Description
By Joy Crain
Missy Hanson never dreamed of falling in love and living happily ever after. In fact, she doesn’t know what she wants to do after she graduates from college; nevertheless, she’s content working as a journalist for her local newspaper and assisting at her aunt’s California bakery. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity emerges for her to visit the southeast Asian country of Andelar, Missy is thrown into the world of royalty as the special guest of the king and queen—and it’s clear she doesn’t belong, despite her family ties to the area. But the royal family isn’t without its mysteries. Rumors abound that a secret prince is hiding amid Andelar’s society, and Missy is determined to find out who he is.
Aiden Waverly never wanted a crown or a title. He craves a normal life, but being a secret prince of biracial background is difficult enough and would create chaos amid the tabloids if the press learned about his parentage. After years of traveling the world to help those in the greatest of need, he’s faced with a life-altering decision: take his place as crown prince or walk away as a commoner. With no clear path that will satisfy him and the royal family, the tug between following his heart and doing his duty to Andelar becomes harder every day.
When a chance encounter throws Missy and Aiden together, neither of them are prepared to challenge what they thought they knew about themselves. And when an ancient royal law threatens to tear them apart, they must decide how much they are willing to risk for love.
@DevotedToHope –
I found The Cost of the Crown, debut novel by Joy Crain, a splendid, heartwarming, feel-good, clean romance! To all aficionados of royal romances, I suggest this regal gem without reservation.
Missy and Aiden’s story is a refreshing take on faith and love. Their journey, filled with twists, turns, and royal secrets, had me hooked from the start.
The characters’ inner struggles and their willingness to confront them resonate with Christian values. As they navigate their way through the maze of love and royal expectations, they also grapple with their own desires, duties, and devotions.
I found myself emotionally invested and rooting for Missy and Aiden’s love to triumph over all obstacles and to fulfill God’s plan for their lives.
This tale of nobility is an invitation to all believers to explore and wear the crown of unwavering trust in God.
I received an eARC of The Cost of the Crown from WhiteCrown Publishing. I am neither obligated to write a positive review nor compensated for doing so. These words convey my authentic assessment and sentiments about this royal and wholesome romance novel.
Margaret Nelson –
Joy Crain’s debut novel was very hard to put down! Crain has created a believable location, and I loved the characters. The plot pacing was just right. Having lived in Hong Kong for a number of years, I enjoyed the Asian touches. Themes of forgiveness, grief, finding someone who sees the real you, and finding your place in between two cultures give good depth to a great story. I really look forward to more books by this new author!
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Candide Weekes –
The Cost of the Crown, by Joy Crain was so good!
I could not put it down and stayed up late almost every night for four days 🙂
I really enjoyed the story and the characters were well developped.
Both the main characters were relatable and Joy Crain did a fantastic job describing them and their feelings/what they were going through.
Now I can’t wait for the second book in the series to come out 🙂
— I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone. —
Joanne Doyal –
I am a tried and true historical romance buff and I don’t generally like books with places that I can’t find on the map. So saying that I was a little skeptical reading this book. My skepticism turned to fascination and then avorice. I could not put this book down! The story that Joy Crain spun is not your typical boy meets girl, they fall in love and live happily ever after. The Cost of The Crown is a story of heart-rending emotion, of unforgivable hurts, of duty over desire, of the cost of love! This is a book that you just can’t put down because you are so invested in the characters. Aiden and Missy instantly grab your heart strings and carry you along on the most beautiful love story ever told. If you have a tendency to cry, you better bring a whole box of tissue for this book. It is one love story that you will read over and over again.
I would like to thank WhiteCrown Publishing for the advanced reader copy. It in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
Chosengirl15 –
I really enjoyed The Cost of the Crown by Joy Crain. This book was a really good read. Missy is a writer who lives with her wonderful Aunt Pru who owns a bakery. Missy dad contacts her to spend the summer with him As Missy is traveling she meets Aiden. There is such beautiful scenery that the author shows. It makes you feel you are there. This book is about family, forgiveness and grace. I really enjoyed the journey that Missy went on all the the way the author ended the book was great.
