The Royal Situation by Lyra Parish

While my parents search for my future wife, a pretty painter arrives at the palace and ruins everything in the best possible way…

I’m the crown prince and tabloid regular who couldn’t find a bride by thirty-five so now my fate is being decided for me. As the palace fills with eligible princesses, Addison Cross shows up to compete for the esteemed royal artist position. I never thought I’d see her again.

There are too many reasons why she needs to leave. Her being my friend’s little sister is close to the top. Plus, I’ll be engaged any day now with a wedding and child not far behind. The timing is terrible and we’re both off-limits. It’s trouble in the making, but that doesn’t stop us.

We break every rule to be together. We sneak out at midnight, steal moments in corridors, and choose each other in secret as everyone around me plans a marriage I don’t want. Now I’m hiding a forbidden affair from those who control my future while falling for the one woman I can never have.

The Royal Situation is a forbidden, secret-romance, royal rom-com with a happily ever after! It can be read as a stand-alone, but for the full Billionaire Situation Series experience, please start with The Wife Situation. Included: spicy scenes and a charming disaster prince who’d burn down a kingdom just to keep her.

My Review

Louis is at an art gallery in New York City, soaking in his last days of freedom before returning home to Montclaire. His sister may have dragged him there, but I actually loved getting his POV, and of course the one woman who lights up his night proves that even a big city can feel small.  

Louis is expected to marry soon, whether by choice or arrangement, and he’s very particular about what he wants in a partner. He’s committed to his duty, but he can’t stop thinking about that one forbidden meet-cute.  

Addison is on her way to Montclaire to compete for an artist position with the royal family, but things quickly get complicated for both her and the prince. Her sass, snark, and confidence? I loved her instantly.  

I adored the simplicity of their chess game conversations, sweet, unexpected, and layered with meaning. Their interactions are heated and full of tension, with that forbidden edge creeping into their perfectly planned lives. Now we’re left wondering how Addison and Louis could possibly navigate what’s coming.  

Louis’s life is complicated, and while the “married by 36” rule feels outdated, it’s also understandable in this world. Of course he meets the one person meant for him at the worst possible time, and she’s nothing like the polished princesses expected of him. This gave me The Bachelor, royal edition vibes, and I loved the layered drama, even if the love triangle dragged a bit at times.  

For Addison, this is easily her most difficult job yet. You can feel the awkwardness in every room, every conversation. I was rooting for her and Louis the entire time, even when it felt impossible.  

The story is complicated, emotional, and genuinely heart-wrenching. Watching them finally stop hiding and face the truth had me fully invested. It took me a bit to get through, but I really appreciated the depth of their relationship and everything they went through.  

That ending??? Hooked. I need more immediately.  

I will say the emotional payoff could have been stretched a little longer for even more impact, and the forgiveness felt a bit too quick for everything they endured. Even with that, I’m still giving this five stars, intense, spicy, and I loved the black cat x golden retriever energy.  

I am very thankful to be on Lyra Parish’s Arc team and receive an early copy of this book to read and review honestly.

If you would like to read The Royal Situation by Lyra Parish you can get it on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn on qualifying purchases. This book is in a series but an interconnected standalone if you would like to read the Billionaire Situation Series by Lyra Parish, I encourage it , I’m working my way thru them as well but not in order.

If you like this book you Amy also enjoy books with these tags and categories: Royalty, Best Friends Sister, Forbidden Love.