Erryn reviews ‘Barely Regal (Rosavia Royals Book 5)’ by E. Davies. The ebook was published June 16, 2020 and was 294 pages. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Kieran Flitton, released August 6, 2020, and is 7 hrs and 44 mins long. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this book: I want to visit Rosavia.
A bratty boy prince needs: a firm but fair daddy.
Prince Renford is a royal brat. Nineteen and last in line for the throne, Wren hates his made-up job: commander of roses. Good thing his long-time valet has a firm hand. If only Wren could tempt him to break all palace protocol and use it.
Thom Pierce is 16 years older. Old enough to know he should ignore his prince’s less-than-subtle flirtation. He’s been burned by a higher-ranked boy before. His job and reputation are at stake if the palace catches a scandal unfolding under their noses.
Wren needs the part of Thom that he’s kept locked away for years. If the young prince wants to be taken as seriously as his older brothers, he has to grow up fast. Thom’s rules could help Wren become the man Thom knows he can be in time for the Royal Ball…or they could attract the very attention that forces them apart forever.
Welcome to the tiny European country of Rosavia, where roses ramble over alpine slopes and princes fall for the men of their dreams. Every Rosavia Royals book happens simultaneously, so books can be listened to on their own, or in any order… but keep an eye out for familiar faces around the palace!
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My review:
Prince Renford of Rosavia is a pain in the you know what to his family, especially his elder brother Cas who is constantly cleaning up the messes of his brothers. Wren is known for being unreliable and unfocused. When his father makes him Commander of the Roses, he balks at what he considers a boring and tedious task. Little does he realize how much those roses will come to mean to him. All the family members have roses grown for them and it’s an honor to cultivate them. Wren just sees dirt and a legacy he doesn’t understand.
Thom Pierce has been Wren’s butler for quite some time. He’s watched with exasperation as the young man has grown. Yes, the prince wants to be taken seriously, but he hasn’t done much to avail himself of potential approval from his parents. Thom sees the potential in Wren but also knows a strong hand will be needed to curb the bad behavior and a guiding hand will be needed to help the prince meet and exceed his potential.
Wren being an insatiable flirty brat (Thom’s words) makes this a challenge. The young prince is a virgin, but that hasn’t stopped him from trying to tempt his butler into crossing lines that should never be crossed. Not only is there sixteen years between the two of them, but there is a massive power gap. Wren is supposed to be issuing the commands, but he yearns to be told what to do. He wants a Daddy to curb his worst tendencies.
Thom has been in the position of dominating a superior and it didn’t end well. He loves his job in the castle in Rosavia and doesn’t want to put it at risk. A visit to a sex shop later, along with some rope shenanigans, and he can see he’s going to have to take charge before Wren gets in real trouble. When their relationship is revealed, there’s a huge uproar within the royal family. But Wren is determined and a prince with a singular focus can be hard to change.
What will happen at the Royal Ball? Will Wren get his way? Will Thom have the courage to fight for what he really wants? Well, all will be revealed. Oh, and I have to mention the cats. Wren used to work at an animal shelter and he has brought home many strays who are often getting in the way – often to the betterment of the story and then men.
This is the final book in the Rosavia series but it can absolutely be read either as a stand alone or at any point in the series. I’ve read the books out of order but have enjoyed them all. I love watching the characters interact and putting the pieces together.
Finally, I have to mention Kieran Flitton. He did a lovely job narrating the series and I look forward to listening to more books by him in the future.
My rating:
9/10 Pots of Gold – Compares to 4.5/5 Stars
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E. Davies was proficient in real estate and shorthand (the old-fashioned newspaper kind) by the age of nine. Growing up moving constantly taught him what people have in common, the ways relationships are formed, and the dangers of “miscellaneous” boxes.
As a teen, he tore through a stack of found romance novels, wishing someone had written similar for M/M, though he could never find anything at Chapters or the library. Just after graduating university in 2013, semi-out and clutching his English B.A. for dear life, he stumbled on an Amazon M/M short story. It was a whole new… phrase he dares not repeat for fear of lawyers. It shone and shimmered splendidly, though.
After failing forty times to avoid crafting happily-ever-after endings for steamy short stories, he plunged into romance novels and hasn’t looked back. As a young gay author whose formative gay fictional role models were characters punished for their sexuality, Ed prefers his stories lightly dramatic, full of optimism and hope.
Now out and proud, he writes full-time, goes on long nature walks, tries to fill his passport, drinks piña coladas on the beach, flees from cute guys, coos over fuzzy animals (especially bees), and is liable to tilt his head and click his tongue if you don’t use your turn signal.
To find out when E. Davies has a new release, you can subscribe to his newsletter at edaviesbooks.com/subscribe, like his Facebook page at facebook.com/edaviesbooks, or visit his website at edaviesbooks.com.
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