The Prince and the Bodyguard

Prince Pact #4

by Nora Phoenix

The BRAND NEW spicy, royally romantic MM college romance from BESTSELLER Nora Phoenix.

For fans of Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston and Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid ❣️

Falling for my bodyguard could cost me everything…

I’m Prince Gregory of Great Britain, fourth in line to a crown I never wanted. All I ask for is one year of anonymity at college in America, the chance to breathe without the weight of duty crushing my chest. The King reluctantly agrees, with one condition: I’m never alone.

That’s how Bash enters my life. My bodyguard. All quiet control, sharp instincts, and a presence I feel everywhere. Our relationship is strictly professional; we blend in together at college, but forced proximity has other ideas. His nearness becomes impossible to ignore, the tension between us tight enough to snap.

Bash needs this job to pay for his mum’s medical bills. I need him to guard my identity. I’ve hidden my sexuality for years to avoid shame and scandal and to protect the crown. And then one brave kiss later, everything changes. For the first time I feel authentic. I’m just…me. But I have a duty to England, and he’s sworn to protect me, not fall for me. Loving my bodyguard is dangerous and forbidden but taking the risk is the most real thing I’ve ever known…

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Queer, Royalty, Adult, Gay, LGBT

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 25, 2026

About the author

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio?

The short? You got it.

I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything.

How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.

I started writing my first stories when I was a teen…on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they’re adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as it has a happy end. Kink is a plus… Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain’t nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora’s Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/noras...

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full…promise!) here: http://www.noraphoenix.com/newsletter/

You can also stalk me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoraFromBHR
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On Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nora-...

Reviews

[Cristiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc, in exchange for a honest review.


Honestly, I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't my favourite. I liked the ending and it was probably the best part, in my opinion.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to see Floris back in this book as a cheerleader and helper for Eddie as he got closer to his bodyguard, Bash. The Chemistry between Eddie and Bash was strong and I enjoyed their developing relationship, including the scene where they came out to each other as the first people to know of their sexualities except for the other princes in Eddie’s case. Them both sharing such an intimate truth about themselves with only each other (except for the princes in Eddie’s case), surely only deepened their bond, as it meant they only really had each other to talk to about their sexuality thereby encouraging further confidences and increasing closeness. I enjoyed the way the m/m fake dating trope was employed in this book and I liked how Eddie covered for Bash at the international relations mixer so as a royal he was shown to be a man of intelligence not just a figure head, but I thought the portrayal of the British as uptight and emotionally repressed was stereotypical, lacking in accuracy in reality, overdone and referenced far too many times over the course of the book as a whole. The inclusion of the late evening fire alarm because someone had overenthusiastic cooking was very realistic for university accommodation and a creative way to interrupt Eddie and Bash’s first kiss scene. I liked that Charlie surprised Eddie in her reaction to Eddie and Bash’s relationship, how Floris came to the rescue masterfully and how Eddie’s dad winds up coming around to strike a compromise with the King. I did think Eddie and Bash should have foreseen Bash being exiled and have had a plan on where to meet and how to progress things after Eddie revealed the truth to the King and his Dad though and not planning that amongst themselves, the princes and Charlotte in advance seemed a weakness in the book. I also thought that not enough explanation was given as to why Bash was now willing to tell his family he was Bisexual as he’d been in love with Eddie for a while but hadn’t been willing to tell them - so why didn’t he tell them as soon as he knew he loved Eddie? Was it because Eddie wasn’t willing and able to have a long term relationship so until he was there was no point in revealing the truth? If so then that makes sense I guess but one could argue that Bash being willing to have a long term relationship and reveal the truth to his family could just as easily act as a catalyst for Eddie to stand up to the royals and it’s a lot less complicated for Bash to tell his family than Eddie to stand up to the monarchy. Those plot questions are why I gave this book four rather than five stars despite enjoying the book as a whole.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prince and the Bodyguard • Nora Phoenix
Prince Pact #4

One phrase: royal fake dating with bodyguard tension 👑🖤

A prince and his bodyguard falling for each other?

