Royally Romantic
It's the Anglophile edition of the podcast, where I claim to "not be into royalty all that much," and then immediately prove myself wrong. Fake kingdoms in mountainous areas of Europe, fake royalty who always seem to speak with a British accent, commoners lifted from their humdrum, working-class lives as a metaphoric crown is placed on their heads: I might giggle uncontrollably over the contrivances, but I'll watch and read it all.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMy bestie, Charles, Prince of Wales, lives quite the charmed life.MoviesA Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic of children's literature. It was adapted into a memorable 1939 movie called The Little Princess starring Shirley Temple as the plucky young heroine Sara Crewe. The Victorian novel The Secret Garden, also by Burnett, was adapted into a wonderful 1949 movie starring Margaret O'Brien. The Hallmark royal holiday movies are frequently re-run around Christmas on streaming or cable services that offer the Hallmark Channel as well as the Hallmark app.I have great memories of ice skating every winter and even the summer at ice rinks in the Midwest where I grew up, so my affection for Christmas at the Palace isn't a mystery. The King in this movie is a fox, too--his voice alone makes me feel weak.The Prince & Me is a winner because of the two lead actors, especially Julia Stiles, and the sequels just didn't re-create that magic for me.His Highness in Crown for Christmas is another hottie and this reminds me — I need to make my list for Santa.Once Upon a Holiday steals pretty shamelessly from Roman Holiday but it's a fun twist on the royal gone rogue story. Paul Campbell is my Hallmark movie crush--he's lanky, handsome, witty and smart and I'll watch him in anything.The jewel in the crown of all royal romances is Roman Holiday (1953) with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. It's Audrey Hepburn's first starring role, but you would never know it. This movie is magical and has two absolutely perfect on-screen kisses.BooksPrince Nicholas in Royally Screwed starts out a gorgeous, privileged, egomaniacal royal, but quickly become lovable, caring, and relatable thanks to his love for--and on--lowly barista Olivia Hammond. She's sassy and curvy, he's sensual and ripped, and the sex sneaked in around the security detail is very, very hot.The grump/sunshine pastry chefs of Battle Royal and their "battle of wits and whisks" on the fictional reality show Operation Cake, make this romance clever bubbly fun and an absolute delight in audiobook.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!