Book Review: Battle Royal (Palace Insiders #1) by Lucy Parker

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Lucy Parker
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: August 17th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits.

Ready…

Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, colorful creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere, the hottest pastry chef in London. When her glittery unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has managed to use her fame to help fulfill her dream of opening a bakery, Sugar Fair. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess.

Set…

Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker, the go-to for sweet-toothed A-List celebrities, and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that the irksome Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple.

Match…

When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they’re both determined to come out on top.

The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection.

In this royal battle, can there be room for two? 

ROYAL WEDDING + BAKING ROMANCE.

If those two things above intrigue you, READ THIS BOOK. A great combination of the two.

Admittedly, I wasn’t loving the first half. It moved slowly. And it was a lot of telling vs. showing in regards to Dominic’s personality. He was also verrrrrrry boring. I had to wait a long time to see any cracks in that wall. When they did crack though, OH BOY.

I ADORED the way Sylvie and Dominic’s relationship flowed. It was one of the most natural progressions I’ve ever read. They were meant to be and it was so clear for each and every interaction they had. I was utterly smitten and wrapped up in it all.

At times the royal plot line really overshadowed the love story. It would turn a lot of focus onto the royal relationship and how that was going, what was happening, etc. It was fine initially, but took a lot away from Sylvie and Dom’s page time.

I love how the rival to lovers trope worked out. There wasn’t a ridiculous argument and over the top competitiveness. It worked out beautifully and further solidified how well these two needed each other. Full of romance (on many sub-plots), baking, and moving through grief. I’m excited to see who the series will follow next!

Overall audience notes:

• Contemporary Romance
• Language: some strong
• Romance: kisses to multiple open door
• Trigger/Content Warnings: sexism, child neglect recounted, grief/loss depiction, death of parents and other loved ones

Instagram || Goodreads