Yes please.

The Prince and the Bodyguard brings us Eddie and Bash, a spicy MM royal college romance with fake dating, secrecy, chemistry, and all the pressure that comes with falling for someone when duty, family, and the monarchy are watching.

I really enjoyed seeing Floris back in this book too. Watching him cheer Eddie on and help him navigate his feelings for Bash was such a sweet connection to the rest of the series.

Eddie and Bash had strong chemistry from the start, and I liked watching their relationship develop beyond attraction. One of my favorite parts was the way they came out to each other and shared something deeply personal before almost anyone else knew. That kind of trust added emotional weight to their bond and made their closeness feel more meaningful.

The fake dating trope was also fun here, especially with the royal setting. I liked how Eddie showed up for Bash at the international relations mixer, proving he was not just a figurehead, but someone intelligent, capable, and willing to protect the person he cared about.

There were definitely moments I had questions about, especially around planning for the consequences of their relationship and Bash’s decision to come out to his family. I also felt like the British emotional repression jokes were a little overdone at times.

But overall, I still really enjoyed Eddie and Bash together.

Their romance had warmth, tension, vulnerability, and that “we only really have each other” feeling that made me root for them. The fire alarm interrupting their first kiss was also so painfully realistic for university housing that I had to laugh.

✨ Tropes and vibes:
👑 royal romance
🖤 bodyguard romance
💞 MM romance
🎓 college setting
🤝 fake dating
🔥 secret relationship tension
🫶 coming out together
💬 emotional vulnerability
👀 forbidden feelings
🌈 bisexual rep
💔 royal pressure
✨ series cameos

📚 Read this if you like:
MM romance, royal college settings, fake dating, bodyguard tension, coming out stories, secret relationships, and romances where duty and desire are constantly pulling in opposite directions.

This was sweet, spicy, emotional, and a fun return to the Prince Pact world.

#ThePrinceAndTheBodyguard #NoraPhoenix #MMRomance #RoyalRomance #BookReview @Boldwood

[Continuity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fake dating, secret relationship, AND forced proximity? I am sat.

This book just screams drama, but inside is actually a very wholesome, low angst (considering the plot) story. I think this book could’ve benefited from fifty to even a hundred more pages to help aid the pacing of this story. I wish there were more angst and pining between the two of them in the beginning, seeing them resist their desires and slowly fall for one another. Because, as it is, the characters get together very fast, considering all the negative consequences for both of them if they got found out. However, that is me putting unrealistic expectations onto the book. It’s not the book’s fault that I’m a sucker for yearning.

However, I do wish that we got to see more of the two characters together, at least before the main conflict. As I mentioned before, the consequences of their relationship are catastrophic and life-changing for both of them. It would be more realistic if we could see more of them together and understand why they would sacrifice this much for each other.

My last critique is extremely nitpicky and just a personal preference thing. There are very, very overt references to a popular queer sports romance, and it took me out of the story a bit. Again, this is purely personal, I have a hard time with pop cultural references, and this one was VERY prevalent in the story during an important milestone in their relationship. I think I wouldn’t have gotten so ‘icked’ out if it wasn’t so detailed, if they just lightly mentioned that the characters were watching it instead of actively describing the scenes from the show.

Though I will say, I loved the epilogue! It was a nice little farewell to the characters and was such a treat to read. Overall, I think this is a cute and entertaining read. It’s perfect if you’re looking for low angst and love the tropes presented in this novel. Thank you, NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tags/Warnings
.
.
.
Tropes: Bodyguard x Prince, fake dating, roommates, forced proximity, secret relationship, forbidden romance
Kinks/NSFW: Frotting, virgin MC, loss of virginity,
Triggers: Closeted characters, past death of sibling, past death of parent, parent with cancer
Third act break-up: No
OM/OW: None

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have finally made it to the British Prince - Gregory, fourth in line to the throne and future Duke of York. The Prince Pact series has been one I’ve really enjoyed reading because it’s cosy and got the feeling of the perfect MM romance I’d watch if Hallmark made them into a series; and honestly I was convinced we’d have a sudden twist to the story because the fictional King would carry on saying no to his nephew.

