I was really intrigued by the title of this book, having always been a “Princess Diaries” fan, and was pleased to discover Sariah Wilson as an author whose works I’ll want to follow in the future. This is a great, light beach-type read that’s perfect for teens and anyone looking for something fun to sit down and relax with. It never gets too heavy or tries to feel too serious, but rather seeks to entertain and tell a lighthearted tale of a second chance at falling in love.

Bellamy is a struggling waitress in Ohio who can’t seem to save up enough to pursue her dreams as a fashion designer in New York. So of course she’s surprised when Lemon (a character from another of Wilson’s books I’m going to have to check out) arrives in her diner and announces she’s a princess. And sure, that trope has been done before, but it doesn’t take away from the story. Enzo is assigned as her bodyguard, with a delicious love/hate relationship constantly simmering between them, but where the story really shines is once Bellamy begins going on her series of set-up dates. Wilson has a flair for comedic writing and I was laughing at many of those male candidates… or not so viable candidates. A great light read.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author. ( )

ARC Review: Royal Design (The Royals of Monterra) by Sariah Wilson

Bellamy is a realist. From an early age, her world has been full of disappointments and heartbreaking losses. Her resilience has allowed her to roll with the punches and turn those negatives into positives through hard work and positive thinking she has turned her tragedies into her motivations. With three words, her life will never be the same. "You're a Princess", is the last thing she expects to hear about herself. Her life has hardly consisted of rainbows and happily ever afters. What will she do? Royal Design combines the best aspects of romance. Secret reveals, classic inspiration and the standard happily ever after. It just takes drama and heartache to get there. Whenever I read Sariah Wilson and her Royals of Monterra series, I can't help but smile. Classic and modern become one and deliver feel good romances. Dreams never get old. ( )