Falling for His Convenient Queen (Royally Bound #2)
Released: February 1, 2018
Contemporary Romance
Harlequin

Reviewed by Mandi

This is the second book set in same world of three kingdoms trying to keep an alliance so their people stay safe and feel secure, but the politics of marriage and power create some chaos. I enjoyed United by Their Royal Baby – both marriage of convenience tropes – but I think I liked this one even  more. It has such a sweet romance.

Zacchaeus has become the bad guy, when he overthrew his own father, and became king. This caused an uproar in alliances with other nations, and he refuses to sign any paperwork to secure a new alliance, until princess Nalini arrives from the neighboring kingdom and becomes his wife. He isn’t necessarily demanding marriage, but he proposes it, and Nalini, much to her family’s surprise, accepts.

Nalini has always been a bit of a rebellious child, and after a man broke her heart and honor years ago, when her family warned her it would happen, she has been trying to live a life more devoted to the kingdom. Which is why, when Zacchaeus proposes a marriage of convenience, she accepts. She wants to prove to her family she can serve her people and put the kingdoms above being selfish.

She has known Zacchaeus for a long time, but now meeting him as his soon to be bride makes everything feel different. They both have secrets – Nalini won’t tell him about her past and her motive for accepting his proposal. Zacchaeus won’t tell her the real reason why he overthrew his father and he won’t tell her where his mother is. Nalini arrives at Zacchaeus’s palace, and they begin the wedding planning process, all the while really getting to know and trust one another.

What really stands out in both this book and the first one is how unselfish the characters are in regards to leading their people. While they each have something in their life or past that they have to overcome, they are willing to overcome it and sacrifice things to make sure the people in their kingdoms have security. I think the author does a nice job portraying that royal duty. They take on their duties with a maturity I appreciated.

Zacchaeus and Nalini aren’t too sure they can trust one another at first. Nalini doesn’t want to go through with the whole planned wedding thing if Zacchaeus isn’t going to sign the alliance. And Zacchaeus thinks Nalini may have a nefarious motivation for becoming his wife. But guess what?? They talk about it! They don’t make up crazy accusations and blame. They put it all on the table. They take their time to get to know one another – likes, dislikes, hobbies etc. And then there are sexy kisses and butterflies in the stomach and blushes on the cheeks. It’s so cute and romantic. Zacchaeus and Nalini are perfect for each other (duh!) and I really enjoyed their romance journey.

“It’s okay,” he added. “You don’t have to be scared.”

Now she did laugh – and heard it as a gasp for air. “I’m not scared.”

“Are you sure? Because you’re acting like you are.”

“I’m not scared,” she said, and for the life of her she didn’t know what prompted her to get up, saunter over to Zaccaeus and sit down on his lap. She saw the way his eyes widened, but didn’t give herself a chance to see it as a warning. Instead, she lowered her head to his and repeated, “I’m not scared.”

And kissed him.

We don’t see much of the world – it’s really only Zacchaeus and Nalini page time. I wouldn’t have minded getting more a sense of the culture of the kingdom, but otherwise a fun read.

Grade: B

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