunted by her peers and skewered in the tabloids her whole life, she vows to be the first woman to be known for being smart, independent, and most of all, reputable. Her parents have stayed out of the limelight, but have done nothing to enhance their name. When Adriana is given the chance to serve the crown prince as his PA she leaps on the opportunity.
Prince Pato is second in line to the throne, and that’s how he wants to keep it. Lenz is older, wiser, and definitely more suited to the role. So Pato is allowed to be the “Playboy Prince”. But as Lenz’s wedding day approaches, he decides to assign him a handler to tone down his exploits. To her dismay, that babysitter is Adriana.
The tone is set when she arrives on her first day to find Prince Pato in bed with two naked women. She starts her job that morning by ushering the ladies out, and getting Pato ready for his appointments. But the Prince needles her for being too uptight – after all, she’s a Righetti.
Their working relationship is more of a tug-of-war, with Pato always trying to get under her skin, and Adriana doing her best to stay distant and cold towards him. She had no idea that the younger royal son would do such a good job of breaking down her resolve. There’s also much more to him than what the press report, and it intrigues her.
There’s so much happening behind the scenes in this story, but it doesn’t get outlined until very near the end of the book. Personally, I think it could’ve used some discussions between the brothers so the readers were let in on the secret(s) earlier. I also wasn’t fond of Pato in the beginning. We find out later in the book that he’s supposedly not the womanizer that he’s portrayed in the press – but he kinda is. I never believed he was putting on much of a show. He just changed behaviors after discovering he had feelings for Adriana. Even then it started out as lust, not love.
However, Ms. Crews has a way with words and she manages to paint a vivid picture without being overly wordy. That’s an A+ in my book. I’m averaging my rating between the small failings in the story and the exquisite writing style.
Book Info
Publication Date: July 23, 2013 | Series: Harlequin Presents (Book 3164)Royal PA Adriana Righetti is no stranger to scandal. But Prince Pato takes it to a whole new level. His infamous liaisons make for exceptionally disreputable reading!
Her latest assignment, keeping the playboy prince out of the headlines before his brother’s wedding, is mission impossible. Particularly as Pato is intent on ruffling her seemingly uptight feathers!
But when the cameras aren’t looking, Adrianna sees behind his careless facade, and wonders—is there more to this rebel royal than the world knows?
conniefischer
I’ve been seeing this novel here and there and am very intrigued about reading it. I just love your reviews because they always give me more information about a book. Thanks for sharing.
KarenL (@Aleveria)
You’re welcome Connie! As anyone who knows me will tell you, I’ll share my opinion with anyone. I’m just glad Sara lets me share it here. 😉