Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 10/1/2023 + 2597 more book reviews

I loved this combination of royal/commoner swap and secret sisters story. Clem, the illegitimate daughter of the King of Asturia, was raised in Cornwall by her mother. Her relationship with the king is a deep, dark secret, but she has been allowed to develop a close relationship with her half-sister, Arrosa (Rosy). I loved the descriptions of the good times Clem and Rosy had during the summers when Rosy came to Cornwall. Even when the visits slowed after they became adults, they kept in close contact with each other. The strain becomes nearly unbearable as Rosy gets closer to being named her father's heir. Determined to help her sister, Clem suggests they switch places, giving Rosy a chance to rest and relax away from the pressure.

Akil is an up-and-coming young politician in Asturia. He is good friends with Rosy and is surprised when she floats the idea of a marriage between them. After a few days, he realizes it's a bad idea, but he is shocked when he goes to Rosy's villa to talk to her. While the woman there looks like Rosy, he knows she isn't.

I liked that first meeting between Akil and Clem. Akil is initially worried about Rosy but relaxes after he talks to her and hears about their plan. I liked how Clem doesn't mince words when she talks to Akil and is passionate about protecting her sister. Akil likes that about her and offers to help by showing her around the country. The sparks between them are evident from the start, but neither intends to do anything about them - their lives are set on different paths. But Akil can't deny he likes spending time with Clem, who brings a sense of fun to his life that has been missing for too long.

Clem enjoys spending time with Akil, who introduces her to the country of half her heritage. I loved her enthusiasm for getting to know Asturia; their intense sightseeing day was fun. I also enjoyed seeing her observations and comments on the things she saw. I especially enjoyed how she used her acting skills and the joy it gave her. I ached for her because of how her father treated her. To have him be so close yet still ignore her was so hurtful for her. Akil's attention and appreciation go a long way toward easing some of that hurt.

But the more time they spend together, the stronger their attraction grows, and their feelings along with it. I liked seeing Akil accept his feelings and want to keep Clem in his life. But Clem worries that staying in Asturia would make things too hard on Rosy, so she pushes him away. Matters become more complicated when the king finally comes to see Clem, only to devastate her further. I loved that Akil decides to fight for her, and has an interesting conversation with the king. The ending is terrific as Clem also decides to fight for what she wants. The scene on the beach was sweet and emotional and the perfect end to the book.

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