Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga

Kiss of the Royal

by Lindsey Duga

400 pages

Published by Entangled Teen

July 2018

Plot: 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 (Goodreads, 2018).

Review: First of all, I love the cover of this book!  Very striking and eye catching.  The plot to the story was an interesting concept - a magical kiss between royals to fight evil in the land.  In the beginning you learn that Princess Ivy's kisses are the strongest and so they want to pair her with a strong prince.  Unfortunately, so many princes have died that there are few pure bloods left.  That's where prince Zach comes in.  He is only half royal, but his fighting skills are unsurpassed and he is their best choice for Ivy.  

Even though Zach's father was a Royal, his mother was a "Romantica" (a group of people who believe in love).  The Royals do not believe in love, only lust.  So, Romanticas are considered heretics and outcasts.  But, desperate times call for desperate measures and they don't have any other options but to partner Ivy with Zach.  At this point, Ivy doesn't care as long as Zach is strong and skilled. Together, they must find a dragon egg before it hatches because then they'll all really be in trouble.  

But, what Ivy and the rest of the Royals don't know is that Zach has no intention of kissing Ivy.  He is a Romantica like his mother and it's not until they leave to find the egg that Ivy realizes this.  Zach's kisses mean something to him, and he will not be kissing Ivy just because.

However, there is another reason why Zach won't let Ivy kiss him and use her magic.  But, he's going to have a hard time convincing her because it threatens to destroy everything Ivy  has been taught her entire life.

Overall, I did enjoy the story because it was unique and interesting.  I did like the connection between Ivy and Zach.  Some may feel that Zach falls in love with Ivy a little too quickly, but it really can't take too long since this is a standalone book. Recommended for readers 13 and up and if you like story's about the power of true love and true love's kiss!   

*Received a DRC for an honest review

Rating: 3.5 Hearts!
💖💖💖💔