I was given this book by the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
I will be looking forward to reading more by this author.
Bailey –
Amazing! This review is going to be so hard to write without spoilers, but I don’t even want to offer them and ruin the book. This is Joy’s debut book, and her writing style is already so good; I am definitely looking forward to following her writing.
All the characters were so lovable in their strengths and weaknesses. The plot flowed perfectly and smoothly. Nothing felt too rushed. The beginning was a bit slow for me, but I was easily drawn into it. I loved the setting of the book. It was refreshing to read a book integrating Asian culture.
I don’t want to write too much here, because I truly don’t want to ruin it, but the ending is so worth getting this book! Like get the book for the ending!!!
I loved Aiden’s and Missy’s romance…it was so sweet! The ending wasn’t what I expected, but it was perfect. The Cost of the Crown isn’t an average royal read. It has its fairytale moments, but it also has the nitty gritty of life. I cried through parts, and beamed through others. Easily my favorite royal read yet! I highly recommend this book, even if you don’t usually read this genre. Read it, you won’t regret it!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Katie Pfeifer –
Sometimes taking a chance on a new author is risky. Dare I invest my valuable time with someone untested? Yet I need not have worried when it came to Joy Crain’s The Cost of the Crown. I was quickly delighted with Crain’s storytelling ability, her cast of well developed characters, and the depth to which she explored themes of forgiveness and belonging. Fully of tender romance and complicated family dynamics, this novel packed a punch. I cannot wait to see what Crain comes up with next!
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
chosengirl15 –
This debut book The Cost of the Crown by Joy Crain was a great read. The book is about Missy who is a writer who lives with her Aunt Pru who owns a bakery. After not having much of a relationship with her father, he invites her to visit for the summer. While traveling she meets Aiden. This book is about family and forgiveness. The author describes the scenery so well you feel as you are walking with Missy. There is a lot that happens though the book and I was happy with the way the author ended it. I was given this book by the publisher all thoughts are of my own.
I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author.
MJSH –
“He couldn’t shake his past, but he could shape his future.”
Bravo to Joy Crain for this excellent debut novel. I love royalty books and this one had it all – grandeur and opulence tied with royalty but also the need for balance between tradition and progress. Missy and Aiden were such lovable characters. Their common bond of mixed heritage and not really feeling like they fit in anywhere was heartbreakingly raw and real. Faith thread and the theme of forgiveness were strong throughout the story and Missy’s spiritual growth was satisfying, even as she struggled against sense of abandonment. Aiden’s backstory made me cry and his journey to finding his true self while battling nightmares, insecurities, perceived failures, and expectations made him a valiant hero and prince.
I really enjoyed the fictional Asian island country of Andelar in the South Pacific. The island was beautiful and the culture, food, language, and political layout were intriguing and captivating. The author addressed some issues within the Asian culture like stigma of adoption and neglect of the homeless, poor, and orphaned, which broke my heart.
It’s a book that will leave your heart filled and happy at the end. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of WhiteCrown Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Lana –
A mystery prince, a chance encounter, a visit of a lifetime. All these elements come together to make a story that satisfies on every level. Definitely Hallmark movie worthy romance that the reader will cheer for from the very start. Missy and Aiden have a chance encounter on a life changing trip to Andelar. Missy will be joining her father with the royal family for the whole summer. Who doesn’t dream of a summer of living like a princess? Aiden has to return to Andelar to make a decision that could affect more than just his life. Joy Crain does a wonderful job of bringing the characters off the pages and into the room with you as you read. They spin the reader along with the twists and turns life takes on this unforgettable summer. Throw in royal intrigue and beautiful ball gowns and you have the perfect read, as long as you can make it last for more than 1 day! I look forward to the next installment in the Royals of Andelar series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Eden Clark –
Joy Crain’s debut novel, The Cost of the Crown, is a fun royal romance filled with many plot twists and turns. Join Missy and Aiden as they journey together to determine what they will or won’t do for love.
