Owen – Although Owen is a prince, he wasn’t haughty or above reproach.Black girl at center of a lighthearted novel – This book reminded me that we really need to see more lighthearted contemporaries with Black girl leads because what kind of message is publishing sending when they put so much pressure on Black creatives to produce issues books as though the only stories worth telling are ones where Black characters suffer for the sake of readers learning a “lesson”?.

Whether she’s dealing with classism or racism, she never tried to be anyone but herself. I loved how loyal she was and despite the fact that she didn’t always feel accepted at Halstead University during the summer program, she never tried to make herself smaller to accommodate others. She’s driven, has the biggest heart, and isn’t afraid of a challenge.

Zora – Zora was such an enjoyable lead character.

The guy hanging out in the library, making anonymous wisecracks through bookshelves? My realest human connection at this school was with someone who. “I could not be more shocked if I stuck a wet finger in a janky outlet. Can she maintain her sense of self while moving between two very different worlds? And can her feelings for Owen survive and thrive in the midst of the crazy? Find out in this charming romantic comedy that’s like The Princess Diaries for a new generation. Everyone is talking about her, in real life and online, and while Owen is used to the scrutiny, Zora’s not sure it’s something she can live with. When Owen invites Zora to be his date at his big brother’s big royal wedding, Zora is suddenly thrust into the spotlight, along with her family and friends. Zora can’t ignore the chemistry between them. But Owen is funny, charming…and undeniably cute. So she’s definitely not expecting to feel a connection to Owen, who’s an actual prince of an island off the coast of England.

She’s excited to be attending a prestigious summer program, even if she feels out of place among her privileged, mostly white classmates. “Fiercely independent and smart, Zora Emerson wants to change the world.

Truly Madly Royally by Debbie Rigaud