Will the duke and his daughter reignite a long-lost dream for the princess? Find out what happens in this heartwarming royal story by Jennifer Faye for Harlequin Romance.
A ready-made family… for the princess?
Princess Beatrix knows widower Duke Rez turned away from high-society life to raise his daughter. But Bea needs his help to dispel vicious rumors circling the palace. Summoning Rez, she never expects him to bring baby Evi. The little family is a painful reminder of her own infertility. But when attraction sparks between them, dare Bea hope that her future might include motherhood?
From Harlequin Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.
Princesses of Rydiania
Book 1: His Accidentally Pregnant Princess Book 2: Royal Mom for the Duke's Daughter Book 3: Princess's Forbidden Holiday Fling
Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she's not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book. Jennifer loves to hear from readers—you can contact her via her website.
And be sure to follow Jennifer for the latest on sales via Bookbub.
Thank you in advance to the author, Jennifer Faye, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
Again, my apologies for a late review on a wonderful book. Sometimes life has some obstacles that kind of set us back. And, that’s part of the theme in this book.
While I am not facing what Princess Beatrix is, I did have a health scare that put me in the hospital for 10 days. While I went SOMEWHAT prepared, I wasn’t expecting to be away so long. Thus, I got WAY behind on reading and reviewing some great books.
That said …
As this is the second book in the series, it is BEST to read the first book to see where Cecelia is. While she is mentioned, she does not return.
Also, readers will want to check out It Started with a Royal Kiss (book #2 in the Greek Paradise Escape series), as that book introduces not only the sisters, but Istvan and Indigo. It also gives Indigo’s background with the palace. I would also suggest reading the other two books in that series as well.
Moving on ...
From the previous book (and series), returning to Rydiania:
👑 Princess Beatrix 👑 Princess Gisella (soon to be Queen) 👑 King (their father) 👑 Queen (their mother) 👑 Istvan (stepped down to marry Indigo) 🖌️ Indigo
And, Faye introduces readers to:
👑 Rez (Duke of Kaspar) 👧🏻 Evi (Rez’ 14-month-old daughter)
Given Beatrix’ health diagnosis – there will be some uncomfortable topics in this, particularly infertility and IVF. There is also mention of adoption. As these topics can sometimes be contentious for some readers, caution is advised, especially the infertility as it is a big theme in this book.
And, before I continue … that cover!! Just adorable!! That little girl is SO cute!! Just huggable!! 🥰 🤗
Thanks to a tabloid, The Duchess Tales, uncovering Indigo’s past (namely her father’s past) – she calls off the wedding and flees to Ludus Island (mentioned in the previous serious). Istvan flees after her. He wants to marry her (he knows her past). But, the scandal does hurt the palace. However, like the real-life royal family – they don’t respond to the rumors, which just keeps them going.
To turn the attention off the couple, Beatrix influences her brother’s friend – recent widower – Rez to come to the palace to help.
Rez, still mourning the loss of his wife in an accident is uncertain, but decides to. He feels he owes Istvan for saving Evi’s life.
What he doesn’t count on – being put back into society, and into a fake dating scheme – one that involves the kid sister of his friend. A friend who’d once told him that Beatrix was off-limits. Rez often doubts his knowledge about being a single dad, and his adequacy. He does strongly feel as though Evi would greatly benefit from having a mother.
However, Beatrix and the Queen feel this fake relationship act might persuade the tabloid to leave Istvan and Indigo alone long enough to get the wedding done.
While Beatrix expected he’d bring his daughter, being a single dad, she wasn’t prepared for it. After all, despite not thinking about family and kids, she has a diagnosis that affects that future – and she doesn’t want to drag anyone into it.
While she had a crush on Rez when she was younger, she doesn’t want to get too involved. When he wants her to meet his daughter, she’s stand-offish.
He seems to think the idea is wrong, but agrees for Istvan. Though, the first “planned” outing doesn’t go as well as expected. He begins to think it isn’t a good idea, worse because his late wife’s memory is still with him.
Beatrix, while falling for Rez, has problems being around his daughter who serves as a reminder of what she won’t have.
With blatant lies about Indigo circulating, the two have to move up the “romance” to keep the wedding off the tabloid pages. However, each one is wondering how far they should go – and should they continue. Though, what they soon learn – there is a spy in the palace feeding Duchess Tales information – though who it is isn’t known.
Although he cares for Beatrix, and sees her more than just the kid she was – her standoffish behavior causes him to wonder if she cares about Evi.
And, Beatrix is trying to hide her secret, especially the closer she gets to getting close to Evi.
Like always, romance books such as this always have a happy-ending, though there is a LOT of nail-biting, worrying, and reading furiously to see it happen before the final page.
