Royal Good Time
Victoria E. Benoit
Heron & Hummingbird Press (2025)
ISBN: 978-1970341003
Reviewed by Stephanie Elizabeth Long for Reader Views (11/2025)
Time is of the essence for Prince Friedrich of Emarvia. The parliament has decided he must marry by his thirtieth birthday. The 29-year-old has a penchant for debauchery in his cozy bachelorhood, alongside his promiscuous cousin and wild best friend. To his dismay, the princess trials have begun, with the most eligible noble ladies flocking into Marvia City for a chance to be the next princess, heir to the throne. But Friedrich’s attention is held hostage by a stunning auburn-haired American, who is nannying for Lord and Lady Maier. Auriela Sumner is jaw-droppingly beautiful and intriguing, and the prince’s infatuation is becoming stronger every second he spends with her.
Between Auriela’s job and studies, she doesn’t have the time for a relationship, and that suits her just fine after being hurt by someone in the past. But when she is pursued by intoxicating Prince Friedrich, all bets are off. Perhaps it’s the smutty books her aunt has been giving her because she can think about getting between the sheets with Friedrich.
Can the pair enjoy each other’s bodies with a no-strings-attached agreement? As the princess trials draw to a close, their little arrangement can’t last forever.
Imagine if The Bachelor and Bridgerton had a love child; it would be Victoria E Benoit’s Royal Good Time: A Contemporary Royal Romance. Chock full of scandal, humor, and lusty encounters combined with formal language and regality, this novel undeniably lives up to its title. Readers can expect to be swooning and giggling in tandem while immersing themselves in this gem. Cleverly written from both Auriela’s and Friedrich’s perspectives, the narration endlessly entertains readers as they grapple with infatuation, secrets, and the risk of being outed by the media.
The author has deftly created characters that have red-hot chemistry. The sizzling energy is palpable as they send flirty texts, spend hours daydreaming about each other, and find creative ways to get a moment alone together. Because of the boundaries they’ve set, it always leaves readers wanting more of that romantic escapism they have to be so discrete about.
While this contemporary romance is brimming with fun, it certainly doesn’t skimp on substance, nor does it skimp on the burgeoning relationship between Auriela and Friedrich. Benoit explores heavier topics like religious and sexual trauma, illness, and death. Both face obstacles that play a significant role in their character development. Auriela’s repressed sexuality stems from an overbearing religious family and the purity teachings of the church. Imagine being led to believe that sensual gratification was something to be ashamed of. Challenging these beliefs means Auriela must face a situation that she’s fought so hard to detach from. The King, Friedrich’s father, is rapidly worsening, and he must navigate feelings of grief and an immense pressure to take on more of the King’s responsibilities.
Readers looking for a unique contemporary romance with plenty of sweep-you-off-your-feet moments and characters who share an irresistible chemistry, look no further! Even more, if you have a keen interest in the opulent (and sometimes chaotic) life of royals, Royal Good Time, book one in the Rowdy Royals series, will provide you with hours of entertainment!