Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Reality Royal

SERIES: Queens Crescent

AUTHOR:  Kristian Parker

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  212 pages

RELEASE DATE:  May 4, 2023

BLURB:

The Honourable Alexander Fitzwilliam has made a fool of himself again. His latest ‘business venture’ has tanked in the most public way possible and his stepmother, Cynthia, takes great pleasure in Alexander failing once more to impress his father, Earl Fitzwilliam.

Alexander dusts himself off and finds a new mountain to climb. This time as a reality TV star. Take that, Cynthia.
As one of the players in Celebrity Blogger, he’s paired with the star of daytime TV soap Highland Fling, Zac Caton. To Alexander’s amazement, the self-assured forty-something Zac smashes straight through Alexander’s public façade and finds the sensitive man underneath. Finds and likes.

With a new career and a potential new man, Alexander is flying high. But family secrets on both sides threaten to derail him and Zac before they’ve barely started.

If he wants to find a lasting love, Alexander will have to do something he doesn’t do easily—trust.

REVIEW:  

Alexander Fitzwilliam lives in his father’s house on Queens Crescent – which keeps him away from his father, the Earl, and stepmother and stepbrother.  He’s never fit in with his family – for loads of reasons that are revealed in the book.  He’s desperate to make a success of something so he goes on a reality TV show where he’s paired with gay daytime soap star Zac Caton.  Zac plays a very popular character on Highland Fling and so they have a decent chance of winning.  The premise of the show is for the pairs in competition to try new things.

Initially Zac gives Alexander a lot of flack for being part of the aristocracy.  But they get along well enough and as the week goes by, Alexander starts looking at life and Zac in a new light.  By the end of the week, they decide that they will keep in touch.  And the deal is sealed with a kiss 😉

Zac invites Alexander to Scotland to visit him at his place since he has to work and Alexander’s schedule is more flexible.  Alexander is surprised by Zac’s house and the beauty of the landscape.  He still can’t cook, but he does enjoy his time.  They look to really be building something.  Too bad the paparazzi are trying to make a buck off of them 🙁  Alexander’s family are angry and Zac’s TV show aren’t too happy either.

Then two events occur nearly back to back to rock both of their worlds.  Zac is unsure what to do or how to proceed with a surprise from his past.  Alexander is left to deal with his family who have absolutely no compunction about lying to him or using him to get what they want.  It’s clear that these men are going to have to rely on each other given the fact that they have little to no support from their families.  Thankfully Alexander’s little enclave of neighbors in Queens Crescent have his back.  And maybe he and Zac can make a go of it on their own.

This story packs a punch!  Alexander is a young man, but he’s really been put through the ringer for most of his life.  I felt so bad for him.  If it wasn’t for his wonderful neighbors and his driver, Eve, I think he would not have made it.  His family certainly were awful.  Every time he thought he might be getting somewhere with them, they pull the rug out from under him 🙁  Zac has his own issues with his job and then unexpected news from his past.  It seems like everyone is trying to pull them apart.  Alexander has always hoped to be part of his family and he tries so hard but it’s finally clear to him that they will literally stop at nothing to get what they want, including destroying his life and happiness.  A near-death experience isn’t good enough for them.  What a horrible group of people.  I guess when money is at stake, some folks will stop at nothing.  Just horrific.  Anyway, I really was rooting for Alexander and Zac to be able to stand up to the powers that wanted to control them and figure out how they could make a life together.  I really enjoy this series and can’t wait or the next book 🙂  Highly recommended.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon