Special price. We’re all in this together. Find your #HEAATHOME Brooke Chapman-Powell takes her position as the Earl of Englefield’s personal secretary very seriously. This job is what keeps her sister in her university for the deaf and the town from completely shutting down. But the earl’s dying, and they have only one hope. An American. From some place called Salvation, Virginia. Now she’ll … Virginia.
Now she’ll have to teach the in-all-likelihood-uncouth-and-lazy half American how to be a proper earl if they hope to save the village. God help them all.
Nick Vane has about two gazillion things that land higher on his to-do list than becoming an English earl. Things like naps. Hosting poker nights. Oh, and raking in the profits from his latest invention. Accepting the title his grandfather has denied him since birth? Doesn’t. Even. Register. But Miss Prim and Proper won’t give up, and before he knows what’s what, he’s on a plane to London.
He’s got too much pride to go down easily, and she’s got too much propriety to ever break the rules. They are as different as a cocktail fork and a bread knife…and the clash between them lands these two in the most unexpected positions.
more
Swoon-worthy and laugh-out-loud funny – get Avery Flynn’s newest release today!
A fun read. Foster care is a brutal system for most and the results of that and his family situation create Nick. But Brooke is up the straightening him out.
A rating. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading this story. I hope there’s more to come in this series, because this was a fun escape. I love England!
Definitely recommend!
The heir to an English estate finds family where he least expects it. Great characters as sparks fly between American, Nick, the heir, and Brooke, a local English girl, working as secretary to the old earl.
The Earl of Englefield has requested his personal assistant, Brooke Chapman-Powell to get his estranged, American grandson to England. Brooke knows her job depends on getting Nick to the estate. She also knows that once she can finally get him to England, Brooke will have to teach Nick how to act and behave like a proper earl. Brooke underestimated how difficult it would be.
Nick Vane has absolutely no desire to fly away from his home in the States into an estate and Earldom, let alone meet the grandfather who tore his family apart. He does not want the title, the estate, or the training required to take over for his grandfather, the same man who denied Nick’s heritage and disallowed him the title. Too bad his grandfather doesn’t have anyone else, any other heirs, to succeed the “throne,” as it were. He’s not interested but Brooke continues to contact him attempting to get him to at least come for a visit. When he arrives, he fully plans on speaking his peace and heading right back home.
It’s funny how things don’t work out that way. Sparks, of the good kind, fly between Brooke and Nick. Sparks, of the not-so-good kind, fly between Nick and the man he blames for his broken family. Getting Nick to concede and take over Englefield as Earl takes some time, as to be expected. Nick’s stubbornness rivals that of his grandfather and they butt heads through almost the entire book.
I loved the characters. Nick had every right to feel the way he did about his father and grandfather. His mother did not live long enough to tell him everything about his father, so Nick went through life feeling abandoned and alone. Brooke is a great character who sprung back from a disaster of a relationship, pulled her big girl panties on, and continued to battle with those in the town she loves. She does not want to be soft and taken advantage of anymore, but her assertiveness comes across as pushy.
The book is fun with a cute romance. The book is filled with secrets all around and I enjoyed how the author kept them under wraps, revealing things at the best time for everyone (except for poor Nick. I really felt bad for him). I enjoyed the setting, characters, and underlying themes and look forward to more books in the series.
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
Well Royal Bastard was a fun read that I just devoured. It’s a bit different than the previous sport romances that I’ve read by Avery, so I loved the little switcheroo.
The synopsis sold me completely and I just couldn’t wait to start reading. I enjoyed the heck out of Brooke and Nick, these two were like oil and water in the beginning. So I was a fan of the shift as they were forced to spend time together as she groomed him to be the new earl. It’s a ride, everyone, and you’ll enjoy every second of it.
Brooke is nearly a tough egg to crack because of something that happened in the past, but just seeing those walls crack little by little. I liked her more and more as the story went on.