The Cost of the Crown is perfect for fans of royal stories like The Princess Diaries series who also want a little faith filled inspiration as they read. I recommend Crain’s book and cannot wait for her next one. Thank you to the author and the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Heather Byrd –
The Cost of the Crown was such a breath of fresh air to read. I loved the main character Missy so much. She was incredibly likable, full of kindness and integrity, while still being relatable. She matched up with Adrian perfectly. He was a true prince at heart, honorable and good, but he was also vulnerable and needed to be loved. I enjoyed the families of each, even though I didn’t really warm up to Missy’s father. I felt like he went way too long without seeing his daughter to still be invested in her. And Adrian’s grandmother was completely horrible, as she was meant to be. The setting was really unique and interesting, being more like a fictional Asian country, like Japan or Taiwan, than the typical England-like fictional country usually seen in princess books. Andelar was a beautiful setting for an entertaining story. I loved the culture shared in the story, especially with both of the main characters being biracial. One element that I particularly enjoyed was that there was a beautiful love story, but it didn’t have the main characters have silly issues keeping them apart as a plot device. They had a hurdle that seemed insurmountable, but true love conquered all in this book, as a great fairytale should. This was such a fun read, and I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late into the night to finish it! Joy Crain is a promising new author, and I look forward to more books in this series, hopefully about Adrian’s siblings. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Mackenzie –
Such a sweet, clean, and romantic story! I loved it and even laughed out loud at some parts. I enjoyed the flirty banter between characters. I loved Joy’s perspective of forgiveness that one of her characters used to compare how Jesus forgave those who crucified him, and if He could forgive them for everything he had to suffer, it should be easy for us to forgive.
That has stuck with me.
I’m excited for her to write more in this series!
I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
if you’re looking for a new read, definitely check this one out!
Judith Creed –
In her debut novel, Joy Crane did a marvelous job of developing the main characters from the beginning of the book. Missy and Aiden quickly came alive and found a home in my heart. They are both down to earth people leaning on God to overcome childhood problems. They made me laugh one minute and cry the next. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about them. Even though there a few fairytale moments in their story, with all of the added twists and turns I truly did enjoy this book. I look forward to the rest of the series. Joy Crane has a bright future ahead!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers for my honest review. All opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.
Megan L –
This was such a sweet and lovely royal romance! I really enjoyed the different angle of having an Asian/American prince and how Aiden connected with Missy since they both are half Asian/half American. It added some depth to their relationship, knowing they both understood what it was like to be caught between two different cultures.
I also loved the fake country of Andelar that the author created. It would be a beautiful place to visit if it existed. The side characters were all well done and I look forward to reading, hopefully, Alexander and Genevieve’s stories too. You can never have too much royal romance.
The romance itself between Aiden and Missy was well done. The things keeping them apart were very believable which was greatly appreciated. I really enjoyed this book and getting to live inside the royal life for a brief time. I would recommend this book to fans of Hannah Currie and Rachel Hauck.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions and thoughts expressed herein are mine alone.
Melanie Bigelow –
This book hooked me from the beginning. I loved getting to know the country of Andelar, but also the people who dwell there. Watching Missy and Aiden’s story grow and unfold was a wild ride. God is an integral part of the story and there is so much depth, which are characteristics I enjoy in my romance books. I was able to connect with the characters, and really feel what they were experiencing, and I was in tears at one point in the story.
We get to know Missy, Aiden and the Royal family as they all get to know each other. I appreciated the fact that they wanted to get to know each other and while you could feel the chemistry between the characters, it wasn’t focused on the physical. This book was a breath of fresh air and exactly what I needed. I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers, I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Paty Hinojosa –
OMG! This book is my new favorite Royal Romance! Joy Crain’s debut novel is amazing, and I’m already yearning for the rest of the stories of The Royals of Andelar!
The setting is unique in an Asian southeast small Country named Andelar.
It all starts when Missy lives in California, works as a journalist at the local newspaper, and assists her Aunt Pru in her popular bakery. Her life takes a life changing turn when the father who abandoned her ten years ago, and only calls a few minutes for Christmas day and her birthday, calls her and invites her to visit him in Andelar, where he lives and works as the US Ambassador. Not only that, but he is asking her to spend the summer with him at the Royal Palace with the Royal Family! Missy is uncertain at first, feeling distrust of her estranged father. But it might be the opportunity she has always wished for reconnecting with her father and hopefully reconciling, and living in a Royal Palace is the opportunity of a lifetime!
