The love story of a lonely prince, the man who steals his heart, and the magic of a snowy castle at Christmas.
Labeled as a playboy Prince, Raphael has done many crazy things in his life but commissioning a new museum to employ a stranger as a curator may top them all. For him, the game began in London when he outbid Marc at a Sotheby’s auction, but what started as a misguided attempt at flirting ends when Marc confronts him and tells him home truths that cut deep. No one has ever stood up to Raphael before, and it’s enough to have him questioning his role as the youngest son of an ancient royal family. He wants to be a better man, and if he happens to fall in love on the way there, then that’s just perfect.
The threat of losing his job means this could be the worst Christmas of Marc’s life. Not only has he been outbid on a piece of history to a prince with more money than sense, but his career at the British Museum is now on the line. When the same prince offers him a dream position, his first instinct is to refuse out of principle, but he knows he can never turn down being part of a team that reveals centuries of hidden history. His professionalism turns to horror when he discovers that he’s not part of a team at all and that Raphael—call me Rafe—is determined to shadow his every move. Hours alone in the castle archives start frosty, but when the ice melts, the magic of Christmas could lead to love.
Christmas Prince is a standalone, opposites attract, Christmas M/M romance with a lonely prince, a stunning castle in the snow, a touch of magic, and a beautiful happily ever after.
RJ Scott writes heartwarming, passionate MM/gay romance stories where every man finds his happily ever after. When not writing, she enjoys reading books, watching movies, spending time with her family, following Formula 1 (Forza Ferrari!), and cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Email her here: rj@rjscott.co.uk
The beginning was very promising but turned out ok after 40% mark. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the story but I thought I was going to fall in love with it and instead, I just liked it. Sweet, low-angst, a lonely prince and a passionate curator. It was pretty enjoyable.
3.5 every boy needs a white knight in shining armor stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This is most likely my last Christmas book of the season. I've now read five of the seven books in this series and really love the idea of an angel who helps men with empty hearts find love. She's the unnamed patron angel of gay men.
That being said, the angel is kind of a brat in this story, poking Marc hard enough to make him bleed and splashing water all over Raphael. I preferred the more symbolic angel of the previous books, who whispered, not shoved.
I loved the fairy tale castle setting and the idea of a small, democratic European kingdom where the youngest prince is so dedicated to the people, his appearance at the Christmas market is no big deal.
I liked Raphael, but Marc was a little wooden and uptight. Even though we're privy to both men's POV, Marc's character lacked charisma.
R.J. Scott writes more cute than sexy, so I found the passion sorely lacking. The steamy scenes were truncated and flat, and I never felt a true connection between the MCs.
I also wish more had been said about the mystery of Raphael's ancestor, Augustine. That entire plot line seemed rushed, and the story ended before anything was really resolved.
The epilogue was sweet, though. I'm glad the men found their HEA.
Last year, to put us into Holiday spirit, RJ Scott delighted us with a sweet Christmas romance and selected an appropriate cover for it, one of the cutest cover I’ve seen.
This year, RJ Scott delivers a modern day fairy tale with this light MM romance set in an independent city-state bordering the South of France and bathed in snow. Oh, Oh, Oh, it already smells the Christmas tale. So Rafael the Prince gets to invite Marc, a newly hired curator, to work with him and with some little nudges from an angel, they explore the treasures of Rafael's heritage and their attraction.
It’s fluffy, tender, romantic and with a cute HEA, just as expected from a Christmassy fairy-tale. Enjoyable and well written, but it would have deserved to be a full-length romance to explore more of the royal family history, and get more steamy times between Rafael and Marc.
** A special big fat Thank You to "Impatient Elf" : a warm way to get into the Holiday Spirit. Big hugs, <3 **
Is there anyone who hasn't, at one time in their lives, wished to be in an old fashioned fairy tale romance with a handsome Prince or Princess sweeping them off their feet?
If only for a little while until the reality kicks in that they're not perfect and it takes just as much work to keep Prince Charming happy as it does Joe Bloggs that is.
In the final berry to this absolutely wonderful series, RJ Scott gives us a handsome Prince, a curator of European history, a tiny Principality on the French/Italian border, a family secret outed and a Christmas Angel who really does get herself involved in the meddling.
I wanted to read about Rafael and Marc forever :)
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a wonderful modern Cinderfella story, with a touch of a little ghost and some secret of the past. Marc and Raphael were opposite in everything, except their silly interest of one thing in the auction. And that was actually drove Raphael and Marc together in the first place. Their first meeting intrigued Raphael to get to know the fiery curator, and he wanted him. What Raphael want, Raphael get. He's a Prince after all. And a sneaky one. I loved their chemistry, their same interest of one particular subject, and hearing the same 'ghost'. Christmas Prince was an entertaining holiday story, and well written by RJ. It's sweet, yes. Sugary sweet, yes. Adorable, yes. Cute and dreamy, yes. Besides, who doesn't want to have their own prince anyway? Christmas Prince was enjoyable, light, no angst, and RJ wrapped it well with a guaranteed happy ending between Raphael and Marc. What's not to love?
