The Queen’s Game by Carla de Guzman

Publication Date: August 1, 2017.

Publisher: Independently published.

Genres: Romance.

Rating: 

Purchase here: Amazon

Synopsis: There are only two reasons why Nina would come back home to Cincamarre–one, if Auntie Delia promises to stop butting into her business, two, if her father died and she was made to ascend the throne to be queen.

Unfortunately for her, it was the second thing that brought her home.

As a princess who’s sunk a yacht and been caught kissing popstars, it’s easy for her aunt, the regent, to think she’s ill prepared for the throne. But Nina doesn’t think that having to fake date Felipe, the handsome, squeaky clean Prince of Concordia was the best solution for that.

Nina’s ready to learn the ropes of her new role and make it hers, and reconnecting with Felipe only makes her want to be a better queen. But is the monarchy ready for Queen Nina?

Thank you, Carla de Guzman, for my advanced review copy of The Queen’s Game. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review; this does not affect my opinion. Any quotes mentioned below are taken from the ARC and are subject to change upon publication.

I am in love with The Queen’s Game and this contemporary romance story featuring Filipino main characters. As soon as I saw the blurb I knew I had to read it. I have a weak spot for contemporary royalty and mix that with #romanceclass and you know it’s a winner. This story features a princess, Nina, and a prince, Felipe, who grew up side by side because of their neighboring nations, Cincamarre and Concordia. Later on, in life, they reunite when Nina returns after several years of travel to attend her father’s, the king’s, funeral. What then begins is a story of a fake relationship that turns into something real. This book has royalty, fake dating and childhood friends; this book has it all.

As the prince and princess of neighboring nations, born in the same year, the Royal Houses of Mercado and Macasaet thought it would be cute if their equally royal children grew up together. No promise of engagement, no particular political reason except that the children looked so darn cute together.

 I love how Nina, who despite dealing with the loss of her father, is so strong and fierce. She is about to become queen in a nation where very few know who she really is. All they are aware of is what the media has been feeding them through various scandals. I love how Nina just embraces her past and her scandals. Nina is a rebel but she’s also kind and cares about her people, which becomes so clear when she’s finally back in her home nation of Cincamarre. There is also Felipe, the prince in charge of Concordia. He loves farming and everything that has to do with nature. He’s sexy, sweet, and modest but also very clumsy. I love how passionate he is about the things and people he loves and you can clearly see that he is a great ruler and an amazing person who cares deeply about the people he is in charge of.

“There’s only one thing I’ve done recently that makes me as happy as this does.”

“What?” She asked him, tilting her head.

“Spending time with you,” he said, smiling with that cocky little grin of his again.

I love the dynamic and banter that exists between Nina and Felipe. I love it when they flirt with each other and tease one another. However, there is also this soft side to their relationship. Felipe writes Nina love letters where he expresses his feelings for her and both Nina and Felipe are very supportive of one another. I love how Felipe sees Nina in a way that others don’t and he believes in her from the beginning until the very end. He lifts her up and reminds of her of what she already knows deep inside; she is meant to become a queen. Another aspect of Nina and Felipe’s relationship I really loved was how they talked about sex. Nina calls out the fact that sex should not have to shameful or something you have to wait until marriage for if you don’t want to. Sex can be pleasurable and fun and Nina embraced that in the most amazing way which made Nina’s and Felipe’s relationship that much more admirable.

If you love diverse books, romance, and contemporary royalty then The Queen’s Game is a perfect match for you. This book is funny, sweet, and sexy and will make you want more by the end of it. There is fake dating, rule-breaking, and even a little bit of scheming. You don’t have to wait any longer, the contemporary royalty romance novel you’ve always waited for is here and ready to be read. Long live the queen!