Themes of civic engagement and initiating change when and where you see a need in your community are solid undercurrents throughout this frothy romance. Owen has a lot more whimsy and is the perfect counterpoint for Zora as the story focuses on their courtship and builds up to the big royal wedding (which is a clear and beautiful homage to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s nuptials in 2018). She has immense pride in her hometown in New Jersey and a lot of affection for her family–even when it looks like her brother and her best friend might be making some questionable dating decisions. She is a practical, passionate Black girl and she is more than ready to speak her mind when the situation calls for it. Truly Madly Royally is a standalone contemporary perfect for anyone who can’t get enough royal romances. Soon Zora has to decide if dating Owen is worth the media attention–and if she can still stay true to herself while dating an actual prince in Truly Madly Royally (2019) by Debbie Rigaud. But it also sets Zora up for more scrutiny (and criticism) from strangers than she ever imagined. When Owen invites Zora to be his date at his older brother’s wedding, it’s a dream come true. But it’s hard to focus on her courses when thinking about Owen is taking up so much of her attention.

But even with all of her confidence, no one is more shocked than Zora by her immediate connection with Owen–the actual prince of an island off the coast of England.Īttending a prestigious summer program should give Zora all the skills she needs to grow her after school helper program to reach even more of her neighbors.

Monetary donations: PayPal to Gently used or other new book donations mailed to:īook donations are used at the discretion of the library.Zora Emerson knows exactly who she is and she knows that she has everything she needs to make big changes in her part of the world.

If you order a wish list book from Bookshop, please send a message to so the book can be removed to avoid duplicate purchases, as I do not believe the site automatically removes the book from the list. This truth is an admiral trait because she doesn’t let anyone tell her who she is. From Owen’s security detail to being pulled from class and escorted to the campus police station, to the way Owen’s family treats her, Zora keeps her head up and takes it all on.

After Zora meets Owen, she meets many different faces of discrimination.

Zora is true to herself in the face of dissent.

Truly madly royally