3.5 stars I was really enjoying this book it had everything going for it including a gosh darn prince. It could of been a wonderful fairy tale. However, the ending seemed rush. It was like the author just wanted to wrap it all up and be done with it. After the process of hanging out and getting to know one another I expected a bit more of a romantic confession of love but nope the I love you's were just thrown out there. Then the epilogue came soon after and the story was done. I guess I just wanted a bit more of them and a lot less history of the Prince's family belongings.
Just what did I just read? I mean I know what I read - holiday novella, part of the Christmas Angel stories, but was this supposed to be romantic? if so, completely missed the boat for me. Rafael comes out as entitled ass at first ( not malicious one, but beyond entitled). You offer the job to the guy whom you want to seduce and then tell him the job doesn't depend on that? Um, okay.
I mean we do see Marc's POV and we know he is attracted even when he is resisting Rafael, so this is fully consensual and Rafael tells him almost from the very beginning that part of the reasons he offered a job is because he wants him, but still, I cannot shake off YUCK feeling even though I know it was not the intention.
I liked the use of angel. If she is helping lonely men get together, SHOW me what she does not just tell me as the authors in the other two stories in these series did. Here she is actually needed as part of whatever magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved the fairytale-like royal setting of this story, in the beautiful little kingdom of Montaunoit with the snow and tons of Christmas lights, Christmas market, hidden passages and archives in the palace, etc. The Christmas Angel is believed by the palace staff to be a "golden ghost" and she has a nice influence in this story, steering Prince Rafe and the British Museum historian, Marc, to true love. I always enjoy RJ's Christmas books and this one will be one of my favorites.
Settimo libro della serie natalizia "The Christmas Angel", "Un principe a Natale" si presenta più che come una novella, come un vero e proprio romanzo autoconclusivo. L’autrice infatti è riuscita a creare una storia talmente ben scritta e ben congegnata, pur nella sua brevità, che risulta riduttivo definirla novella. Quello che spicca è la capacità di aver saputo creare dei personaggi a tutto tondo non solo per i due protagonisti, ma anche per gli altri personaggi della storia che non sono appena accennati, ma hanno una loro personalità che li rende dei perfetti comprimari. Al tempo stesso RJ Scott è riuscita a scrivere una storia magica che ci fa immergere completamente nell’atmosfera natalizia e che ci fa sognare la fiaba del “principe azzurro”, ma al contempo è riuscita a renderla sensuale e piccante quel tanto che basta da non essere troppo zuccherosa. Il fatto stesso che nel corso della storia le scene d’amore siano sapientemente dosate e sempre più sensuali e romantiche fino al momento clou, fa si che il racconto acquisisca un’atmosfera d’attesa e di trepidazione per quello che succederà che porterà il lettore a parteggiare per Raphael, ma anche per Marc e a sperare nel lieto fine. Insomma siamo di fronte a una di quelle storie che catturano e tengono avvinti i lettori lasciandoli soddisfatti e contenti. A creare tutto ciò contribuisce anche l’ambientazione della storia che si svolge nel principato di Montaunoit in Francia, che ricorda vagamente il Principato di Monaco e quindi quell’atmosfera di lusso e ricchezza che vi si respira, e per altri versi rimanda a quei regni fatati che tutti possiamo immaginare creando un perfetto connubio tra realtà e fantasia. La trama della storia non è da meno: conosciamo il principe Raphael come un giovane un po’ snob, abituato a poter fare di tutto e a esercitare il potere come meglio crede tanto che non esita a soffiare a Marc Chandler, curatore del British Museum, un oggetto che nemmeno vuole solo per il gusto della sfida e perché intrigato da quel giovane. Da qui parte una serie di avvenimenti che porteranno grandi cambiamenti nella vita del principe che si troverà a fronteggiare l’attrazione e il desiderio verso Marc, che a poco a poco si trasformerà in amore. All'inizio del libro il personaggio di Raphael appare forse poco simpatico, ma man mano che lo si conosce e che la storia progredisce saltano fuori le sue buone qualità. Marc d’altro canto ci appare come un giovane posato, ma molto appassionato al suo lavoro, che dovrà convincere Raphael che anche lui ha diritto a essere felice abbracciando l’amore. Fra i due è quello più pragmatico ed è la perfetta controparte di Raphael, ma è anche colui che vuol credere nelle parole dell’angelo, che fa da cupido in tutte le storie di questa serie, per cui inizierà questa storia in maniera razionale per poi abbandonarsi alla “magia” dei sentimenti...