This was the perfect read, the pacing is perfect and both Gregory and Bash are beyond adorable and I liked how we see them both deny the realities of what they’re both secretly feeling and especially how Nora Phoenix decides to make the heat rise. (I don’t want to spoil it - but it’s perfect and you can easily imagine just why there's a sudden change between the prince and the bodyguard hidden away in their apartment.

They’re both carrying the weight of responsibilities neither asked for, with the prince, it’s obvious; he has been born into a role and the world awaits him taking on the title; but it’s Bash’s backstory that I think many will want to be able to hug a fictional character over; he’s lost an older brother in the line of duty and the family are balancing on a knife-edge of moving forward and grieving; and then there’s the fact his mother has cancer and the bills are adding up. This job of protecting a prince could make his Mama’s life easier so that has to be heavy on a young man. I certainly wanted to reach in and protect him at all costs…

Nora keeps it as light as you can with this heavier subject lingering in the background, and I loved seeing their romance grow from secret wondering to telling truths, plus of course we get glimpses of the other princes we’ve met along the way. Each one is as funny and as caring as a reader will recall; and they’re all team ‘Fall for the Bodyguard’ once they know - their friendship is adorable. I was so happy to get to read this, but also so sad to say goodbye to a series I’d loved and had many a smile over. Thank you Nora for the epilogue in this one where we get to see what true happiness for them all feels like.

[Jine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to jump back into this world and it did not disappoint! I’m so happy we finally got Gregory’s book!! He finally gets to go to America like his friends and spend a year learning but he has to take a bodyguard bash! A rugged southern former marine who needs the position to help support his family! What both of them didn’t expect to happen was a instant attraction and because they lived in a campus apartment meant for couples they had to pretend to date
One thing that truly made me laugh when Floris told Greg to take a chance and see if Bash felt the same they had a movie night and Greg chose what to watch and he picked heated rivalry I laughed so much but it worked because their professional relationship changed drastically! They explored their newfound feelings in the bubble of their apartment but when they went to Bash’s for thanksgiving I didn’t like the coldness because bash got scarred and Greg slipped back into his diplomatic self I’m glad that was short lived but their biggest hurdle was Christmas when he was summoned back to England
His uncle and his father had plans for him to marry someone a woman and it truly looked grim they only got a second to talk and when they professed their love they were caught by his sister who turned out to be an ally
But the proudest moment! When he stood up for his love for bash against his uncle and father and refused to give up on what they had; now did that come with complications of course they literally locked Greg in a tower but in came
Floris! When they reunited in the airport oh my god and bash’s family telling him he was bash’s boy so he was theirs too!!
Truly this was phenomenal but that epilogue was absolute chefs kiss if you have read all the books in the series then this tied everything together!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5/5 ⭐️

Yet again, Nora Phoenix has done it! A college romance with incredibly mature characters, The Prince and the Bodyguard finishes up the Prince Pact series with a bang.

This book was a zero-angst yet emotional read about Prince Gregory "Eddie", the 22-year old prince of England who's fourth in line for the throne and his 27-year old American bodyguard, Bash, while at college in the Pacific Northwest. While it can be read as a standalone, Eddie's story is much better read as the fourth book in the Prince Pact series.

The book starts out with the possibility of a fake dating storyline, but this turned out to be even better! There were none of the typical fake dating plot lines. It was so incredibly refreshing. Their romance starts quickly, but not quite insta-lust. Eddie and Bash form a perfect pair, despite their class differences.

