Book Review: Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga

Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga

Blurb:

In the war against the Forces of Darkness, the Royals are losing. Princess Ivy is determined to end this centuries-long conflict once and for all, so her new battle partner must succeed where the others failed. Prince Zach’s unparalleled skill with a sword, enhanced by Ivy’s magic Kiss, should make them an unstoppable pair—but try convincing Zach of that.

Prince Zach has spent his life preparing for battle, but he would rather be branded a heretic than use his lips as nothing more than a way to transfer magic. A kiss is a symbol of love, and love is the most powerful weapon they have—but try convincing Ivy of that.

With the fate of their world on the line, the battlefield has become a testing ground, and only one of them can be right. Falling for each other wasn’t part of the plan—but try convincing their hearts of that.

My Review:

I was intrigued by the idea of this book - a kiss that can heal or make the receiver stronger in  battle. I liked the mythology of how the Royals came to be even though it seemed a little like sister wives that first Raed had kids with Myriana then turned around and had kids with her friend to "continue the species." Now, at present time it seems anyone can be a "Royal," which struck me as odd since most books I've read lays out a kingdom with one king and queen, their children, maybe some siblings as Dukes and Duchesses, etc. So it felt like the idea of being Royal wasn't so special after all.

First we meet Ivy, and of course being a direct descendant of Myriana she's more powerful than the rest of the "Royals," but her battle partners keep getting killed. She's afraid she'll be put out to pasture for breeding purposes, so to speak. Insert Zach, a prince with legendary swordsman skills from a neighboring kingdom. Together they could be unstoppable - but Zach's mother was a "Romantica," a believer that Love - not a Royal's kiss - would defeat the dark forces. On this, I kind of have to see Zach's point - Ivy's world is so cold; do your duty then when you're too old or your kiss isn't good enough anymore you get sent away to make more royals. There's no real family connections, no warmth, no love. 

Kiss of the Royal moves quick enough but I feel like the world and minor characters could have been a bit more developed. The whole point of this book is two people who don't agree on how things should be falling in love and true love's kiss triumphing over evil which is all fine and good but reads more like a Disney fairytale. It's filled with magic, curses, witches, and dragons to be slayed. 

Overall, I liked this book and I'm glad it was a standalone. I think this is a perfect book for readers looking for a YA Fantasy reminiscent of fairytales of old.

My Rating:

🌟🌟🌟

3 of 5 Stars!