yherman_327Description
When Japanese-American Izumi Tanaka learned her father was the Crown Prince of Japan, she became a princess overnight. Now, she’s overcome conniving cousins, salacious press, and an imperial scandal to finally find a place she belongs. She has a perfect bodyguard turned boyfriend. Her stinky dog, Tamagotchi, is living with her in Tokyo. Her parents have even rekindled their college romance and are engaged. A royal wedding is on the horizon! Izumi’s life is a Tokyo dream come true.
Only...
Her parents’ engagement hits a brick wall. The Imperial Household Council refuses to approve the marriage citing concerns about Izumi and her mother’s lack of pedigree. And on top of it all, her bodyguard turned boyfriend makes a shocking decision about their relationship. At the threat of everything falling apart, Izumi vows to do whatever it takes to help win over the council. Which means upping her newly acquired princess game.
But at what cost? Izumi will do anything to help her parents achieve their happily ever after, but what if playing the perfect princess means sacrificing her own? Will she find a way to forge her own path and follow her heart?
Joshuah Ernser @yherman_327
July 29, 2022
5
I was once again swept up into the imperial life and found Izumi and her parents to be delightful. While I enjoyed Izumi's struggle with who she was and who the world wanted her to be, I was greatly disappointed that one of my favorite characters from the first book was mostly absent from the second. This plot twist then led to the romantic trope I never enjoy became a big part of the story. I had hoped Izumi would make an even harder decision being still so young and having a strong mom as a role model, but the life choice she made created a lighter read. Overall, I loved my time in Japan with Izumi and her family.