I love how we see Eddie come out of his shell, embracing the opportunity to truly explore his sexuality. Similarly, Bash takes this opportunity to finally give in to his desires and push the limits of his duty as Eddie's hired protection detail. Both handle their situation with incredible maturity (and no angst! woo!), which really sets this series apart from other college romances. Did I say that already? Probably 😂

The ending was absolutely my favorite part. The epilogue brings together our four princes back ten years later with a look into their futures. I loved seeing the four of them together again, with their respective families. In addition, I loved seeing the distinction between each of their "happily ever afters" and what it entails. Their versions of happy royals were all different, and Eddie's really was the perfect resolution to The Prince and the Bodyguard! Absolutely perfect!!!

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora Phoenix’s ’The Prince and the Bodyguard’ concludes the Prince Pact series, where we cycle through several romantic tropes of European royalty meeting their matches in really varied ways. Time abroad and spent far from the rigid rules of royal protocols is the common theme amongst the princes here, as they find their own journey apart from the expectations that have dictated their lives from birth.

And as far as I’ve really liked some of them, Bash’s and Prince Greg/Eddie York’s story is quite a standout for the series’ finale, surprising in so many ways because it’s the one that speaks most of sacrifice and taking the highest risks possible because of love.

Forced proximity might be what initially brings Bash and Eddie together, but they navigate their growing connection through mature communication (!) which anchors their heartfelt relationship with a heavy-weight, emotional core rather than one that simply goes through the motions of hot, heavy and spicy. The instant lust is tempered by respect and compromise, despite the bodyguard/client dilemma and the massive class difference that clearly form the main conflict of the story.

But then, this proves to be just another obstacle both Bash and Eddie overcome with the newfound courage that they’ve gained to build the lives they want together—with a satisfying epilogue that validates not just their lives but all of the princes’ chosen ones a decade into the future.

*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prince and the Bodyguard
Prince Gregory(Eddie) fourth in line to the crown of Great Britain has so far has a life tied to royal duties, he has persuaded his father and his Uncle who is the King to allow him to take a year out and attend an American university incognito, he agrees to a full time body guard so this is arranged.
Bash is the secret agent assigned to Eddie and will stay with him 24/7 on the campus. Having a mother who is seriously ill and the money need to pay the health bills Bash now has one breathing space with the extra money he’ll have so is determined to perform his duties well.
Bash and Eddie are gay but Eddie has had no experience due to his royal role. Both slowly become extremely attracted to each other and start a secret relationship even though they have been pretending to be a couple so no one questions them living together. The emotions are very well described and their personal problems have made them both strong characters.
With Bash desperately needing the money from his salary and Eddie knowing he will be forced into marriage with a women of the kings choosing they have great obstacles standing in their way.
Even if far fetched this was a really enjoyable read, well written, engaging and the epilogue was absolutely heartwarming. The only thing jarring was Eddies other title, Duke of York not looked on so favourably nowadays!
My thanks to netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly what you imagine from the title, and a thoroughly enjoyable time. 

Prince Gregory is finally getting to discover his authentic self with a year abroad in the US - he's desperate to embrace American culture and hopefully find romance whilst he's there. His ever-present bodyguard, Bash, should just blend into the background of his life, right? Wrong. Instead the prince, going by his second name, Eddie, immediately can't stop noticing Bash. He's gorgeous, thoughtful and great at his job. But he's straight, right? Wrong again (of course). 

Meanwhile Bash is trying to resist Eddie, remaining professional at all times. But it's getting harder and harder to ignore the pull between them, especially when they have to fake date in front of their fellow students to keep up the ruse and hide Eddie's real identity...


I really enjoyed this book, definitely predictable but still a fun time with plenty of sweet moments. Plus this is a great final installment of the Princes' Pact series with a lovely epilogue featuring all the characters. 