Nick definitely wasn’t an easy one to deal with because he was stubborn as a bull. He definitely has his reasons for it and was eager for him to have that conversation with his grandfather.
I’ve recently become pickier when it comes to the romance books I’ve read and wasn’t a fan of Nick’s actions towards the end. And, I was hoping for more interaction between Nick and his grandfather.
Overall, still a fun read that so many will enjoy.
Rated 3.5 Stars
Royal Bastard is a cute and sweet story. It’s also sexy with a bit of angst. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
2.5 Stars
It was not a bad read. The characters were decent as was the story line.
It just wasn’t for me.
If you’re looking for a long lost heir, a prim and proper snarky Brit, a go with the flow brash American, and a wonderful village full of people to set the scene, look no further than Royal Bastard by Avery Flynn!
Nick wants nothing to do with his grandfather, his legacy, his ancestral home, England, or the impertinent yet curious personal secretary that won’t stop hounding him to visit, to return to his roots.
Brooke wants nothing more than to do her job well, to love and support her village, and to above all, not fall for her heir to the earldom, the current Earl being her boss.
From their first phone call sparks fly, and when they meet in person their chemistry is tangible!
Both stubborn beyond belief, they each learn a lot about themselves, each other, and what it is that can make someone truly happy. True happiness being ephemeral, yet for them, possibly, potentially, if they stop being stubborn, could be a real thing.
This book made me smile, had me on the edge of my seat, got me to wipe away the dust that obviously got in my eye somehow, and blended together perfectly that sense of an American in England.
This story is a wonderful example of the concept of it takes a village, and to have a home like that, a place where you are loved and cherished even if people don’t quite understand you, well, it’s priceless, and Avery has done an amazing job of capturing that on the page!
So, look no further if you want some headbutting sarcastic combustible chemistry between a brash American heir named Nick and Brooke, the cool as ice yet fiery and feisty underneath secretary that just wants to do her job, and save her village…not also fall head over heels in love…
Avery Flynn has done it again with her wonderful, snarky, and funny book, Royal Bastard, book one in her Instantly Royal series. When the Earl of Englefield is dying he needs his personal secretary to convince his grandson, an American, to travel to England, be responsible, and to become the next earl. This is the grandson he refused to acknowledge all these years, especially after forcing his son to annul his marriage to an American and return to his rightful place. Nick Vane has no desire to visit the “old homestead” or do his grandfather’s bidding. Brooke Chapman-Powell, personal secretary to the Earl is on a mission to get the likely uncouth and lazy half-American Nick to England to help save the village from shutting down along with the university for the deaf, her sister attends. Nick is their only hope. Before long Nick is on his way to London since Brooke refuses to give up.
I adored these two; Nick and Brooke are perfect for each other despite being different, or somewhat opposites. Laid back Nick is a thinker, which allows for his creative and imaginative brain to visual improvements or new ideas or creations. It is why he has a number of patents. Brooke is a stick in the mud, rule follower, miss goody-two-shoes; especially after what happened with her last relationship. Nick calling her Miss Lemons is fitting and even Brooke can’t complain. Brooke loves her family and the village that loves her and has her back. She too has lots of ideas, mainly to bring tourism to the area. Nick and Brooke have a magnetism and chemistry that is off the charts. They are so good for each other, filling in for each other’s weaknesses and playing off their strengths.
Ms. Flynn wrote a wonderful and hysterical story that was moving and filled with sizzling chemistry, humorous dialogue, and charming characters that should definitely not be missed. I highly recommend Royal Bastard to other readers and I am anxious for the next book in this series.
I love small town, in this case village romances! Hilarious, steamy & of course a little stuffy with British royalty (eye roll)! I couldn’t put it down and you should definitely pick it up! LOVED IT!!!!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This book was such a great escape. I was pulled into this story effortlessly. Avery Flynn always knows how to hook me on a story so that I never want to let go.