Aiden Waverly just wishes he could be a normal guy. But he’s the secret prince, first in line heir to the Crown. His identity is a secret because of his complicated -and unknown to society- biracial parentage. His father the King learned of his existence when he was ten years old and after and his mother died. Having lived a childhood of poverty, Aiden just wants to travel the world and help those in greatest need, but after five years of traveling, his father has issued an ultimatum: decide if he is to be the heir to the throne or abdicate and walk away as a commoner. His heart is torn, especially after he accidentally meets Missy on their trip to Andelar, and he gets to know her incognito, as a normal guy. Missy being a journalist, he can’t be open about his secret. But as feelings start to grow, he wonders if Missy would accept him as the crown prince. Especially after she says that her stay at the Royal Palace proves she doesn’t belong in Royal Society. Ultimately, an ancient royal law threatens to tear them apart, and Aiden must choose between heart and duty. Is he willing to risk everything for love? Or will he have to sacrifice love for his country?
Sigh! As I said, I totally loved this story! I just fell in love with the characters! Aiden and Missy were the perfect match! And they weren’t perfect at all. Missy had struggles forgiving her father for abandoning her as a teen after her mother’s death and she had trust issues in general. Aiden had panic attacks and nightmares that he couldn’t completely overcome, consequent of the trauma he experienced during his childhood. Both struggled to discover before God what is the right thing to do. There is so much to learn from their personal journeys. A beautiful message of forgiveness, self-sacrifice and true love. The part of self-sacrifice is my favorite since I think we all can feel related to it. Whether we want it or not, true love requires self-sacrifice. If not, it’s not true love. Because true love means thinking before of the other, of the others, happiness, before yours. I think this book contains a beautiful spiritual message that should be shared and I hope it impacts people deeply, like it did me.
I highly recommend this Royal Romance. Not only it is inspiring, but the characters are completely endearing and lovable. Including the secondary characters, of which I’d love to know more in future books from this series!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Lee Anne –
Missy’s and Aiden’s story is a sweet love story with some trying moments mixed in. Setting the story in a fictional Asia country let Joy intermingle wonderful descriptions of her own culture. I even wanted to look up pictures of Andelar to see what she was describing, until I remembered that it was fictional. The characters may not have been as deep as they could have been, but Joy’s writing lured me through each scene with ease. I look forward to reading the future stories set in Andelar, hopefully about Aiden’s siblings, Alexander and Genevieve.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Megan Schaulis –
Sweet, clean royal romance
Joy Crain is a new author to me and I was delighted to read her Asian-set royal romance. This sweet love story features genuine friendship that grows into more. It was refreshing to read about two people who are genuinely good for each other. The relationship develops organically. No toxic tropes here.
Readers who enjoy a “peek behind the curtain” into royal life won’t be disappointed. The story is woven with decorum and protocol as well as the less-than-glamorous aspects of royal life. Andelar is a rich, vivid setting that is 100% believable as a real-life Asian nation. The supporting cast adds fun and depth to the story. I’d love to read future books focused on Ginny or Alexander.
This is not a high-stakes adventure full of twists and turns. It is a lovely, endearing romance. The characters are adults, but the book would still appeal to teen fans of sweet romance and royal stories. There are no lustful thoughts or sexual tension that would be inappropriate for a teenaged reader. The physical affection and kisses are not “steamy.” The book could even lead to some good conversations about caring for the less fortunate and voiceless or how long-held traditions can morph into prejudice.
This is Christian fiction but not a conversion story. Both leads come into the story with a relationship with God and they mention Him and pray throughout. That said, the book is not at all preachy. The themes of serving others and giving children a voice should ring true regardless of religious affiliation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Grace A. Johnson –
⭐⭐⭐💫
If you’ve ever wondered what a Netflix royal romance would be like in book form…this is it.