I didn't love the "watching Heated Rivalry" scenes though, they are not going to age well. Some of the dialogue with the other students was absolutely ridiculous, human adults would literally never talk like that about a couple but overall a solid read, with fake dating, forbidden romance and anything with a protective bodyguard will always score highly from me. 


Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eARC.

[Abs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect conclusion to a great series!

Prince Gregory (also known as Eddie) and Bash's story was so sweet and incredibly enjoyable. It was everything you could want from a forced proximity, fate Dating, forbidden Bodyguard x Prince Romance.

Eddie is probably my favourite character out of this entire series. The way he looked at the world was so refreshing to read and his genuine interest and appreciation of everything around in was adorably innocent within making him seem immature. Some of my favourite moments were when he was discovering things that many of us consider mundane and acting as if they were the most amazing thing he'd ever come across. Bash was also a very enjoyable character to read about and I think the way he was so loyal to Eddie, even without considering the aspect of his job, was really nice. I think these two characters really complimented each other, and their relationship felt realistic. I think they balanced each other out really well.

I was expecting this book to have a lot more angst then it did considering it's tropes and the dynamic between Eddie and Bash but I think it worked perfectly. Yes, there was conflict and tension but it worked in a way that tested their relationship in a healthy and realistic way rather than adding drama for the sake of the plot.

I definitely think Nora Phoenix saved the best for last with this series and would definitely recommend this book over and over again!

[Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. A super cute fast read! I’ve enjoyed this series so much and this one was the perfect ending! Prince Gregory was the last of his friends, 4 Princes who made a pact to come to America and try and spend some time living a normal life, to get permission to go. But he won’t be alone, he’s been assigned a bodyguard, an American named Bash who’s with the secret service. Bash needs the money from this job to help out his family. It shouldn’t be a problem only Bash is hot and Gregory, or Eddie as he’ll be called at school, is secretly in the closet. Will he have difficulty keeping his secret around Bash? It shouldn’t be too difficult because Bash is straight right? Only Bash is bisexual, but no one knows, he doesn’t know how his family would handle it all so it’s easier to just keep that part of himself secret. But Eddie’s nothing like he imagined and soon he finds himself drawn to Eddie like he’s never been drawn to anyone before. Soon the two’s feelings turn into more but what are they risking if anyone finds out? And what exactly are they willing to give up for love? I loved Bash and Eddie and their relationship is so cute! A fast paced read that I couldn’t put down! Nora Phoenix’s book is full of charm, sweet moments, spice, and plenty of warm and fuzzies!!

[CatOnABlueBackground · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last of the Prince Pact books, as we're on the final prince. It's a sweet, low angst romance between a U.K. prince and his bodyguard.

Prince Gregory comes to the US to attend college at Cascade Bay University (which seems to be a stand-in for University of Washington) near Seattle. He has an American bodyguard, Bash, that will be living in the university apartment with him and accompanying him to all his classes/events. It's not long until they fall into attraction with each other, and not long after that that they decide to experiment with each other. The rest of the book involves falling in love, standing up to the monarchy, and figuring out how to move forward to their HEA.

Plenty of spice in this book, and plenty of found family (the other 3 princes and their partners make appearances).

This is a fairytale romance - there's not a lot of 'reality' going on here. There are plenty of places where the events in the book are just simply NOT how the world works. That's ok, though, as long as you know that going in and you're okay with it (the other 3 in the series were similar in this regard). I was entertained enough to read this all in one sitting. The epilogue showing where all the princes were in their lives 10 years later was very nice.

[Dawn Serra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this my first book of the Prince Pact? Yes. Did it make me want to go back and read the three prior books? Also, yes. Though it's going to be tough to beat Eddie and Bash for favorite couple.

What a sweet, bashful little book with some very high stakes (considering who Eddie is and what Bash's job is) and a beautiful slow burn.

Though there are only a few spicy scenes, each one moves the plot forward, and has a phenomenal payoff. Seriously, these are some REALLY well written spicy scenes that I had to bookmark.

