The Unlikely Heir: A Forbidden MM Royal Romance: 1 (Unlikely Dilemmas) Paperback – 23 Aug. 2023

I, like I imagine a lot of of readers do, approached this book whilst coming down from a soaring Red, White and Royal Blue high. (Personally I preferred the movie, the book for me was a solid 3/5.) To say this book was a rehash, cash-in or spin off however would be an enormous injustice to this author.The Unlikely Heir had the swooping locations, glamour and dazzling love story I was so craving but also a slight, if healthy, dash of grounding realism. Jax Calder has clearly conducted a huge amount of research into not only the UK Royal Family but also politics, geography, culture and even colloquial, every-day Brit-speak As one myself, I can confirm that they got it approx 99% correct- a feat for a native, never mind someone from the other side of the world.Rather than shoehorning in this research for sake alone however, context is used to add fizz to the plot and solidly sew the looming central conflict. The separation of royalty from politics is a smart pivot for the whole book and repeatedly tugs the love story back down from the heights of a potentially unengaging fairy tale. It isn’t just that the characters can’t- just can’t -be together, there’s a very tangible and omnipresent reason why.Yes, on paper a Prime Minister falling for the Prince of Wales sounds literally incredible, yet there’s just enough in The Unlikely Heir to remind the reader that these roles actually do exist in real life and although unlikely, there’s no reason this couldn’t happen one day- maybe.Although a layered supporting cast is thin, Oliver and Callum are painted well and their personalities had me very much invested, despite their somewhat unrelatable set of circumstances. Callum’s mini obsessions and rainbow of fascinating facts was a particular highlight.My only criticism of their relationship timeline would be a seemingly impressive lunge from ‘feeling something’ to ‘love of a lifetime’. I’d have enjoyed a further instance of their connection growing deeper before we dived in head first- but maybe I’m a masochist.Nevertheless, Jax Calder uses the ‘impossibility’ of these two characters falling in love, not to create a throwaway, saccharine romance between two inaccessible characters but to construct a very well structured, emotionally thrilling journey. It’s set out early in Oliver and Callum’s relationship that they cannot continue to see eachother whilst remaining in their respective roles; both men of which are ultimately fervently passionate about and do a lot of good for people. This meant that although from the beginning I set my heart on a happy ending, I had the refreshing joy of having absolutely no idea how it would be achieved.The climax is not only satisfying, but an absolute RIDE. In addition, the conflict just prior to the fantastic final set piece creates a heartbreaking, but delicious appetiser that compliments the finale brilliantly. As much as I love my escapism, (and The Unlikely Heir has it in spadeloads), I needed that brief episode of gut punching angst to make that sweet resolve even more ascending. Moreover I definitely did NOT see that other certain twist coming.This book tended to my post-Red, White & Royal Blue hangover like a massive English fry-up (google it if you’re unsure), and left me feeling fresh as a daisy.Ultimately however, comparing the two books actually does The Unlikely Heir a disservice. Jax Calder provides more plot, more character, more fun, more love, more grit and more joy. It’s a shame this one didn’t precede the other.If for whatever reason you’re hesitant, give it a go- I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s joy.

Well Callum is certainly different...unique...one of a kind. Although he may disagree, he would be the perfect heir to the UK throne. He comes across as warm, kind, caring and cute, he also has great empathy, great material for a royal. Pity some of the actual royals don't appear to have these qualities. Unfortunately for him he's also American, so he gets a great deal of bother from some of the British press. If this story was real , I suspect that this is what would really happen, the British tabloids can be positively cruel and evil! Anyhoo, I digress..my apologies.This is a very readable story. The romance between Callum and Oliver (the prime minister of the UK), is sweet, fluffy and slow burn. Reality definitely needs to be suspended whilst reading, if you're going to enjoy the story. The attraction between Callum and Oliver is immediate, and the more they spend time together the stronger it becomes. There's a wee bit of angst and mystery, but not enough to spoil the cuteness and lovey doviness of the story.One thing that did kind of bug me was Jax's description of a British council estate... I thought it was a wee bit stereotypical. I was brought up on one, as were a lot of my friends, and the majority, that I know of, aren't like this.I received an ARC of this story, which in no way influenced my opinion.

