Review: The Unlikely Heir by Jax Calder (Unlikely Dilemmas #1)

The Unlikely Heir is the first book in the Unlikely Dilemmas series. This is my second read from Jax Calder, and it's a title that I've come across quite a few times, suggested because I've read Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. I'm glad I finally made time to read this series starter because it turned out to be highly entertaining, and just the right lighthearted romance I needed. The only similarities it shares with the McQuiston bestseller is that it's an LGBTQIA+ romance, and one main character is an American, the other a Brit. Oh, and that they both happen to have had me grinning happily by the end.

Callum Prescott is a twenty-five-year-old American who is just a bit quirky and awkward. When he's approached by someone from Scotland Yard during a date and informed that he's now the heir to throne, he leaves behind his life in California. He's always known he was in the line of succession, but he never imagined he would be brought forward by leaps after his royal relatives decided to use their positions for personal profit. Many doubt his worthiness to be the next king, but he's vowed to help his grandmother save the monarchy. His blossoming friendship with thirty-nine-year-old Prime Minister Oliver Hartwell is a great source of comfort and support, but soon enough, Callum finds himself developing feelings for Oliver. Being the future monarch is difficult enough for Callum and leading the United Kingdom as prime minister is equally complicated for Oliver, but falling for each other may turn out to be quite cataclysmic...or maybe the best thing ever.

When Callum received the news about being bumped ten places in the line of succession, there was a second that I thought of the movie King Ralph, which starred the talented John Goodman as an American who unwittingly becomes the new king of the United Kingdom. Callum doesn't become king; he does, however, become the Prince of Wales, aka the heir to the throne. I loved the friendship he develops with, of all people, the Prime Minister, aka Oliver. From their texts and calls to their face-to-face interactions, stolen moments, and internal musings, it was clear that they were headed in one direction and one direction only. Of course, a happy ending doesn't come as easily when it involves the future king and the current prime minister, but it should go without saying that this prince does live happily ever after with his man. 4.5 stars go to The Unlikely Heir!

Date Read: 08 August 2024

Learn more about Jax Calder.

Purchase The Unlikely Heir on Amazon.