Royal Games by Sariah Wilson

Synopsis:

Genesis Kelley didn’t just get her heart broken. The aspiring veterinarian had it crushed in front of millions of viewers on the dating reality show Marry Me. Now, just as she’s getting her life and dignity back together, her royal heartbreaker, Prince Rafael of Monterra, has landed in Frog Hollow, Iowa. And he’s renting out her aunt’s guest cottage.

Deceiving TV audiences for his brother’s sake cost Rafe the girl of his dreams. But he’s going to fix it, even if it means moving from his mountain-kingdom home to small-town Iowa. A prince doesn’t give up on his rightful princess—especially once he realizes Genesis is in deeper danger than she knows.

Between fixing her truck, whisking her off to Monterra for a whirlwind date, and charming the entire town, Rafe is thawing the ice around Genesis’s heart. Will it be enough to earn back her trust, protect her from her past—and sweep her into a real-life fairy tale?

My Review: 3 Stars

I'm going to start out by saying I have not read the first 2 books in this series. They just didn't call to me. But when I read the synopsis for Royal Games I added it to my TBR list. This book can definitely stand alone. I was not confused at all. 

Genesis has been back home in Iowa for 6 months after her appearance on the TV show Marry Me. Heartbroken and hurt she is not prepared to hear that her aunt has rented their guest house out to the one and only, Prince Rafael. Confused and angry she sets out to do whatever she can to ignore Rafe. Maybe if she ignores him long enough, he will go back to Monterra and leave her to her lonely, miserable life.

Rafe has loved Genesis from the very first moment he met her. He hates that he had to lie to her but he made a promise to his twin brother, Dante, and he never breaks his promises. He came to Frog Hollow to prove his love for her, to do whatever he can to gain her trust and forgiveness. But will it be too late? Will his deception to help his brother be the ultimate betrayal that ruins his happiness? 

The relationship between Genesis and Rafe is full of ups and downs. But never underestimate a man in love. He will pull out all the stops he can to win back the woman he loves. With the help of the whole town, Genesis never stands a chance. 

After reading all my friends' reviews for Royal Games I was extremely excited to read it. I really, really wanted to love it but alas, I am the minority for this one. I just ended up liking it. I had an extremely hard time connecting with Genesis. Yes, I know she had a tough childhood and yes, I know she has trust issues but she went way overboard. There were times I was scratching my head or rolling my eyes and asking, is she serious right now?! *le sigh* Another thing I didn't care for was the flashbacks. I am so NOT a flashback fan! I actually try and steer clear of them. 

Even though his one was just a like, I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books by Sariah Wilson. After all I absolutely LOVED The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back! SO good! 

And of course we can't forget the casting! I have been dying to use this particular picture of our hero and the moment I read that he had glasses I just KNEW this one was a winner! Hehe. What do you think? 

*I received a copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*