The Cost of the Crown was possessed all the trademarks of a chick flick—specifically a princely Netflix or Hallmark movie—and as someone who’s more comfortable with period dramas, this sweet story wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. But if you’re looking for something with all the cozy feels, a dreamy prince who loves kids (especially orphans), an exotic setting, and a go-getter heroine—you’ve found it.
I’ll be blunt: the overall storyline of The Cost of the Crown was cliché. The jury’s still out on whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing—I personally think it all boils down to personal preference. Me? I cringed a few good times, and in the beginning there, I wasn’t having any of this picture-perfect saccharine sweet royal romance. Something about it rubbed me wrong…
But as the story progressed, I may have begun to lose my heart to it just a wee bit. Guilty as charged! Even though I saw every plot point coming from a mile away, I loved how it wasn’t overly dramatic while still being realistic. In the end, I enjoyed where the story went and how it unfolded.
80% of my enjoyment is due to Missy, our heroine. If y’all’ve ever read my reviews, you’ll know me and heroine just don’t mix—but there was something about Missy I appreciated. She was just your normal girl—not a hotshot exec or a kick-butt tough gal. She had skills and a typical job, but she was also Missy. She had feelings and wanted a relationship with her father even though she struggled to forgive him. She experienced the world and people around her without being consumed by her job or herself or even her love interest, our princely hero Aiden. She felt genuine, and I admired that. I can’t say she had much by way of a distinctive personality, but she did have growth and she showed some amazing strength and selflessness, which is so rare to see in heroines these days. She put others, even Aiden, above herself, to the point of denying herself the things she truly desired.
Now that’s true love.
So while elements of this novel were “silly” and Hallmarky, there were elements that went far deeper and were much more touching than a greeting card message.
Like Missy, there was genuine faith, and I loved seeing how Aiden and Missy lived out their Christian faith in a way that wasn’t forced but was simply there simply and realistically. I think there was certainly potential for deeper faith aspects and spiritual character arcs, but I ain’t complaining. 😉
We also had a fantabulous cast of secondary characters. From King Myron and Queen Alicia to Alexander, Genevieve, and Julian, I absolutely adored Aiden’s friends and family and their dynamics! I NEED Genevieve and Alexander’s stories!
(Random side note: I also loved Florence. She was kind and, well, the perfect princess rather than a brat thrown in for drama. She felt like a real, developed character, and I loved that! So often authors throw in cardboard cutouts that are 100% despicable just to be biased, out of laziness, or to emphasize the angelic nature of our hero/heroine…but not so with Florence! *gives a round of applause*)
But Aiden. Oh, Aiden. How I wanted to love this too-good-for-his-britches Prince Charming, but alas. He simply paled in comparison to Missy. Whereas she was strong and self-sacrificing, Aiden clung tightly to his dreams and didn’t end up giving up anything. He came off as selfish, even if the things he wanted weren’t. And while Missy had some character growth that I wasn’t even expected, Aiden missed out on growing in the areas he should have. Plus, there were things about him that I just generally didn’t like. He wasn’t my type, I guess, so there’s a good chance someone else might find him to be absolutely perfect! Who knows?
My main qualm was the culture. I so wanted to explore Andelar’s culture and we didn’t; I wanted to feel immersed in the Asian atmosphere and I didn’t; and I wanted Asian names so badly and there were none. 😭 I felt like I missed out on the element that was supposed to make this story so unique! Andelar as far as worldbuilding (since this is a fictional country) felt under-developed, and so many elements of the culture felt European. Especially the names. Why did everyone have English names??? Maybe I simply missed something…I don’t know.
(Also, if Aiden is really half Asian and half Caucasian, due to genetics, he wouldn’t have blond hair? Or blue eyes? At least, I don’t think so. If I’m wrong, correct me, but that felt very unrealistic. Surely he would’ve looked more like his father, more Asian.)
