Reigning Hearts #3
ARC provided by author
Author: Evie Mitchell
Thanks, Evie, for the gifted copy!
I know when I pick up an Evie Mitchell book that I’m in for a lovely ride and Royal Salute is no exception.
Though third in the Reigning Hearts series and technically a novella, this can definitely be read as a standalone as the context clues and the way Evie knows how to write a fleshed out character will leave you satisfied and grinning from ear to ear. All that plus warm and fuzzies too, without missing some really good spice!
As in most royalty romances, this deals heavily with the push and pull between love and duty and things get complicated even more when Prince Leo (and heir to the throne but a spare) falls for his tribal captain, a man.
Both Leo and Rangi are absolutely swoony and the pining here is oh so good! They met five years ago when Leo was in military training, sparks flew, but Leo had to go back to the palace because of his father’s passing. Now, Rangi is back in his life, staying at the palace to take over an important political role that involves tribal affairs.
I love how Eve intertwines the political aspects (serious topics such as preserving secret lands and native culture) with the romance. I also absolutely loved the meddling sisters and I am definitely going back to read their stories.
I highly recommend this one as well as all of Evie’s books. She is the queen of respectful representation in what she writes and I adore her for this.
Representation: queer romance, MM
Content notes: references to homophobia and public scrutiny, parental death (off page)