RJ Scott brings in the perfect story to end the tale of the Christmas Angel ornament/tree topper who always found her way to lonely men who needed her magic to reach a forever HEA with the man of their dreams.
This story has a fairy tale quality as Prince Raphael-Alessandro of Montaunoit, a country comparable to Monaco, outbids museum curator Marc Chandler on a box of journals and bric-a-brac that just happens to include a certain Christmas angel crafted in 1750.
I loved the romance of the storyline, the warmth of the royal family’s interactions when they weren’t in public, Raphael’s personality, his interest in his people, his charm, and the buildup of the attraction between the two men. I also enjoyed the fleeting glimpses of the red-haired golden being, her encouragement to each of the men to go for it—give in to their attraction and take a risk that this man will be more than a brief fling. Of all the stories, this is the one where I had to leave my practical thinking behind and just read as if I were in the midst of a fairy tale kingdom watching a very special romance unfold. Normally, I’d say their time between meeting and declaring love was too short, but in this case, it makes sense and fits with the beauty of the tale. In fact, it’s the perfect bookend to the first story in the series, Christmas Angel, written by Eli Easton.
My only dislike is that the main story ended rather abruptly. I would have liked to see Marc share his findings with Raphael and perhaps take a look at their long-term plans. However, I did appreciate the epilogue, which takes place quite a while later, and I especially liked the inclusion of Augustine. Not saying who he is because…spoiler! But all in all, this book was terrific, and I highly recommend the entire series—beautifully written by a variety of highly talented authors.
"Christmas Angel" is set in the small fictional country of Montaunoit (think Monaco). Having been to Monaco two years ago, I though the author did a wonderful job of creating the principality complete with a castle hewn from the mountainside, an oceanographic museum overlooking the sea (just like Monaco), etc. At the beginning of "Christmas Prince," Raphael is a bit stalkery when he outbids Marc for an auction lot just because he is interested in him and lures him to Montaunoit to create a installation featuring an aspect of Montaunoit history pulled from the extensive archives. But once Marc gets past his (IMHO, justified) anger at being treated like a Victorian heroine and Raphael realizes he is overstepping a bit, their relationship grows slowly (very slowly) into a very sweet romance, full of moments together in a snow-covered winter wonderland, lovely holiday events, secret passages, and a warm family Christmas with Raphael's parents and siblings. The sex scenes here are not graphic or extensive detailed, but the chemistry between Raphael and Marc is strong and so beautifully portrayed.
RJ Scott beautifully creates this tender romance that has a touch of magic, courtesy of a Christmas angel that brings the two men together, and it is a sweet heartfelt read for the holiday season. Plus bonus points for the epilogue set three years later that perfectly completes the story. 4.5 stars for "Christmas Prince."
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled to finish, and it was only a novella. I guess I have just never felt connected with the characters nor inspired by the romance. Plus with the angel talking in the characters' head, it felt less contemporary, somehow? I know it's magical but it just doesn't click.
Or maybe just like some authors, R.J. Scott's writing no longer fit my taste preference and I'm making excuses *hehe*. Sorry.
So here I am at the final book in The Christmas Angel series, we’ve now arrive at present day and what better way to cap the series off than with a prince! I love stories like this since they give us all the hope—however unlikely—that we may all one day find our own royal prince. The angel makes a more prominent showing this time around nudging our guys along, which I did like quite a bit…kind of like she was playing the fairy godmother from behind the scenes.
Marc is dedicated to his work, fascinated by the past and those objects and stories that unravel it. He’s pretty serious, but just like many of us the lure of a gorgeous royal makes him ponder what *could* happen. Prince Raphael at first does come off as an entitled, playboy smartass. But as the story unfolds, you can see how being around Marc affects him, and how he changes as the two of them grow closer as they work together…and eventually become more.
This story is charming and largely lighthearted with a low angst level, and just enough heat to spice things up a touch. The majority of the story moves along at a good, even pace and didn’t feel rushed—until the end which did seem a bit abrupt to me. The epilogue though was a great look at Marc and Raphael a few years down the road, and brought the story—and the series—to a sweet and happy close.
A solid 4 stars for Christmas Prince, Marc and Raphael were great together and I would definitely recommend their story to any M/M romance, holiday romance, or fairytale prince romance fans…you’ll all enjoy it! This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content. As with the rest of the series, it can be read as a standalone. I read the series in order, and personally I think that’s the best way to read it so you can see things change through time.
There's always that one book in a collaboration that doesn't ring the same as the others. I'm sorry to say, this was it for me. I had a hard time connecting with the MC's. I never found the hook to drew me in. I found the angel speaking in their heads...peculiar. It didn't mesh with her "meddling" in the previous books. I know each author spun their own bit of magic with the red-headed beauty, but this one didn't have the same fascination...in my eyes. Or perhaps I just don't mesh with Scott's writing? I'm not entirely sure but it didn't grip me like the rest.