As usual, Faye delivers that with sweetness and some humor. And, as usual, I absolutely jumped right in with this and couldn’t stop reading. It is a bit, to me, fast-paced, and doesn’t lag at all. I did feel like certain things were a bit rushed (hoping there’s SOME resolutions in the last and final book).
I REALLY wanted to know who owned Duchess Tales, and what their connection was to the palace. Can, I PLEASE find out?! 😉
I absolutely adored the father/daughter bond Rez had with Evi. Though, I was a bit perplexed that at 14 months she was barely walking, and hardly talking. According to some development milestone websites, Evi should’ve been walking really well, and speaking upwards to six or so words – particularly mama and dada. Given her mother was gone, dada at the least. I was wondering if there was a reason for her delayed development.
I was a bit disheartened that we didn’t get to visit with some of Indigo’s friends from Ludus Island, especially considering that Istvan’s uncle once owned the island, an island that Atlas from Greek Heir to Claim her Heart (book #1 in the Greek Paradise Escape series) inherited. I feel as though with the wedding planning, those from the island – Hermione, Atlas, Adara, and Krystoff – should’ve been in attendance and/or mentioned. It wasn’t a major issue at all, but I was wondering if they were going to make it.
As always, the BIGGEST problem for me with stories like this – despite the angsty tension it creates – is the lack of communication between the main couple. It’s a bit frustrating when one of the main characters keeps something important from another, which causes more problems. However, that is something that keeps readers reading, even me, to see if it works itself out by the end. And, it does serve as a lesson to “talk” things out – be open and honest right off.
Overall; this second-chance, fake-dating, friends-to-more romance is an adorably sweet and enjoyable little beach read, although we’re more at the end of summer – so, more like a day read.
Despite its fantasy romance, Faye does a wonderful job at portraying the paparazzi – its invasiveness, as well as its necessity at times. She also does a great job of conveying how scandals take their tolls – sometimes even years and decades down the road.
Case in point – the abdication of England’s King Edward VII’s (Duke of Windsor) in 1936 just three (3) years prior to WWII. That is a great case history to study, however – in hindsight – it truly was for the best given his connections to Germany. Just because it was better for England (and likely the allies), doesn’t mean it didn’t take its toll on the Royal Family physically and emotionally.
Anyway …
Since I’ve now seen both sisters find love – I can’t WAIT to read about Queen-to-Be Gisella!! In this book, she lamented to Beatrix about having so much to learn, more than she ever expected. I’m wondering if we’ll see not only her wedding, but a coronation in the final book of the series.
While not a clean read, it isn’t one of those steamy or spicy ones. There is the mention of intimacy, which occurs behind closed doors; there are references to attraction and desire between Rez and Beatrix. The language is clean and mild though.
Fans of the previous series and the first book of this one, will definitely want to read this.
Another wonderful book by Jennifer Faye. What do you get when you mix a princess, a baby, and a good looking man together? Add in a great location, some royal drama and you have a story that keeps you turning the pages.
It all started with a phone call from Princess Beatrix." Princess-to-be-banished is reported that Prince Istvan's bride is the daughter of a thief, who years ago was banned not only from the royal court but from the entire country of Rydiania.
To say Rez Baratheon, the Duke of Kaspar was shocked, would be an understatement. H had a tough year with losing his wife Enora, and having to resume all the responsibilities of caring for his 14 moth old daughter Evi. Rez still grieved for the loss of his wife in a terrible accident.
When Beatrix explains the plan he is hesitant but then again how could he not help his best friend out. If it weren't for him Evi would also be dead.
Although hesitant he agrees to come only Princess Beatrix does not realize that Evi along with her nanny will be joining them.
The shock on Beatrix's face when he arrived with his daughter and nanny suddenly changed her happy mood. Since she was little she always had a crush on Rez but she was his brother's best friend and five years younger.
The plan is to take the attention away from the rumors and hopes to start some new rumors about Beatrix and Rez.
The plan seems to be working but Beatrix is upset learning she can never have a child of her own due to infertility problems.
As the relationship seems to be more than acting both notice they have feelings for each other. Beatrix would make a great mom for Evi but then again she is reminded that she can never add to the family due to her medical condition.
Ms Faye has a way of always getting problems resolved and having things end happily ever after and she won’t let you down this time either.
Sweet, sentimental and oh so satisfying! The second book in Jennifer Faye's Princesses of Rydiania series for Harlequin Romance is a delightful read that brings a sweetheart of a Princess the knight in shining armor that she needs even before she knows she needs him. The plot was quick to hook me and the characters were down to earth and real with tough subjects of grief and infertility being tackled with a gentle voice and understanding. I enjoyed them very much.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series so far to anyone that enjoys a modern day royal romance with intriguing characters and sweet romance.
