Be sure to visit other blogs who posted earlier in the week as well as those who will be posting this weekend.
Now…let’s get on with what we are really all here for, my review of this novel!
Kiss of the Royal 
Author: Lindsey Duga
Book Length: 400 Pages
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Buy the Book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Kobo, Indiebound, iBooks
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ (3.5)
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.
Thank you all for joining me today for my stop in the blog tour of Kiss of the Royal, hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club. Though I may be the final stop on this tour, you should for sure check out the other amazing posts here. Show these other bloggers some love and spread the word about this new book!
I really love this cover. The longer I look at it, the more I see. The heart represents love, there is a sword for the battles that must be fought, and even a dragon in the shadows. The contrast of black, silver, and pink work well with one another.
This novel was one that had a very unique twist on a typical fantasy. Lust is accepted as normal, not frowned upon. Rather, love is seen as illogical and not spoken of. A kiss is not seen as holding passion and deeper feelings, but the power to give additional strength or speed for battle, even the power to heal wounds. I have to admit I loved this premise of the power of a kiss. It was an aspect of a story I have never seen manipulated, other than in sleeping beauty. Yes, I know it sounds incredibly cheesy. I am one who loves the mushy romance though. Seeing the real power in true love is what I am all about, maybe that is because I have been one to experience it.
The characters were some of my favorite that I have come across in a while. Zach in particular. He was not the typically rude, snobbish, jerks that I have read about in many other novels. He was funny, modest, and kind from the start. Princess Ivy is incredibly strong and fierce. Though she has lost five battle partners, she is driven to continue helping her people. I was a little disappointed in the development of some of the other secondary characters. I felt some of them lacked sufficient background and depth.
The book moved at a comfortable pace, I did find that it moved much quicker near the middle or end. Once Princess Ivy and Zach set out on their quest, it seemed to push the story along quicker, filling scenes with more action. I was hoping for more of an intense battle scene at the end but was disappointed. It was not completely anti-climatic but I was hoping for something more than what was given. I think I always get my hopes up for these crazy intense final battle scenes.
The plot of this story was good overall, but some parts were predictable. There was one major plot twist that I did not see coming. I did enjoy the worldbuilding and setup for the novel. The two factions of people were described accurately. I loved how they each have their own belief of what love or lust are and what they mean.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and the lighthearted writing style. It was a perfect summer weekend read. If you are looking for an intense, action-packed romance this book is not for you. However…if you are looking for an easy read filled with romance and a little action on the side, this is a great pick. I do want to mention that there may be a trigger for those who have dealt with miscarriages. There are a few mentions to that in this book.
Not only do I have a review for you all today. I am also sharing with you some of my favorite quotes I came across while reading.
“Gifted though you may be, Ivy, your power isn’t unlimited”
“Romantica also practiced primitive traditions like marriage and courting. They even claimed the sex was more than just a release or a way to continue the bloodline.”
“Lust was a physical human reaction, a real, tangible thing that could not be denied. Romantica simply mistook Lust for Love. The truth was this: Love was nothing more than an illusion.”
“I do not care what you believe, or what you think I believe, but I refuse to use a kiss as a weapon.”
“Perish emotions and vanquish doubts. Lead by example.”
Before you all leave, I have a treat for you…a giveaway! Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win one copy of Kiss of the Royal. The giveaway ends July 10th. Goodluck everyone and thank you all again for stopping in!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Lindsey Duga is a middle grade and young adult writer with a passion for fantasy, science fiction, and basically any genre that takes you away from the real world. She wrote her first novel in college while she was getting her bachelor’s in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University.
Other than writing and cuddling with her Yorkie puppy, Delphi, Lindsey loves catching up on the latest superhero TV show and practicing yoga.