I really liked how this story was a change of pace for Flynn. This book is set in England and I liked her portrayal of a small English village. Her writing style was as addicting as ever. I can never get enough of her inviting prose. I really liked the fairytale aspect of this rom-com and I love the way that the story played out. The end of the story felt a little rushed to me. Almost like the conflict wasn’t dramatic enough and that it was wrapped up too nicely at the end.
Brooke and Nick were characters that were both likable and relatable. While I very much enjoyed both characters, I didn’t feel like I connected to them as much as I usually do when I read one of Flynn’s books. Brooke and Nick both had depth and great character development. I also really liked the secondary characters in this book.
Brooke and Nick had a chemistry that jumped out at you from the beginning. I loved the way their personalities melded together. They were both very stubborn people and watching things play out between them put a smile on my face. There was some serious sexual tension between these two and the sexy times were hot.
Overall, this was a cute story that was very fun to read. It boasts likable characters, an exciting plotline, and a steamy romance. If you are up for an entertaining rom-com then look no further. I am excited for more books in this series.
Avery Flynn has done it again! This book is exactly what I needed right now! It is full of intrigue and laugh out loud moments, has an engaging storyline, top notch romance and characters that you will fall in love with. I started this book yesterday and fully intended to read a little bit each day but the story pulled me in and I couldn’t put the book down. I read it in a matter of hours! Nick Vane will have you swooning and you will want to have Brooke as your new best friend! Don’t miss out on this royally charming novel!
Avery Flynn has done it again, but I knew she would. A wonderful story of unexpected could even say, unwanted love. Two stubborn people, who’ve lived through pain and loneliness, but remembered the love in the beginning. Having had it and then lost it, just made the armor they surrounded themselves with even stronger. But through hurried promises, they must continue on the set path. As we all know, paths, like fate, can wander here and there before the truth is met head-on. Through humor, stubbornness, and oh so sensual sexy action, love is finally forced to show itself. As you can tell I don’t do spoilers, so I hope my words have intrigued you into picking up this oh so delightful love story
Avery Flynn has done it again! I adored “Royal Bastard,” the funny, sweet, heartwarming story of an American man suddenly and unexpectedly forced to learn how to act as a proper English earl. His tutor in this endeavor was not always quite as prim and proper as she tried to make herself out to be, and sparks flew between the two of them from their very first meeting. The slow burn of main characters Nick and Brooke’s relationship development kept me on the edge of my seat, just waiting for them to finally give into their attraction. In addition, their snarky banter was a lot of fun and made me laugh out loud numerous times as I read.
Both Nick and Brooke were very complex, likeable characters, and it was easy for me to root for them both individually and as a couple. I especially loved that Brooke could never prevent the snarky remarks from bursting out of her when she was around Nick, no matter how hard she tried. As for Nick, I was fascinated by the way his mind worked and how he was always coming up with new ideas and ways to make things better. I really admired the fact that he was able to become so successful in spite of the difficulties he faced after losing his mother. Nick and Brooke made a lovely couple, and despite their different backgrounds it was clear that they belonged together.
The secondary characters in this story were a tremendous amount of fun too, especially Brooke’s little sister and her father. I couldn’t help but be amused by her father’s obsession with his racing pigeons, as well as the fact that he named all but one them after “Harry Potter” characters. I also loved that the village of Bowhaven came together time and time again to look after and care for their own. They were certainly there for Brooke when she needed them, and I can understand why she wanted so badly to give back with her plans for modernization. It was wonderful when her fellow villagers finally recognized and rewarded her good intentions.
Overall, “Royal Bastard” was such a fun story, and I loved the fairy tale feel to it. I highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy, and look forward to Avery Flynn’s next book!
*ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
A RomCom with laughter and heart! Royal Bastard is the perfect read to brighten up your day and make you smile. In true Avery Flynn fashion, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish! I love stories where people underestimate the underdog and it only makes them fight to surprise you. Nick is my new book boyfriend and I’ll fight anyone who says differently!
