Review: Wear It like a Crown by Zarah Detand
SYNOPSIS:
As part of a team of fixers hired to handle a gay scandal in Buckingham Palace, Leo expects Prince Joshua to be a lot of things, most notably a royally spoilt brat. But when planning the Prince’s coming out throws them into close contact, a tentative friendship blooms. Leo has no intention of ruining it with the admission that Prince Joshua used to star in quite a number of his teenage fantasies.
REVIEW:
I almost skipped over this ridiculously adorable story…the cover was not doing it for me. But I gave it a chance because one of my favorite M/M romance authors recommended it and I am so glad I did. This story was a delicious slow-burn with rich, complex characters, a royal twist, and delightful banter.
Leo and Joshua have a grin worthy ‘first-encounter’, the instantaneous animosity between them had me giggling. The tension sets up for a tentative friendship, which then morphs into so much more. I loved how deliciously complex these characters were. It wasn’t just a story of Joshua coming out, it was also a story of Leo finding self-acceptance and self-forgiveness. It was about finding real, solid friendships and being vulnerable. Both characters, as individuals, did a lot of soul searching through the course of the story. It was endearing and I couldn’t put the book down as a result.
The romance was so very swoon-worthy. I loved learning their shared history and watching Leo unravel. While there were moments when Leo was driving me crazy, I also found myself wanting to wrap him in a hug and protect him from the world. Joshua is stupidly smart and I loved how he was such a strong constant. When Leo finally opens up to Joshua, sigh, my heart. They just compliment each other so well that you can’t help but go down with this ship.
The secondary characters had me laughing out loud and provided some much needed support. Nate and Leo are similar but different. Mo, Tristan, and Joshua’s affectionate little tripod had me smiling endlessly. Then we get the added bonus of a side romance for Nate and Mo. Honestly, I am here for all the happily-ever-afters and this book delivered.
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