So I have this secret passion for royal romances... wait, what do you mean it's not a secret?
*considers my Goodreads library*
OK, you might have a point there. All right, I have a not-at-all-secret passion for royal romances, but a distressingly high proportion of them are not very good. The last one I read (Pretend Princess) was absolutely dire.
The Doctor and the Princess is absolutely FANTASTIC. I loved the premise - a 'spare' princess, not wanting to be a mere ornament, becomes a doctor and goes to work for Doctors Without Borders, but her brother's abdication of the crown suddenly dumps the job of Head of State unexpectedly on her shoulders. Right as she's about to get hot and heavy with another doctor she met while on mission.
Gabrielle and Sullivan are perfect for each other, both dedicated, driven and damaged... Gabrielle by the weight of the burden that has suddenly been dumped on her, Sullivan by the PTSD and depression after the loss of his father he has been sublimating by burying himself in his work.
Making the decision to go with Gabrielle to offer his support as she must take up the reins of her country lands Sullivan in a situation with too much time to think. He has to take care of his own demons before he can be the true partner Gabrielle needs.
There was so much to like about this book, from the charming, realistically written characters to the unflinchingly honest, medically accurate way the author addressed Sullivan's mental health issues. There was a particularly moving scene where Gabrielle abandoned a state dinner to help him when he had a panic attack; would that everyone who suffered from those kind of issues had someone as loving and capable to help them through it!
The Doctor and the Princess is an absolutely delightful romance and if you, like me, have a not-very-secret passion for royal romances, I heartily recommend it as one of the best I've ever read. Five well-deserved stars, and put Scarlet Wilson on your list as an author to watch in the future!
The Doctor and the Princess is available now in paperback, and is on pre-order on Kindle for delivery on May 1.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.