The Rules of Royalty

Gr 9 Up–Seventeen-year-old Jamie Johnson is an average high school student until he finds out he is a prince of Mitanor. To make the transition to the new aspects of his life easier, the king brings in Erik, Prince of Sunstad, to give him lessons on royal etiquette. What starts as friendship quickly blossoms into something more. Readers, through the novel’s dual points of view, experience the princes’ burgeoning romance and the royal expectations that create obstacles in their new relationship. Jamie’s family, both biological and adoptive, are supportive of his being gay and encourage him to find balance in his new role as European royalty and in his life back in America. Erik’s nation and family embrace his queer identity; however, his family believes they know what is best for him when choosing a suitable partner and exercise heavy control of his life. Readers will enjoy watching the relationship develop against the background of the opulent royal lifestyle. While the pair do not take their relationship past making out, an overnight trip in which they make out in their underwear makes this a purchase for high school collections.