Mini Review: The Heir and the Spare by Emily Albright

The Heir and the Spare

Emily Albright

Publication Date: January 18, 2016

Genre: YA Contemporary

Family can be complicated. Especially when skeletons from the past pop up unexpectedly. For American Evie Gray, finding out her deceased mother had a secret identity, and not one of the caped crusader variety, was quite the surprise. Evie’s mom had a secret life before she was even born, one that involved tiaras.

In this modern day fairytale, Evie is on a path to figure out who her mom really was, while discovering for herself what the future will hold. Charged with her late mother’s letters, Evie embarks on a quest into her past. The first item on the list is to attend Oxford, her mom’s alma mater. There, Evie stumbles upon a real life prince charming, Edmund Stuart the second Prince of England, who is all too happy to be the counterpart to her damsel in distress.

Evie can’t resist her growing attraction to Edmund as they spend more time together trying to unravel the clues her mother left behind. But, when doubts arise as to whether or not Edmund could ever be with an untitled American, what really ends up unraveling is Evie’s heart. When Evie uncovers all the facts about her mom’s former life, she realizes her mom’s past can open doors she never dreamed possible, doors that can help her be with Edmund. But, with everything now unveiled, Evie starts to crack under the pressure of new family responsibilities and the realization that her perfect prince may want her for all the wrong reasons.

Review copy provided thru Edelweiss

This story is not Kate and William. Not exactly. But I liked the premise and I couldn’t really say no to a story where the characters finds out her mother (or father) is secretly a member of nobility (or royalty in some cases) and they embark on a journey of self-discovery without losing sight of their true selves.

Ah, modern royal romance. Plus the prince that the main character falls in love with is not the direct heir to the throne! That’s a load off the potential romance.

I liked Evie well enough. She was relatable and focused. She was a little stubborn sometimes but determined to accomplish what she set out to do; especially when she was doing a sort-of quest to learn about her mother’s background. Lo and behold! Evie might be suitable for the prince after all.

The Heir and the Spare is a quick, fun read for those who love modern royal romances.