Nick has always felt unwanted by his father’s family so when he keeps getting called that his grandfather the Earl needs him, he ignores it as long as he can. He finally gets on a plane with the plan to tell his grandfather to shove it. But…..he is met by Brooke, the Earl’s secretary and he’s instantly intrigued. She’s a fiesty one and he just can’t seem to get enough of her or figure her out. The longer they’re together the more drawn to each other they are. Brooke has her own past she’s striving to overcome, all she wants to do is move forward and be of service to her village. The truth from the past comes out and Nick needs to decide what he’s going to do. Fast fun read! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is my first book from this author and did not disappoint! Even though the writing style (3rd person) is not my favorite, I was quick to catch up with the story. The book had a lot of things I loved, such as royal trope, some wit and good banter content, families interactions and good friendships.
Nickolas (Nick) Vane only knows one things when related to family, his father and grandfather are devils and left him and his mom behind when he was only a baby. Since then, after his mom died, he lives in Virginia and doesn’t want to have anything to do with his DNA donor. Until his gramps, the Earl of Bowhaven, England, gets sick and need an heir to carry his family legacy and Nick is the last one alive.
Enter Brooke, or Lady Lemons as Nick likes to call her. She is the Earl’s PA and has the duty to bring Nick to Bowhaven and teach him how to be an earl. She also has a difficult past with the press and when she flew from Manchester to her home town, they protected her and care for her. Now she wants to give back to them, to provide a boost in the economy.
I really like them both, specially Brooke, she had a strong personality, smart and give back as good as she got. I was happy with how she was able to protect herself, even when things got bad and I love her sister and father, even more so at the end, and how the city was able to see her.
Nick was right to be mad but when the secrets was exposed, I got a little upset with him. For a guy who condemn the Vane family so much, he sure was going in their same route as them. But how good a talk with a person who never saw you in the life can be?
The end was super cute but wish the epilogue was more detailed and longer. There were some scenes I wish I have read. If this book becomes part of a series, I can’t wait to read the next ones.
In Royal Bastard, Avery Flynn introduces us to a new group of characters. We meet Nick, the American grandson on an English earl, Brooke, the earl’s secretary, and the town of Bowhaven.
This was a fun read that also showed us that not everything is as it seems. Nick really is a good guy, he has plenty of baggage from the way he thinks things played out with his parents. I loved getting to know him, seeing his interactions with the town, and his desire to help and fix things.
It took a little more to get to know Brooke, but I liked her from the get go, even when it seemed the town misunderstood her a bit. Bowhaven and it’s residents are interesting secondary characters, I would love to see more of them in future works.
There is a lot going on story wise in Royal Bastard – What all of those things are, you get to read to find out. As a reader, I felt like certain pieces of the story, especially that between Nick and Brooke was very well resolved. There were other parts, like the relationship between Nick and his Grandfather, was left open ended and I resolved.
Overall, Royal Bastard is a well written read on par with what I would expect from Ms Flynn. I enjoyed it and really do hope we get to come back to Yorkshire and see what happens with more of the Bowhaven crew.
Royal Bastard is such a fun read. Brooke is the PA to the earl. Nick is the earl’s only surviving heir. Nick’s grandfather and current earl paid off his mother when he was just a baby, so Nick wants nothing to do with that side of his family, however, Nick still goes to England.
Brooke’s love for her town and her determination to make sure the properties the earl controls is amazing. You can feel how much she cares about it. I loved Nick, he was definitely a fish out of water when he first arrived. He held true to his plan of not becoming earl and taking over for the man who rejected him from birth.
This book had some humor, some light moments and of course, plenty of secrets. There’s amazing chemistry between Brooke and Nick. Their banter, even through e-mail correspondence is fantastic.
If you’re looking for a royal romance between a British woman and an American man that will make you laugh and swoon definitely check this one out!