So, yes, I raised my eyebrows a few times throughout The Cost of the Crown. It wasn’t quite what I’d expected; instead, it felt like something I’d seen a dozen times. But it still possessed some qualities that made it stand out from the crowd: great character dynamics, an admirable heroine, and inspirational faith. Once I started reading and let myself get sucked into the story, I couldn’t put it down! Even if I did know how the story would play out. 😂
If you specifically love Hallmark and Netflix movies (like A Christmas Prince), you’re literally gonna eat this up! And if that’s not quite your cup of tea, I think the sugary flavor will grow on ya after a while. 😉
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Karen Waide –
What a wonderful debut from Joy Crain. I loved this contemporary royal romance set in the fictitious Asian country of Andelar
Missy lives with her aunt in America and hasn’t seen her father for the past ten years because he lives and works as an American ambassador in Andelar. Then one day her father surprises her by finally asking her to join him in Andelar for the summer. As unexpected as this is, she is even more overwhelmed when she learns she will be staying in the royal palace as his guest.
Aiden Waverly has been spending the past several years traveling the world, doing what he loves to do, helping others and supporting charitable causes. He has a heart for orphans because of his early years. Details of which we learn throughout the story through flashbacks, nightmares, and times when he shares with others. It’s also obvious early on that Aiden is the rumored hidden prince of Andelar.
When Missy and Aiden meet they don’t realize who the other is and we get to see a relationship grow between them. But how will this relationship be able to grow once Aiden steps into his rightful role? Will there be a continued romance or broken hearts?
I loved seeing their relationship grow and greatly enjoyed seeing the fun they had together. But I did find myself in tears at times. There was a lot of emotion throughout the story, but especially toward the conclusion. I love that Missy and Aiden lean on the Lord and seek His will. There is struggle and self-sacrifice and despair. But there is also fun and joy and trusting in the Lord.
I greatly enjoyed this book and am glad I had a chance to read it and discover a new author.
I received this book for free from the author as a part of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own, honest thoughts.
Iola Goulton –
Melissa Hanson has been living with her aunt in Los Angeles for the last ten years, since her mother died and her father’s short trip to the small Asian island Kingdom of Andelar turned into a permanent role as US ambassador. She’s shocked when her father invites her to spend the summer in Andelar as a guest of the royal family while her father negotiates a new trade deal.
Missy accepts both to reestablish her relationship with her father, and to hopefully connect with the Chinese part of her heritage. She meets Aiden Waverly on the flight to Andelar, and they bond over the challenges of growing up in a biracial family.
But Aiden has a secret.
He’s actually Rupert Spencer, the unknown Crown Prince of Andelar. Now it’s time for him to make a choice: take on the mantle or royalty, or abdicate the throne so he can continue traveling and volunteering for charities around the world.
Royalty romances can feel contrived at times.
The reader has to be prepared to suspend disbelief and allow for an imagined constitutional monarchy that meets most of our expectations for a modern monarchy while still having the history and flexibility to allow for a story that probably wouldn’t happen in a real-life monarchy. While I was willing to suspend disbelief and accept a created Asian kingdom in the South Pacific, it was a little harder to believe no one outside the Royal Family knew of Rupert/Aiden’s existence. (But I got over that.)
I enjoyed the developing relationship between Missy and Aiden as they explored Andelar, and I especially enjoyed the way both Missy and Aiden genuinely prayed about their problems. Their relationship developed in a natural way, which made for an easy and enjoyable read. I did find the last quarter didn’t match up to the promise of the first three-quarters. It was a little slow, and a little too predictable … which was a shame, given the original setup.
The Cost of the Crown is both a romance and a search for identity.
Both Missy and Aiden have to consider how their biracial heritage has impacted on the people they are, and consider how that will affect the choices they make about their future.
If you enjoy stories like The Princess Diaries or Toni Shiloh’s brilliant In Search of a Prince and To Win A Prince, then you’ll want to read The Cost of the Crown.
Thanks to the publisher for providing a free ebook for review.
Blessed & Bookish –
The Cost of the Crown by Joy Crain is a unique contemporary, royal romance. I loved how different this story was from other royal romances I’ve read. Most of this book’s unique qualities stem from two things: the beautiful Asian culture behind the setting and characters and the special backstory of the crown prince, Aiden. Aiden’s past left him with some serious, deep wounds, and I found it interesting that Missy played such a big role in his healing. It was a nice role reversal of sorts from typical romances. And it didn’t make either one seem weak but stronger together. I really enjoyed their relationship from beginning to end!