The only thing that I struggled with was the reason Bash needed money. Having been in some dire financial situations myself, it was tough for me to suspend my disbelief that Bash would do anything that compromised on that goal considering who and what it was for - yes, even for love and yes, even more so than what Eddie stood to lose (because of his support network and their privilege).

That aside, I zoomed through this book and will definitely recommend it to MM romance lovers.

Big thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader copy! SO FUN!!!!

[Elysha Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prince and the Body Guard follows Prince Gregory, AKA Eddie, as the final Prince in the series to go undercover to school in America. Part of his deal is that he has to have a body guard live with him and pretend to be a couple. Enter Bash, an American Secret Service Agent who agrees to the this assignment.

This is a very sweet, fast paced and low stakes read. I really liked Eddie and Bash’s romance throughout this, with how supportive they are of each other and their sweet chemistry. I also do love a good forced proximity trope and secret relationship as well and this was a great book for it.

I do love how the author handled their relationship with being a body guard and protectee. Just like the previous book in the series (with a coach and player) I felt like the author handled it very well and it didn’t feel like there was any power imbalances.

There’s also some cameos from characters in the previous books. And no spoilers but the epilogue is a great epilogue for the entire series.

Overall just a sweet and fast paced romance, and a great end to the series!

Thank you for NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for this review!

This was such a cute romance! I have not read the others in the series, or even knew that this was part of a series until after I finished, so it fits well as a standalone. The premise does need a little bit suspension of disbelief to get into, but once you get into it, it's great. The progression of the relationship from professional to friendly to lovers seemed very smooth, and I absolutely loved the scene where they watch a certain TV show together and the transition it makes. The family situations that both of the main characters have add a nice bit of depth to their characters, in addition to being the reasons why the arrangement happens as it does. The spicy scenes are well integrated in the story. I thought the end was very sweet.

I wish the friends/study buddies they encounter had a bit more depth and get seen more, as you hardly know anything about them. Loved Bash's family though.

I'd recommend this if you liked Red, White, and Royal Blue and want another MM royalty romance!

[aribooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

ㅤꨄ︎ prince x bodyguard
ㅤꨄ︎ forbidden romance
ㅤꨄ︎ fake dating

4★

╰┈➤” He was a prince.He was my protectee. He was my job.”

Prince Gregory (Eddie) who is fourth in line to the throne, is allowed to spend a year in college in the US, but he is assigned to Bash, a Secret Agent, who will be his roommate / bodyguard in the dorm for the whole year.

This is my first book from the author and even though I wasn’t aware this was a serie, I really really enjoyed this !! This is really a sweet and very low angst romance and I definitely recommend !
I loved how the characters were so mature and interesting…really kept me hooked from the first page !
I loved how Bash and Eddie were growing closer and closer by always communicating with each other and they had that understanding about their own life and the reality they were in. And I really love how they choose each other, in every moment.

I’m definitely going to read the others books from the serie now…

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc !!

[Sunny · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was basically Red, White & Royal Blue but with less chemistry, build up, and plot. There was no buildup of the relationship. It's essentially insta-love on both sides with them almost having sex before chapter 10. Funny enough, the scene where they almost have sex is while watching Heated Rivalry. Another interesting thing is that what they are describing in the show isn't actually how the show starts. Apparently Shane and Ilya are actually having sex in episode 1, which isn't actually the case in the TV series. Unless Greg and Bash spent over an hour making out or didn't start with episode 1, the show doesn't line up with what they say is going on.

Overall, I just couldn't get into this book. The characters felt flat and the plot felt really unrealistic. Apparently Bash is 27, but was in the Marines for 6 years, a deputy sheriff while getting a bachelor's degree, and has been in the secret service for a year? Highly unbelievable. Even if he was on an accelerated program for his bachelor's degree, he would have been in the Marines as a teenager, which is extremely unlikely and borders on ridiculous. I know a lot of people really enjoyed this book, but it just wasn't my style. The description was so good and I wanted to like it, but it just fell flat for me.

Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Copper · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review
I love this series so much! Each book gives a strong and different perspective on a European prince trying life for a year in America and finding love they weren't looking for. Prince Gregory known as Eddie the last of the princes to head over for uni is set up in a small apartment and his new personal bodyguard Bash.

Close proximity and genuine connection have Bash and Eddie quickly being a close pair fitting into a domestic life and falling for each other. The sweet moments they share in their small apartment was lovely and the build up of their feelings felt natural.

Seeing the conclusion to this series was lovely, I enjoyed how different each couples story felt and this pair are a brilliant end. The situation around the royalty was also received and dealt with differently each time. How the British royals are shown adds much more of a problem this time around and felt like the situation was handled well and felt realistic.

Loved each love story and loved the ending so sweet.

[Dharshani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the Princes gets his HEA with his bodyguard. After much convincing house uncle King Henry and his father, Prince Gregory gets his 1 year college term in America. He finds his bodyguard / roomate / living together fake boyfriend Bash incredibly attractive. Bash has such a complicated family situation that he cannot afford to act on his feelings towards Gregory. If things turn serious either has much to lose.
Like other books, the author has set the characters with unique traits giving good development over the course of the book. It was fun to see all the ways Gregory is different from Bash in terms of ethnic, culture and upbringing. Other Princes make guest appearances helping Gregory while accounting for their whereabouts. A good ending to the series giving every Prince a happy ending with their partners.

Thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for pricing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have known from the title that this would be a fairytale. Actually that's unfair to fairytales. They have SOME drama.

This was fine. Extraordinary things happened in the most ordinary ways. Honestly, skip the sex scenes and you can read this as a bedtime story to children.

There's a prince. And a commoner. They fall in love. There's a wicked uncle whose plans are thwarted so the lovebirds can be together. Hooray!

Nothing happens. Which is unfortunate because a lot of stuff happens, but in such a tame way that it's not very interesting.

Just going off the title, you can guess what happens in this and there's a 99% chance that you guessed correctly. Down to the last detail. There are no surprises.

There's nothing wrong with this book. Technically. 2.5* because it's not a bad story but it's also not a good story.

Rounded down because rating it 3* might be misleading.

It just lacks the fire I associate with this author's writing.

[Yuli Atta]

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of this book.

Unfortunately, I DNFed at 66%. There isn't anything wrong with the book that couldnt be fixed at the final stages as this is an ARC which is usually subject to changes.

There's just something that didn't work out for me and I can't quite put my finger on it. I feel like Bash and Greg don't have good chemistry. I feel like Greg being in the closet bc of the scandal it would cause makes little to no sense when he then has to conveniently pretend to be dating his bodyguard in order for them to qualify for the couples' dorms. Why does the future Duke of York need to pretend to be a couple with his bodyguard when he can afford to buy the whole building? Can American college students not live outside the dorms? It just didn't make much sense to me.

I reached 66% and I just didn't care about Eddie, didn't care about Bash and wanted it to end so I decided to stop.

[Jess Svajgert · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: July 25, 2026

An open door M/M romance about an undercover Prince and his bodyguard. A fun trope, but I felt there wasn’t enough yearning buildup…they just went for it. Hilariously enough, they hooked up the first few times while they were watching Heated Rivalry…the most yearning show ever! I felt like I was in a book matrix, and while I felt like some scenes mirrored HR too closely, I was equally delighted that HR is such a part of the cultural ether, we’re already seeing it in other books!

Their relationship seemed to move by leaps and bounds without enough development, so I wasn’t as invested and certain conflicts felt unwarranted for the stage they were at. This finished strong though, and I love this cast of recurring characters!

[Alice Granger · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing the digital copy of this book!

