A Royal Read Worth Bowing To: My Journey Through The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich

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Sometimes a book comes along that sweeps you off your feet in the most delightful, unexpected way. For me, that book was The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich. As someone who works with books and loves to read, I usually stick to advanced reader copies—but this time was different. The story sounded so irresistible that I actually bought it when I came across it while shelving a shipment at work just a few days ago. And wow, what a decision! Within 48 hours of cracking it open, I had completely devoured this gem. Safe to say, I fell head over heels for both Prince Erik and Jamie—and trust me, you'll want to as well.

Picture this: a regular American teen discovers he’s not so regular after all. Jamie Johnson is the heir to the throne of Mitanor, a sunny and dazzling European kingdom. Naturally, his life is flipped upside down when he’s invited to his father’s summer palace to embrace his newfound royal roots. But that’s not all—Jamie finds himself under the wing of Erik Von Rosenborg, the dashing and duty-bound spare prince of a neighboring kingdom. Tasked with teaching Jamie the "rules of royalty," Erik soon finds himself wrestling with feelings far deeper than he'd anticipated.

This isn’t just a story about royal palaces, regal traditions, and fancy etiquette—though it delivers on those fronts too. At its heart, The Rules of Royalty is a beautifully crafted tale of identity, self-discovery and the kind of love that makes you rethink everything. Erik and Jamie’s chemistry is electric and their journey is a reminder that even under the weight of crowns, the human heart craves connection.

What truly sets this book apart are its characters. Jamie is relatable, awkward in the best way and full of heart. Erik, meanwhile, brings depth, charm and a vulnerability that’s impossible not to love. Watching them navigate the complexities of their roles and feelings was such a joy. They’re the kind of characters who stick with you long after the last page. Here’s one of my favorite (non-spoiler!) lines from the book: "Sometimes, the hardest thing isn’t choosing between right and wrong—it’s choosing between what’s expected and what feels true." Moments like these made me pause and reflect, which I think is the hallmark of truly great storytelling.

For those unfamiliar with Cale Dietrich, let me just say—this isn’t his first literary rodeo. Dietrich has a knack for creating meaningful, queer narratives that tug at your heartstrings. His other works, including The Love Interest and If This Gets Out (co-written with Sophie Gonzales), have garnered acclaim for their authentic voices and compelling plots. Based in Brisbane, Dietrich continues to wow readers with stories that balance humor, heart, and just the right amount of drama.

Don’t just take my word for it—here’s what others have been saying:
Kirkus Reviews called it “a sweet romance filled with healthy relationships and honest discourse.”
The Book Ishelf described the book as a “fresh perspective on familiar tropes” with “authentic character development.”
Between the Shelves compared it to a queer retelling of The Princess Diaries—and honestly, they’re spot on.

If you’re curious, here’s how the publisher sums it up: "Two princes from neighboring countries fall into a whirlwind royal romance in this sparkling spin on The Princess Diaries by Cale Dietrich. At a magnificent summer palace, Erik guides Jamie through the intricacies of royal etiquette, politics, and history. What neither prince anticipates is the connection that sparks between them—one that challenges both of their futures."

I can’t recommend The Rules of Royalty enough. Whether you’re into royal romances, queer love stories, or tales of self-discovery, this book delivers in spades. It’s heartfelt, funny, and unputdownable. Cale Dietrich has truly outdone himself with this one. So, have you read The Rules of Royalty? What did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this post and want to keep my reading list growing, feel free to show some love—every bit of support is hugely appreciated. Happy reading, friends. Until next time!


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