This story is so well crafted and will keep you guessing until the end. The characters are fantastic. The setting is creative, beautiful, and woven with interesting aspects of Asian culture. It’s a great escape into the royal court of Andelar!
And the characters show great growth in their faith throughout the story. Aiden is a true inspiration on forgiveness, and I loved watching him and Missy learn to trust God in different aspects of their life.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! What a wonderful debut novel from Joy Crain. And since this is the first book in the Royals of Andelar series, I’m looking forward to reading the stories of the other royal siblings, too! The author did such a great job of building these characters and giving us little hints about their lives that I’m ready to read the whole story!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Malgorzata –
This book catches my attention from the first pages. I get engaged in the story of Missy and Aiden, and had problem with putting book down because I wanted to know what would happen to them and what would be the end of their story. As there are two protagonists in the book we follow their seperate stories which connect with each other. It makes the book more interesting. The title story – cost of the crown, put one of the characters – Aiden, before difficult choice: to become a king and serve the people of his country that he loved or to abdicate and follow his heart and marry a commoner in whom he fall in love with. Missy also is stending before choice – let love of her life go and serve his country by becoming a king or keep him for herself and live normal life.
I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Amy –
What would it be like to visit a royal palace? Even better, to meet a prince? Find out with Missy Hanson in The Cost of the Crown, because she could tell you all about that after her visit to Andelar, a small Asian country steeped in tradition.
Missy’s desire to reunite with her distant father and willingness to take on a challenge make her an admirable leading lady, and I enjoyed reading about the way that she tackled the obstacles in her way. The way that she looked for ways to overcome them made me a fan, and I think there’s much to learn from her.
Adrian Waverly is no slouch, either. As a man who’s had an incredibly difficult life and is now faced with an impossible choice, his wisdom and kindness shine through with amazing brightness.
Those are my some of my favorite kinds of characters to read about – ones who you’d really like to know in person. Missy and Adrian have that in spades. That makes it hard to watch them face their troubles and grow personally, but that’s also what makes the story so great – that they face them and grow and we know that we can do the same.
The Cost of the Crown is a fun story – just the kind I’d like to read at the beach. If you enjoy royal romances with depth of character and lessons, this is just the book for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Carol –
I thought this was a lovely debut. I don’t typically read a lot of royal romances but I enjoyed this one. A chance encounter at an airport with neither of them saying who they really are leads to obvious secret keeping. Missy is the daughter of the American ambassador to a small Asian country. She’s not seen her father in ten years and is now thrust into spending the summer with him.
Aiden is the crown prince but because his mother was Caucasian he can get away with no one knowing he exists, outside of his immediate family. Missy is also biracial and she is learning more about the culture that was her mothers. Missy and Aiden are actually both searching for who they truly are.
This is a royal romance and does have all the trappings of one, but both Aiden and Missy have difficult backstories that impact how they feel in the present and how they try to determine their future.
I also found I like the secondary characters as well. Aiden’s half-brother and sister. It would be fun to read their stories.
Even though It’s considered adult fiction I think young adults would like this as well.
haleeporter2 –
I’m a New Fan!!!
Joy Crain is a new author who has now been added to my “Favorite Authors” list! I’ve been re-reading some of my favorite books these past few months and when I started reading Cost of the Crown I couldn’t put the book down. I literally had to make myself put down the book so that I can best digest what I was reading.
From the characters to the plot set-up and the spiritual connections. Joy Crain has embedded a love story that makes the readers become invested in the outcome of the entire story. Many times I fought jumping to the end of the book to see how it ends. Without giving away the plot, I will say – you have to read this book!
I cannot wait to read what else Joy Crain has in store for the readers.
Dina –
Lovely contemporary Christian Romance with a twist
While not my usual genre, it kept my interest to the end. 2 young Christian young people meet while traveling and 1 is a royal of a Asian kingdom. While the whirlwind romance was a bit quick, the beautifully descriptive setting, struggles and family trauma, themes of waiting on God, forgiveness and development of the characters was well done. Looking forward to the next one! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.