This book was an incredibly cozy romance with some tension and believable conflicts! It's a read that surely warms the heart while the protagonists still have chemistry. The only reason it's not a 5 star is because I think the confession part was lacking, but the build up was phenomenal and I was so emotionally connected I found myself gasping aloud and kicking my feet.

The pacing was perfect for the book with the necessary build up, without rushing, and faster on the daily routines which would have been otherwise boring.

If the book had been longer I would like to have seen a little more resistance from the characters, but given that much of the story revolves around internal conflict and how adorable it is, I understand that is was just not the point.

I loved this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a their next cozy yet spicy romance.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last of the series, focusing on Gregory - the English prince who was being held back a lot by his family, having far fewer options than the previous princes. He finally manages to get a year to study in the US, being offered a live in bodyguard who is presented as a fake boyfriend to secure the safest housing. Bodyguard Bash is not out either, pushing himself hard to support his parents after the death of his brother. I really liked their ideas about experimenting, and it was refreshing that Bash didn't have to do any heroic rescuing. Both MCs had a lot to overcome in their relations with their families. There was a fairly cosy vibe and a particularly satisfying ending. The references to the HR series was really good. I think this is my favourite of the series.
Thanks for the advance copy via NetGalley, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed every one of this Prince Pact series. I loved the premise that these European princes go to America to experience 'ordinary' life for a year and manage to fall in love along the way. This final book features Prince Gregory from the UK, who enrols under one of his middle names and goes by Eddie.
I think some of the ideas were a bit far-fetched, and I'm not sure that the royal family was in any way like our current one. There is certainly far more scope for cousins of the main line these days, but it was still hugely enjoyable.
Bash and Eddie made a great couple and this was a lovely story to wrap up the whole series. I'll be sad to leave them all behind.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Anisha Chatterjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! This was my first introduction to Nora Phonix, and I was left pleasantly surprised. This was a very cute royal romance between the fourth in line to the British throne and his very attractive bodyguard. This was so well written, and I absolutely loved the descriptions of what each character was thinking and the metaphors that were used to describe their feelings throughout the course of their relationship. Both angst and spice were lower than I expected and didn't feel forceful, which was also great. I was also so glad that neither of these people got forcefully outed and they were able to build their life on their own terms (although it still sucked that Bash had to lose his secret service job:////) I enjoyed this book so so so much, and I cannot wait to recommend it to all my friends!!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love these princes!

This is the final installment in Nora Phoenix's series, just as charming as the previous ones.

Greg "Eddy" is the nephew of the British king. It's perhaps the most difficult family to portray, given their fame.

Bash is incredibly likeable, and I enjoyed their relationship, which was initially measured and full of discovery, then intense.

However, this story lacks originality and antagonism. It was probably too simplistic, considering their respective family and professional backgrounds. They accept abandoning their lives as they were too readily.

I loved the epilogue, though, even if it too seemed implausible in some aspects.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Echo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed with an advanced copy from NetGalley!

Forced proximity? Fake dating? Prince and his bodyguard? Yes yes yes! 🫡

This book was so cute and fluffy, while still dealing with some pretty real things in the characters. Nora does an amazing job of creating a world you can so easily imagine and characters you cannot help but root for! Suspend your belief and be along for the ride for the sweetest romance.

I loved when they visited North Carolina, their communication, their growth. This book had some good spice (and I was dying at the mention of Heated Rivalry!), and despite any light angst the happy ending is oh so sweet! Eddie and Bash, thanks for being such a pleasure. 🥹

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince x bodyguard
Fake dating
Forced proximity

The fourth book in The Prince Pact series, it focuses on Eddie who is a prince in England. Eddie is allowed to spend a year in the US to experience American university. Bash is a Secret Service agent assigned to the prince. I loved how the intimacy was built in friendship before boyfriends. The nod to Heated Rivalry made me smile and kick my feet. The epilogue was a great wrap up and showed all the friends together. Eddie's and Bash's road to being together was not smooth but it culminated in a happy ending that I loved.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.