Review: Royal Marriage Market by Heather Lyons

Royal Marriage Market
By Heather Lyons
ISBN: 9780996693417
Publication Date: December 15, 2015
Publisher: Cerulean Books
Reviewed from: an eARC provided by Inkslingers--Thank you!!
Purchase Notes: I have since purchased a copy for myself

About Royal Marriage Market:

Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues—and arrange marriages between kingdoms.

Elsa may be the Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia, but she finds the entire situation archaic and unsavory. While she wants what's best for her country, she isn't about to jump into an unwanted relationship—let alone a marriage—with a virtual stranger. Of course, her feelings matter little to her parents, whose wheeling and dealings over trade pacts and alliances achieved at her expense begin the moment they set foot in California for the Summit. So when a blindingly handsome royal runs into her, she doesn't hesitate to tell him there's no way she's marrying him.

Christian is all too happy to agree: no marriage. As the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, his main goal is to get through the summit without a bride being foisted on him. Which is why he suggests they help each other field potential intendeds. As Christian slowly gets to know Elsa, though, he realizes they have a lot more in common than just their feelings about the Royal Marriage Market. Only he can't fall for her, because royal or not, they're not meant for each other.

Elsa and Christian will have to evaluate matters of the heart verses those of state and crown, and decide whether or not tradition trumps love.

Buy Royal Marriage Market Now!!

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What Did I Think of Royal Marriage Market?

Like most in my generation, I admit I have a small fascination with royals. I mean, I am not stalker-ish or anything like that, but Prince William and Duchess Catherine have enliven the royal fan base worldwide, bringing youth, vitality, and project such happiness with their lovely family. What does this have to do with Royal Marriage Market? When I read the book description, I could not help but be intrigued given my prior interest.

This is an amusing story--I really liked our main characters, both Christian and Elsa. Both of them are headstrong, confident and poised to take on their country's needs once they are rulers. IF they ever get to that point, that is. The Royal Marriage Market aka RMM is happening and both are being forced to attend as pawns for their dominating parents require as they are bargaining chips that will fetch something their parents need. When you are a royal, your life is not your own and you have have little choice in who you marry, according to the traditionalist Monarch Council (MC).

Neither wants to foisted with a loveless marriage or marriage of convenience, so Christian and Elsa bond and seek company with each other. Knowing that each are firm with leaving leaving the Summit in which the RMM is happening without a fiance(e), they find themselves growing more and more attracted to each other--but being both the hereditary heirs of their countries, the match would not be approved by their parents, let alone the MC.

The only complaint I have against the book is the ending felt a bit rushed and incomplete. The way it leaves off, it seems likely that a sequel is in the works. I checked Ms. Lyons' website and I did not see anything, but I am hopeful still. I want to know what happens with Christian and Elsa, as well as other characters we meet along the way. 

What did I enjoy? The chemistry between Christian and Elsa is well written and believable in my opinion. I had a ridiculous grin on my face while I was on the airplane I am sure, but it sure made my plane ride go quickly. Pick this up for a delightful, entertaining and quick read--especially if you are royal watcher. :)