⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. A chance meeting at a bar, followed by an unforgettable evening and some amusing antics at a reality dating show, leads to a playful, heart-warming romance.

Anika Fox knows exactly where she wants to be, and it’s not on the set of a reality TV dating show. She’s working her way up at the production company she works for and she’s close to achieving some of her dreams. The big boss just wants one thing from her. She’s got a potential problem with the director of The King Takes a Bride and she wants Anika to pose as a production assistant and report back.

As the king of a tiny European country, Luca St. Marten knows the world views him as one of the pampered royalty of the world. It couldn’t be further from the truth. His country is hurting and he’s right there on the front lines with his citizens. When he’s asked to do a dating show, his counselors point out that it could bring tourism back to Ralavia. It goes against his every desire, but he agrees.

When one of the contestants drops out at the last minute, Anika finds herself replacing the potential princess. She’s sure she’ll be asked to leave the first night, but Luca keeps picking her again and again. Suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a made-for-TV fantasy, and she’s unsure what’s real and what’s simply reality TV.

MY THOUGHTS

Anika was passionate about her job and she embraced her newest assignment with gusto, albeit somewhat reluctantly. She took all the unexpected changes in stride with grace and a quiet strength. Her friends and her mom went above and beyond to make sure that Anika is safe. All these phenomenal women added so much heart and dimension to the story.

Luca was an absolute sweetheart and it was clear that he wasn’t going to choose anyone other than Anika. His reasons for participating in the reality show were well-defined and made sense. Their flirty interactions had me smiling all the way through.

I didn’t like the way Anika’s boss treated her, even though Anika had nothing but praise for her mentor. The “reality” of reality TV was excellently done and I liked the variety that the other contestants provided. Their little on-air confessionals were hilarious.

Overall, this was a fun, charming story that also competently dealt with harassment in the workplace. I can’t wait to read Harper’s story.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 4, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Hot
Series: Park Avenue Promise