Review: The Royals Upstairs by Karina Halle

When James Hunter took a new role as a protection officer to Prince Magnus of Norway, he was excited for the challenge and the change that came along with it. However, when he arrives at the royal estate, nothing is as it should be. To make matters worse, he runs into the woman he never thought he’d see again—the woman whose heart he broke, Laila Bruset. With their jobs on the line, Laila and James must find a way to coexist. However, the more time they spend together, the more sparks reignite between them. Will they risk it all for a second chance at love?

I thought this book was an okay read. The plot had a strong start and great potential. I really enjoyed Laila and James’ reunion, and you could feel the chemistry between them, despite the lingering hard feelings. The push and pull between the two main characters kept me engaged, but I have to admit, I didn’t really care for James. There was something about him that just rubbed me the wrong way, which made it harder for me to fully connect with his character.

Additionally, while I appreciated the royal setting, I was hoping for a bit more “royal flair” throughout the story. Although there are definitely royals involved, they weren’t the main focus, which left me wanting more of that regal touch I love in royal romances.

What I Liked:

• The Setting: I love a good royal romance, and setting this story within the Norwegian monarchy was a refreshing and unique choice. It was a nice change from the more common settings and reminded me to step outside my comfort zone.
• The Characters: The characters, particularly Laila, kept me reading. They were well-developed, and I enjoyed seeing the dynamic between Laila and James unfold.

What Didn’t Work for Me:

• The Chemistry: Unfortunately, I struggled to fully connect with the chemistry between Laila and James, which made it difficult to root for them as a couple. While I normally love second-chance romances, I just didn’t feel it with these characters.
• The Structure: I enjoyed the flashbacks, but I wish they had been used more consistently. They added depth to the story, and I found myself wanting more of them.
• The Tropes: As someone who usually loves second-chance romances, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I was hoping for more emotional intensity, especially since I loved The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle.

Overall Thoughts:
While The Royals Upstairs has its charming moments and will definitely resonate with some readers, it didn’t fully land for me. It’s a solid story with a unique royal setting, but it left me wanting more in terms of emotional connection and that extra regal touch.

Ratings:

• Character Authenticity: 3/5
• Spice Rating: 3/5
• Overall Rating: 2.75/5

Content Warnings: Death, dementia, grief

If you enjoy royal romances with second-chance love stories, The Royals Upstairs may be worth checking out, but it might be a hit or miss depending on your preferences.