Welcome to the tiny European country of Rosavia, where roses ramble over alpine slopes and princes fall for the men of their dreams. Every Rosavia Royals book happens simultaneously, so books can be read on their own, or in any order... but keep an eye out for familiar faces around the palace!
After spending half his life dodging his duty to the crown, the rebel heir to the Rosavian throne has been told in no uncertain terms that it’s time to settle down. Crown Prince Leopold has one month and a vetted list of suitable princesses, and he will announce his engagement during Rosavia’s Royal Ball. But Leo’s got his own ideas about what really suits him…
Royal Librarian Edvin Blom is good at not attracting attention. Shy and self-conscious of his stutter, he’s used to being overlooked and more than happy to stay in the background. At least, until the crown prince with a wild reputation shows up at the library’s new opening and decides to flirt with Edvin’s sister…
Edvin isn’t at all what Leo thought he wanted, but turns out to be everything he can’t stay away from. Edvin’s been burned by falling for someone out of his league before, though. And believing that Leo has really fallen for him? While Edvin’s drowning in his own doubts and insecurities, that might prove impossible… unless love gives them both a reason to come up for air.
Exclusive from Stella & the Inspirations behind her Prince:
Up for Heir by Stella Starling
How did you become a part of this project/world?
I’ve been friends with Ed and Helen for a while now and love them to absolute pieces! I’m not normally one for group projects, but they knocked it out of the park when it came to shared-world building with their Men of Hidden Creek series, and more than that, they are truly some of the loveliest human beings I know, so when they asked if I was interested, I said yes… and I’m so glad I did! It’s been a total blast to create this world with both of them, Max, and Zoe. I’m pretty sure that Rosavia has become “real” to all of us over the last couple of months, and my only regret is that we’ll never be able to visit it in person. *sob*
Where did your story’s inspiration come from?
The title and cover were already set when I joined Rosavia, and the other authors had already worked out some general ideas about the royal family, including the fact that my prince would be the oldest and the heir… and that he’d be none too happy about his responsibilities in that regard.
I absolutely LOVE starting with “limits” or pre-existing parameters on a story. It almost reminds me of a creative writing drill. Having to make a story fit certain cues pushes my creativity and gives me a chance to ask myself, “but why would he…?”
For this one, I knew based on the world building that the group had already done that the heir would need to marry, and he’d need to do it fast—by the Royal Ball where each of the five concurrent storylines culminates—and that he would start out not very happy about those facts- LOL! So given that he was one to dodge responsibility and rebel against his duties whenever possible, I wanted him to meet a man who was his opposite. Who embraced responsibility and could inspire Leo to do the same with his. And I also just adore shy nerdy-boy characters, so once I knew I was going to do an opposites-attract story, I just let my imagination loose on it, came up with Eddie—my sweet, selfless, stuttering little librarian—and let his Cinderella story unfold as I wrote it.
How did you create your Prince?
I generally find that I get to know my characters best once I’m a few chapters in, and this was definitely true with Leo. While I knew some basic parameters about him from the pre-existing world building already in place when I joined the project, I really only started to figure out what made him tick once I dove into the writing.
I started Leo’s first chapter with a conversation between him and his valet, and as that relationship unfolded throughout the book—along with Leo’s relationship with Treble, the cat who adopted him—I realized that he was someone who didn’t know how to show his feelings, and was, in fact, often in a bit of denial of them. But then I got to ask myself “why?” …well, I already knew that he’d rebelled against the responsibilities of being the heir, and I figured that a great reason for that was that it had emotionally distanced him from the people who loved him. And voila! Now I had a man in need of love who wouldn’t recognize it when he gets it. Perfect—*grin*—because I absolutely adore writing clueless men who are actually head-over-heels for their love interests but somehow remain oblivious to that fact even though it’s crystal clear to everyone else—LOL! And that, combined with Leo’s shy little librarian’s assumption that the prince was out of his league, made for a whole cascade of fun, sweet moments as their love story unfolded and they each finally started to believe in the other.
Carra's Review
Time to dive into the Rosavia Royals series, and today it’s Up for Heir. This book focuses on Leopold (Leo), the first in line for the throne, a playboy and one who’d always only been with women previously. He’s not a fan of doing what he’s told and is known as the rebel of the family, but he does care about Rosavia and wants to do what’s best for its people. But don’t take that to mean he’s going to just give in to his parents’ wishes when it comes to marriage.