Well, what an amazing book. I loved it. It's a funny, lighthearted love story and was a breath of fresh air for me. It was a really nice change from some of the very intense books I've read recently. I definitely recommend

I’ve been in a bit of a book funk in recent times, nothing seems to be making much of an impression on me as of late, until I started reading this book that is, I could not put it down once I started.I have read a couple of Jax Calder’s short stories before, and while I enjoyed them, I didn’t really think her writing had much depth, my god was I wrong, her writing in this book is amazing. Callum and Oliver’s characters were exceptional, I was fully invested in both of them after just a few pages. The slow burn of their relationship is an absolute joy, watching them become friends, the chemistry between them, and then seeing their relationship begin knowing there was no way for the two of them to be together, I read this book in one go.I couldn’t help comparing this book to Red White and Royal Blue, the synopsis is pretty similar, but to me, this is the book RW&RB should have been, it takes away the stereotypes and idealistic political views, and just leaves an amazing romance with two unforgettable characters.I’ll definitely be reading more of Jax Calder in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and cannot recommend it enough.

Intelligent, likeable, quirky characters with a well written plot. I echo earlier reviewers opinions favouring ‘The Unlikely Heir’ over ‘Red, White & RB’. I struggled to read the entirety of ‘Red, White & RB’. I liked the movie adaptation of it. I LOVED the scene where they danced to Perfume Genius’ version of ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ in the Victoria & Albert museum. I mention that here to highlight how Red, White & RB had many special moments. The Unlikely Heir had precious moments, interesting factoids, and a magnetic chemistry between the leading gentlemen. ‘The Unlikely Heir’ has elevated Jax Calder to ‘Grocery List’ author status. i.e. If she published her grocery list, it would certainly be worth reading.

4.5/5 I loved this! Callum definitely is an unlikely heir, and maybe not the most common romantic lead, but despite his sometimes bumbling and habit of babbling, he is incredibly endearing. Oliver reaching out to support someone who’s so out of his depth was a kind gesture that leads to so much more than either of them expected. I loved Callum’s optimism and determination to see beauty in small things and quiet moments, and his random facts were entertaining (and periodically quite useful). I appreciated Oliver’s slow realisation that he is connecting more to Callum than to anyone else ever.This has some of the same feels as Red, White, and Royal Blue, we just spend all our time in the UK and deal with solely internal political tensions. The terrible jokes, the tensions between the heart and duty, the ultimate support … it was very beautiful. There are still bad people and unfortunate events, but this is more of the world that I want to see.I can’t wait to see how Toby and Harry clash, lol.I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.

Do you remember how in junior high and high school you read books in which the FMC wakes up and surprise! She’s a princess? Well, Callum goes on a date and SURPRISE! He’s a prince! Can I tell you, I haven’t seen the concept done in M/M romances before, probably because I didn’t look for them, but now I need to read every one I can get my hands on. While some of this is completely out of this world, and would not happen, I went in looking for the romance. This had it in spades. Callum was eleventh in line for the throne. He was never meant to see it. He was going to spend his life working in places like insurance call centers, going on dates he couldn’t quite seem to get to a second one, and living a mundane life. It all changes when the royal family does something corrupt and the Queen works with parliament to make Callum the next in line. Cue a whirlwind of activity, a series of unfortunate accidents while he learns how to be a prince for the British populace. Oliver, the Prime Minister, sees something in Callum that he could relate to in his early days as a politician. Mistakes were made, the public has never been his greatest fan, and he reaches out to Callum to offer a comforting word. Then everything changes between them. One thing I loved about The Unlikely Heir, was the use of text messages between Callum and Oliver. I feel like with get a much closer look into their relationship. It was also so cute. It reminded me of the early days of my relationship with my partner. Text messages were our main method of conversation and it’s refreshing to see that reflected in novels. The romance was a little bit of a fade to black, but with the immense buildup, and how shy Callum was, it felt natural. I didn’t need more. They were so flirty, and cheeky. If I could have, I would have been swinging my feet in glee. I was able to sit and read this in two nights. I immediately reached out to my best friend and said she needed to read it. It was easy, fun, and a cute romance to cleanse the palate from the dark/fantasy romances we’ve been drawn to recently. Would I recommend this? Ab-so-frickin-loutely. Now, you may be on the other side and hate this. It’s been that kind of book. People love it or hate it.