Well, I think this was probably my favorite of the series. We are bang up to date, The Angel now 268 years old is in a box of stuff bought by an european prince. Marc is given the job by Prince Raphael of cataloguing his familys history and making a gallery. Of course, the Prince and Marc fall in love. All with the help of the angel.
I’m going to be honest. I actually did not enjoy this book. I know Scott can produce good works this just wasn’t one of them. Will I read another RJ Scott in the future? Yes.
Arc graciously provided by the author for an honest review.
RJ Scott's sweet Christmas angel story makes me look forward to the others in the set.
Marc is a curator for the British Museum, sent specifically to purchase lot 89.
When Marc makes prolonged eye contact with extremely attractive Prince Rafael, the infuriating man outbids him in what the prince perceives to be an amusing flirtation. Marc is livid.
Marc is summoned to a snow-covered wonderland to curate a new museum for Prince Rafael's family. The magical wooden angel concealed in the box from lot 89 works her magic. Can Mark see past Rafael's arrogant exterior? Will Rafe tire of the game after a one night stand?
The only issue is that the book isn't long enough. I wanted to know more about the kingdom's history, the secret events, the goblet, the bodyguard. There simply wasn't time in this sweet Christmas story.
Like most RJ Scott novels, I was immediately pulled in. This is exactly the sort of hea I want to curl up with in front of a fire. Marc and Rafael are likable, and it's easy to sympathize with Rafe's loneliness.
I give the novel 4/5, mostly because I felt like there were still loose ends. I recommend it, especially if you like Christmas novels. This is now one of my top holiday picks.
I understand what the author was trying to do here but for me it missed the mark. I liked the slow burn of the relationship and the time that was taken to get to the HEA. I also liked the side characters, they all added a bit to the story I enjoyed Marc and Raphael but although Raphael was a good character,I did like that it showed him interacting with the two people, he unfortunately never recovered from the start. The start is what didn’t work for me. I wish the author used another tool to get Marc to working with Raphael. The fact that the job was created for him so Raphael could sleep with him gave me the heebies and it carried through the whole book. I also felt that time was spent getting them together, and then all of a sudden, marc was thinking I’m falling for him and then in the next breath telling Raphael that he loved him, and then immediately doors to confidential info was opened, it sped up too quickly and boom done.
Christmas Prince is a wonderful holiday story. Prince Rafe and museum curator Marc have amazing chemistry and the entire story is a joy to read. From the opening at an auction to the epilogue I was entranced. Ms. Scott provides amazing descriptions of the surroundings and it is very easy to fall into this fairy-tale land of Montaunoit. If you enjoy Christmas stories, this is one to not miss.
This was ok. I didn't feel any connection between the two mc's and it was a bit boring in places. I did love how she incorporated the angel and the epilogue was sweet.
Magical. What's a more proper Christmas story than a Prince, a castle and uncovering new and old loves with the help of a magical angel that is the perfect Cupid?
Ennesima magia della statuetta del nostro piccolo angelo. Questa è proprio una favola natalizia, con tanto di principe azzurro. Marc è un uomo semplice, con un lavoro che ama tantissimo, mentre Raphael è il figlio di una dinastia reale: cosa ci può essere di più diverso di così? Direi quasi nulla. Tra i due si sviluppa un rapporto lavorativo nato in circostanze a dir poco strane che, a mano a mano che il tempo scorre, cambia e si trasforma in una storia d’amore con un pizzico di mistero che viene dai secoli precedenti. Il libro ci parla di accettazione, di sfida alle convenzioni sociali e, naturalmente, di amore. Un amore che si concretizza scoprendo segreti da un passato lontano. Una bella storia che mi sento di consigliare.
I liked the premise and start of this book (who doesn't love the magic of a Christmas story featuring a prince?!), but it slowly lost steam for me - the characters and their relationship becoming less focused and less interesting instead of more. By the end, it felt like a bit of a slog to get through.
Points for the fact that one of the main characters was a Curator (even if Scott did stretch the job description and cut corners with descriptions of artifact handling, though). ;)
Chciałam już skończyć serię, zatem wzięłam się i za ostatni tom, choć wiedziałam, że łatwo nie będzie. Dlaczego? Bo nie znoszę tematu wymyślonych księstw i rodów królewskich...
I nie pomyliłam się. Z trudem przebrnęłam, totalnie nie interesowała mnie ani historia, ani bohaterowie. Było nudno, z dużą ilością opisów zamku, pomieszczeń itd. Nic nie przykuło mojej uwagi, nie mogłam się doczekać, aż dobrnę z wielkim trudem do końca...
This was extremely sweet. I felt like the characters could have been a little better developed, like a lot of novellas. But it was extra sweet, like a Hallmark or Netflix Christmas movie. I really enjoyed it.