Edvin (Eddie) is adorably sweet, and has had the tremendous responsibility of caring for his younger siblings after the death of their parents. He is without a doubt my favorite character of this story. He’s the commoner to Leo’s royalty, something Leo’s parents are not too keen about.
I will admit, the relationship that forms between Leo and Eddie does feel kind of insta-lovey, and there seems to be a lot of telling, not showing when it comes to the development of that relationship. I did find my attention wandering with the amount of exposition and areas where we’re basically hearing a running commentary of what the characters are thinking. It made the story feel drawn out, whereas the sections of dialogue tended to grab my interest a lot more.
The glimpses of Leo’s brothers and subtle hints of other things going on do have my interest piqued for their stories, and that plus my love of Eddie’s character were the major factor in my 3.5-star rating. It’s a good start for the series though, and readers who enjoy royalty/commoner matchups will be pleased with Leo and Eddie’s story. Keep in mind there’s some adult language and sexual content, so this book is meant for readers 18+.
Prince Cassander is on vacation from his overdeveloped sense of duty. While hiding out as simply ‘Cas’ in the Rosavian capital, he rescues a gorgeous, distressed American tourist. Matty has no idea that Cas is second in line to the throne. And with only two weeks together to explore the sparks between them, he doesn’t need to ever find out.
New Yorker Matty Doyle is a fish out of water, taking care of his niece and mending his broken heart. When Cas rescues him, the handsome stranger coaxes Matty out of his shell and he throws caution to the wind. Nobody knows him here. Would it hurt to live a little for once?
But a prince can’t stay secret in his own country for long. Cas would give anything to protect Matty from reality, but how can this fantasy together continue when they belong in different worlds?
Prince Julius has only ever wanted one man. Raised alongside Prince Dante of Thedes, the two were inseparable until their unspoken mutual attraction ignited into a single passionate encounter. Convinced that it ruined their friendship, Julius retreated to his duties in Rosavia, where he daydreams of another chance to win Dante’s heart.
After four years apart, fate brings Prince Julius back to Thedes. He offers Dante a coveted invitation: return to the Rosavian palace for ten days, and be his plus-one to the Royal Ball of the century. Before long, they realize one night of passion wasn’t enough, and they can’t imagine losing each other again.
As the clock ticks down to the ball, Julius catches wind of Dante’s family meddling, and he must decide if their feelings are real or if they’ve both been played. Were they always meant for each other, or is it all an illusion that will melt away at midnight?
A spy prince needs: a man who sees through his disguise.
Prince Benedict is not what he seems. His image as a lazy playboy is carefully constructed to hide the truth. Trained since childhood to become Rosavia's top spy, he spends his life in disguise—and danger—to protect his country. Nobody sees the loneliness in his heart.
Felix Wright is a genius with four degrees, no real-world experience, and a top-secret job... and he's never even been kissed. A lifetime of being alienated for his most valuable assets has left him reluctant to trust the charming prince who thrusts him into fieldwork for the very first time.
When the Crown Jewels are stolen two weeks before the royal ball, it's their job to save the country's reputation. Benedict helps Felix believe in himself, while Felix slowly coaxes the real prince out of hiding. But can they find the jewels and rescue the most priceless treasures of all: each other?
Prince Renford is a royal brat. Nineteen and last in line for the throne, Wren hates his made-up job: Commander of Roses. Good thing his long-time valet has a firm hand—if only Wren could tempt him to break all palace protocol and use it.
Thom Pierce is sixteen years older. Old enough to know he should ignore his prince's less-than-subtle flirtation. He's been burned by a higher-ranked boy before. His job and reputation are at stake if the palace catches a scandal unfolding under their noses.
Wren needs the part of Thom that he's kept locked away for years. If the young prince wants to be taken as seriously as his older brothers, he has to grow up fast. Thom's rules could help Wren become the man Thom knows he can be in time for the Royal Ball... or they could attract the very attention that forces them apart forever.
Stella Starling is the storytelling team of two M/M contemporary romance authors who have far too many stories to tell on their own, so decided it would be fun to tell a few of them together. The authors bring their love for writing, romance, and sweet, steamy “happily ever afters” to every story, and hope that “their boys” will give readers a delicious escape into a world where love always wins.
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