Kristie J’s review of Royal (Rixton Falls, Book 1) by Winter Renshaw
Contemporary Romance published by Amazon Digital Services 21 Feb 16
Rather than keep everyone in suspense, I’m going to say right off the bat that I liked this book. I really liked it a lot. I liked it so much I had a hard time putting it down, and when I did read the last page, I ordered the next book in the series.
We don’t learn a lot about Royal’s home life, only that he is in foster care and the almost-adopted son of Demi’s family. The first part of the book goes into their pasts from age 10. Royal is her brother’s best friend and he’s a yucky boy who bothers her. Over time he becomes more tolerable, until they become almost inseparable.
But one night while waiting for Royal to show up, she is told with no explanation as to why that Royal will not be coming back and will no longer be a part of the family. To say she is devastated is to put it mildly. She is told under no circumstance is she allowed to have any contact with him, and while there is no explanation given, she’s so broken hearted she doesn’t want to anyway. This background leads up to today.
It’s now seven years later, and though Demi has a boyfriend, in her heart she’s never really moved on from Royal. She’s still very bitter but can’t forget him. When he contacts her out of the blue, she doesn’t want to speak with him; but he’s insistent that he gets a chance to at least tell her what happened, why he didn’t show up ,and why her family, who was almost his adopted family, wants nothing to do with him and doesn’t want Demi to either. She finally listens, and it’s a heartbreaking story he has to tell.
I found this to be a very emotional read. Royal’s history and story is tragic and he’s a very sympathetic hero. I enjoyed him quite a bit. And Demi is good too. Though she’s tried to move on, she really hasn’t been able to. She fell for Royal when she was young and for her, he’s just the one. I know some readers have issues with a life-long love starting from childhood, but I’ve enjoyed this trope if written well, and I thought this was written quite well.
Grade: B+
Summary:
His name is Royal, but he’s no prince charming. He’s not even a prince – though you could say I loved him once upon a time.
He was my older brother’s best friend.
Growing up, he sat at our dinner table every Sunday, teased me mercilessly, and pretended I annoyed him.
When I was old enough, he took me on my first date.
Royal taught me how to drive. Escorted me to my junior prom. Gave me my first kiss…amongst other things. He was my first taste of toe-curling, all-consuming, can’t-sleep love.
We had our whole lives ahead of us. There was never anyone else for me but him.
And then he disappeared. No letter. No explanation. Not even a goodbye.
My sisters and brother never forgave him, and my parents forbade me from speaking his name in our house ever again. For all intents and purposes, we were to pretend Royal Lockhart never existed.
I’ve spent the last seven years trying in vain to forget my first love, but just when I think I’ve finally moved on, guess who’s back in town?
No excerpt available.