Esse livro foi perfeição pura. Que casal maravilhoso, os personagens são extremamente cativantes, o humor foi no ponto certo. Eu li obsessivamente durante 3 dias e mal posso esperar pelo próximo livro! Minha missão de vida pessoal agora é ler todos os livros da Jax!!

5 ⭐Gros coup de coeur pour ce livre. Une magnifique romance “royale” mélant les tropes forbidden love avec strangers to friends to lovers.C’est un slow burn, il ne se passe pas grand-chose au début, les personnages ne se rencontrent la première fois qu’à 14% je crois et la seconde à 20%. Mais ensuite j’ai trouvé leur histoire vraiment très belle. C’est en devenant amis et en échangeant par messages et vidéo chaque soir qu’ils succombent l’un à l’autre. Leur solitude et leur amitié m’a touchée.J’ai eu un peu de mal avec Callum au début que je trouvais un peu béta mais à partir du moment où la relation amicale commence avec Oliver, je l’ai beaucoup mieux découvert et apprécié.Oliver est décrit comme un mélange physique entre Chris Evans et Henry Cavill comment vous dire… J’ai tant aimé ce personnage. Je crois que je l’ai préféré à Callum tellement j’ai aimé ses réflexions et son comportement. Je le comprenais bien. Il m’a énormément touché aussi.L’amour interdit est ici à son paroxysme selon moi puisque, effectivement, c’est impossible que le premier ministre et le prince de Galles entretiennent une relation à cause de l’aspect politique dans la vraie vie. On sent tellement leurs déchirements à ce sujet. Je pense avoir un gros faible pour le trope forbidden love car cela me procure des sensations qu’aucun autre type de romance ne parvient à faire.J’ai rarement ressenti autant de papillons dans mon ventre lors d’une lecture alors que clairement c’était juste une relation amicale et qu’il se ne passait rien d’autre que des échanges de messages et appels entre eux pour une bonne moitié du livre. Mais juste wahou.Spoilers:La sortie dans Londres chez le twittos puis leur échanges sur le banc m’a procuré tant d’émotions. Le manque qu’ils ressentent après. Les appels vidés ou les sms échangés, et surtout les regards. J’ai vraiment aimé les descriptions de leurs regards fixés l’un sur l’autre à de nombreuses reprises.C’est ma première romance où j’apprends autant de faits historiques ou fun facts que raconte Callum. J’ai trouvé cela très intéressant. J’ai adoré leurs échanges de blagues (que je n’ai pas toutes comprises), et leurs guéguerre pour savoir qui fera les pires unes des journaux chaque semaine.Il y a très peu de scènes torrides, deux je crois, qui sont très brièvement décrites mais cela ne m’a pas dérangé du tout, l’autrice se concentre sur leur amour plus que le sexe et cela m’a plu. Cela change des autres romances que je lis habituellement avec des pages de scènes hot. Ici on était sur les sentiments et les regards.Ils sont très directs l’un envers l’autre pour s’avouer ce qu’ils ressentent, cela m’a même surpris (en bien)J’ai trouvé dommage l’aspect vraiment irréaliste de certains faits (notamment à partir de 85% et puis surtout l’épilogue) mais j’aimerais tant croire que ce serait possible dans la vraie vie un jour.Le twist de la fin m’a surpris car je ne m’y attendais pas du tout (ce qui est rare en romance).Évidemment on doit forcément penser à faire un lien avec Red, White and Royal Blue mais les livres et les histoires sont très différentes. J’ai très largement préféré the Unlikely Heir même si RWARB est plus plausible. Rien ne nous empêche d’apprécier les deux.En conclusion, vraiment un coup de cœur pour moi, un livre que je relirai avec plaisir à l’avenir pour revivre toute cette émotion que j’ai ressentie au cours de ma première lecture et un couple à qui je penserai longtemps. Merci Jax Calder.

Loved this cute pair .it was so much of British humour . The writing so smooth . Kept laughing while I read the book