REVIEW: Crowning His Convenient Princess by Maisey Yates

Crowning His Convenient Princess by Maisey Yates is an enjoyable modern royal marriage of convenience romance and a worthy sequel to The Queen’s Baby Scandal.

Prince Gunnar of Bjornland has spent his whole life protecting his twin sister, Queen Astrid. Now that she’s married (the story told in The Queen’s Baby Scandal) it’s time for him to make some serious decisions about his future. He’s spent so many years as the playboy prince to prove to his parents that his sister, the first born should remain the heir and that he wasn’t worthy of the title, that now that her reign is settled, baby and all, he can focus on himself. But not so fast – there’s another damsel in distress and he’s not willing to turn his back on the woman who has always mystified and entranced him.

Latika Bakshmi, member of a wealthy Indian-American family, escaped into obscurity as Queen Astrid’s personal assistant to avoid an arranged marriage with a cruel and abusive man. But he’s found out where she’s been hiding and is threatening her, leaving her with only one option – to marry and marry quickly. Desperate, she approaches Gunnar for help, and he agrees to a marriage of convenience. After all, to straighten out his reputation, one wife is as good as another, and his protective streak doesn’t end with his sister. But if Latika thinks theirs will be a perfunctory, staid marriage she’ll have to think again, because Gunnar wants more than just a wife in name only. Will this marriage of convenience become the real thing?

I really enjoyed both books in this mini-series! (It’s also tagged as a part of the author’s Once Upon a Seduction series, the first three books of which I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed). Prince Gunnar certainly deserves some recognition for what he’s sacrificed in his own life in order to protect his sister, and Latika becomes the first person to find out about the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father for not trying to fight for the crown, a finding that would horrify his sister if she knew. And Latika hasn’t had an easy life either, having had to flee from her parents for arranging a marriage to a man known to abuse women. They both have reasons to be wary of relationships, and to keep their trust in others at a minimum. But they can’t deny the attraction between them that leads to some sexy love scenes.

I liked how Gunnar had a secret business life investing in renewable green energy and construction, a side hidden from his family, something he could call his own and that he knew his playboy reputation would hinder. With the legitimacy of his marriage, and his sister married and secure with the throne, he can finally bring it out in the open. Gunnar makes some mistakes as he tries to keep his feelings about Latika from taking over, events that he has to make up for if he’s going to convince Latika to give him a second chance. Their road to a happy ending has some ups and downs and the setting of the fictional country, palace, and all the luxury that entails make for an enjoyable and fairy-tale like background. If you enjoy royal romances, Maisey Yates has successfully found the formula to keep them fresh and exciting!

Book Info:

Publication: Dec 17, 2019 | Harlequin Presents | Once Upon a Seduction #4

From choosing the prince’s bride…

To becoming his unexpected princess!

Personal assistant Latika Bakshmi had one job–pick a suitable wife for playboy Prince Gunnar. He’s infuriating, arrogant and far too handsome, but when shadows from Latika’s past return, he’s the only man who can save her…if he agrees to her shocking proposition!

Nothing surprises cynical Gunnar, until deliciously disapproving Latika asks him to marry her! Recognizing her desperation, he’ll protect her with all his royal power. But the biggest surprise isn’t their sizzling chemistry, but how dangerously permanent his craving for his temporary princess feels…