When Duke Rex’s wife dies he retires to his country estate with his baby daughter. Then he receives a call for help from Princess Beatrix. He and her brother, Prince Istvan, are life long best friends. The Prince’s wedding is in jeopardy because of falsehoods printed by someone called the Duchess. Bea and Rex join together to try and take the spotlight off the Prince and his fiancé. Their plan works but Rex and Bea realize how much they like each other. This was a very entertaining book and I won’t give any secrets away. Read the book I know you will enjoy it.
Another sweet romance. Nothing like a "fairy tale" romance to make my heart light and happy. I loved this book from start to finish. I always enjoy books by Jennifer Faye because they make me just feel plain ol' good. Keep them coming, please.
I happily give this book five stars! It has tender moments, adorable baby , all my emotions were touched and surprised situations that had me captivated through out the whole book.
I loved this book. It was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Here’s why. Duke Rez is a single dad, and widower. She lost his wife most tragically, and so young. Leaving there daughter without a mother. He’s called by Princess Beatrix asking for help. It seems there’s some some rumors going around, and his brothers soon to be wife is in the middle of it. Well Rez has been hiding out not doing anything but concentrating on his daughter. Prince Istvan has done so much for him he owes him this much. So he hightails to the palace to help. He doesn’t know how, but he will see what they can come up with. What the Queen suggests is crazy. But no one can come with anything else. So Bea and Rez must fake a relationship. The gossip rag known as Duchess Tales is spouting things left and right. What will become of everything? Buy the book and find out.
A Princess who is troubled. A widowed Duke. An adorable baby... I couldn’t ask for more from this wonderfully warm, heartfelt story! I so enjoyed how real Beatrix and Rez were. I mean, royalty is so far out of my realm but these two were dealing with feelings that anyone could have. Beatrix has always been the peacemaker in her family but she has her own personal struggles. And Rez is a widower with a baby daughter, that he adores, but feels...like he should be doing more for her.
Their story revolves around Beatrix’s brother Istvan’s wedding but at its heart, the author does what she does best: gave us a book about two people, meant to be together, but struggling with inner turmoil. And it isn’t until they open their hearts that they learn to live life to the fullest and become a family of their own. Such a wonderful book and I loved it.
I enjoyed this royal, fake relationship story, the second in Jennifer Faye’s Princesses of Rydiania series. Princess Bea and Duke Rez are recruited by the Queen, Bea’s mother, to distract the media from Bea’s brother and his bride to be and their relationship and the vicious gossip surrounding them. Bea and Rez are both battling issues but are resigned to helping. As they build their relationship things become much harder as real feelings become stronger and both Rez and Bea fight against it. This was a fantastic story filled with glimpses into the behind the scenes of a royal family, grief, loss and acceptance that means they can make their way forward to the loving relationship they deserve. I’m excited for the next story in this series, I absolutely recommend it.
This story had a fairy tale ending as Rez, the Duke of Kaspar, stayed at the palace before Prince Istvan married Indigo. Rez and Princess Beatrice pretended to be dating to take the pressure off the betrothed couple. I liked that Rez and Bea had liked each other when they were younger and now there were sparks flying between them, although baby Evi seemed to cause problems for Bea and oh there's a spy in the palace too, leaking tales to the Duchess Tales site. I enjoyed this fun, romantic story set in Rydiana. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review,
I love to read Royal Romances, and Jennifer Faye’s, ROYAL MOM FOR THE DUKE’S DAUGHTER, was a great story. Princess Beatrix and Duke Rez are friends, loyal to the King & Queen and will do their duty to help her brother, the Prince, calm his bride before the Royal Wedding. The Duke and Princess will pretend a romance hoping to give the paparazzi a new story to follow. When the story becomes real, Princess Beatrix will fulfill her dearest wish to become a Royal Mom to Duke Rez’s daughter. Happy Reading! Highly Recommend!
Ms. Faye never ceases to entertain me with her romantic novels. Royal Mom For The Duke’s Daughter was such a fun, exciting, and heartwarming book.
When Duke Rez shows up to help Princess Beatrix with her obligation to help the Queen Rydiania with her wedding, Rez bringing baby Evie along wasn’t what she expected. When her one failure keeps reminding her of what she’s can’t have, she’s determined to hope and try for a happy ever after.
A beautiful story of hope, determination, and love.
Another phenomenal book by Jennifer Faye! Princess Beatrix and Rez's story is heartwarming and full of surprises. I love that we got to see another side of the King and Queen, and Istvan and Indigo's appearance in the story was an added bonus. I highly recommend this book!