Falling for the Baldasseri Prince (Baldasseri Royals #2) by Rebecca Winters is a very nice—and very fast—royal 
romance! Francesca goes to Scoul, Switzerland, to work as a veterinarian for a renowned doctor in the field. It is there where she meets Prince Vincenzo Rodicchio Baldasseri, who brings his dying dog to be cared for. She helps him in the process, and a friendship begins that immediately turns into love. However, there are two problems: 1) he’s forced to marry Francesca’s cousin, Valentina! and 2) Vincenzo doesn’t know that Francesca and Valentina are cousins…
The main characters haven’t had a past with great dramas. Francesca is raised in a happy and healthy environment in which her father’s past—which can be complicated by the next 4 lives for being a prince by birth—defines the woman she becomes. Vincenzo, on the other hand, doesn’t suffer a difficult childhood either. The only thing that could be said about it is that he has been raised with a high sense of responsibility. His role as a prince leads him to a life of service for his kingdom. This is how he ends up engaged in what would be a loveless arranged marriage with Valentina (also a princess), and replacing his cousin Rini as heir to the throne. Francesca and Vincenzo’s romance is fleeting but believable and very beautiful. The chemistry is noticeable from the first meeting. However, the sense of loyalty of both prevails at all times.
Without giving huge spoilers about the story, I must clarify that the relationship begins after Vincenzo’s engagement with Valentina is broken, which is appreciated because it would make the story something sordid and complicated to read. At least it would be more complicated than the reading itself already is.
This story goes at a fast pace. In a relatively short period of time, everything happens; from the moment Francesca decides to fill out the job application to the ending of the book, everything goes at lightning speed. That said, the pacing of the story is inconsistent. The first half of the book goes at an almost stopped pace, while the rest of the story flows at an inexplicable speed and then falls into the slow rhythm of the beginning. This, and certain uncomfortable scenes, doesn’t allow a smooth reading. Contrasting is the fact that the book can be read in one go, although it’s difficult to connect at times due to changes in rhythm and events.
What I can say is that the author was able to surprise at times. What do I mean? When you find something in the plot and imagine “oh, now THIS is going to happen”, it turns out that it isn’t so. This was the best thing about this story, it didn’t drive the plot towards the predictable. Thank you very much, Ms. Winters!
With an idyllic ending and an epilogue as good as Francesca an Vincenzo’s story, the second installment of Baldasseri Royals is a beautiful story.
Book Info:
Publication: January 25, 2022 | Harlequin Romance | The Baldasseri Royals #2
Can one fated love affair be enough to unite two feuding royal families? Find out in the latest romance from Rebecca Winters.
Two feuding families……one redeeming love
Vet Francesca has started a new life in the Baldasseri’s kingdom. But she’s hiding a sensational secret—she’s really a Visconti princess! And the Viscontis have been feuding with the Baldasseris for generations… When handsome Prince Vincenzo Baldasseri brings his dog in for treatment, there is a powerful connection between them from the get-go! Dare Francesca reveal the truth? And is their love strong enough to overcome all their obstacles?
From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.
The Baldasseri Royals
Book 1: Reclaiming the Prince’s Heart
Book 2: Falling for the Baldasseri Prince
