Playing make-believe had never seemed quite so real before.
Teri Wilson
Once Upon a Royal Summer
Format:
Audiobook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Lacey found her dream job: playing a princess character at a popular fairytale theme park in sunny southern Florida. Her diamond tiara might not be real, but the smiles of the children she meets every day certainly are. It’s just too bad that her ex-boyfriend was never impressed with her career choice.
Henry, the crown prince of Bella-Moritz, is trying to fulfill his young daughter’s birthday wish: to be a normal girl with a normal life. That’s why they’re pretending to be ordinary tourists at an American amusement park. Henry lost his wife four years ago, and he’s been going through the motions ever since. But could a meeting with a make-believe princess lead to real love?
Point of view:
3rd person. Alternating between Lacey & Henry’s perspectives.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
I love Single Dad romances and thought the idea of a theme park princess falling in love with a real prince sounded like such a great story premise. And it was! This was an absolutely delightful listen.
Lacey works as Princess Sweet Pea at the local theme park, but it’s not entirely an act. She really is gracious, thoughtful, kind, sweet, generous, and enjoys the chance to help children have a wonderful experience. After being dumped for being “too much” like her character, she worries that she can’t keep doing something that brings her so much joy.
Prince Henry is looking to give his little girl, Rose, time without all the royal pressures. He brings her to the Once Upon a Time park to enjoy all the fairy tale fun.
From the description and the fact that this is Hallmark – I was expecting syrupy sweet and cuteness overload. It’s exactly what I got and I loved every minute of it. While the ex boyfriend, Henry’s notoriety, and grumpy queen add a little tension – overall this is very low angst. I loved how even though it’s a short time Henry & Lacey get to know each other well during the vacation week. I also like that Princess Rose is a big part of the story and Lacey’s relationship with her blooms as well. Problems are solved in cute ways. Of course, there’s a Happily Ever After.
Book 2, Once Upon a Royal Christmas, comes out next month and it’s on my TBL.
Narration:
Brittany Pressley was PERFECT. Not only is she a fantastic fit for all the characters – her performance was wonderful. Seamlessly switching between character voices and accents. This was a wonderful listen.
Content Warnings (possible spoilers):
Henry is a widower. Lacey’s mother died from cancer when she was a young child.
About the author:
USA Today Bestselling Author Teri Wilson writes heartwarming contemporary romance with a touch of whimsy. Three of Teri’s books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies by Crown Media, including UNLEASHING MR. DARCY (plus its sequel MARRYING MR. DARCY), THE ART OF US and NORTHERN LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, based on her book SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction and a 2022 inductee into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame. Hallmark has called her the “queen of royal romance,” which totally means she gets a tiara, right?
Teri loves pretty dresses, Audrey Hepburn films and following the British royal family.
You can connect with Teri Wilson here:
About the narrator:
You can connect with Brittany Pressley here:
My Favorite Quotes
“That crown on your head isn’t real.” He narrowed his gaze at her tiara. “And neither is Prince Charming.” – Once Upon a Royal Summer by Teri Wilson #Audiobook narrated by @brit_pressley @HallmarkPublish #RoyalRomance #SingleDad #HallmarkRomance
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never take off your crown—not even in a bubble bath. – Once Upon a Royal Summer by Teri Wilson #Audiobook narrated by @brit_pressley @HallmarkPublish #RoyalRomance #SingleDad #HallmarkRomance
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Rose practically glued herself to Lacey’s side, and Henry had to admit they looked awfully cute together in their matching cotton candy ballgowns. – Once Upon a Royal Summer by Teri Wilson #Audiobook narrated by @brit_pressley @HallmarkPublish #RoyalRomance #SingleDad #HallmarkRomance
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I don’t belong in a castle any more than you belong in a forest village plagued by wolves. – Once Upon a Royal Summer by Teri Wilson #Audiobook narrated by @brit_pressley @HallmarkPublish #RoyalRomance #SingleDad #HallmarkRomance
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Playing make-believe had never seemed quite so real before. – Once Upon a Royal Summer by Teri Wilson #Audiobook narrated by @brit_pressley @HallmarkPublish #RoyalRomance #SingleDad #HallmarkRomance
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All along she’d been telling herself not to get attached, and she’d gone and done it anyway. – Once Upon a Royal Summer by Teri Wilson #Audiobook narrated by @brit_pressley @HallmarkPublish #RoyalRomance #SingleDad #HallmarkRomance
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She’d never identified with her theme park character more in her life. – Once Upon a Royal Summer by Teri Wilson #Audiobook narrated by @brit_pressley @HallmarkPublish #RoyalRomance #SingleDad #HallmarkRomance
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Rellim Reads 