The Wild Heir (Nordic Royals, #2)

by Karina Halle

[stacey_is_sassy]

I guess I wanted to be proven wrong...

I started The Wild Heir with very low expectations. See, I wasn't very impressed by my first meeting...or second with Prince Magnus. Such a self-absorbed, egotistical, risk taker who had no respect for his title or position. To be honest, I spent most of this story wishing for him to step up to the plate and be a better man. I couldn't give up though as there was this little spark of hope that kept me going on. The more I got to know Magnus, the more I saw him, and the wild heir became just a normal bloke who made some bad decisions.

I wasn't particularly fond of Magnus's need to share his wild side and what drives him to do the things he does. This is not because, well not solely because of his need to take risks, it was that deep down I knew it was a mask to the true problem. Of course, for story's sake, the heroine steps in and two seconds later realises the problem and helps to fix it. I had a feeling it was heading this way but I wasn't particularly happy or sad that I worked it out so early. He's 28...how could he not know?

I really liked Ella and her best mate, assistant, lady-in-waiting, "Lady Jane". Their connection to each other jumped off the pages and I loved their devotion to each other. The situation she was put into by her father and the lack of prior understanding of that position, made me cranky. Especially because it was at the beginning of the book and I was making squinty eyes at Magnus still. Ella's family isn't really what I would call a true family. Jane is the only person she can count on, and she's paid to be there for her. Ella is a good person despite her lack of family connection.

This was an entertaining story with some laugh out loud moments mixed in with a touch of heartbreak and a big old pile of lusty lust. I would call this one a slow burn and I'm glad that it was. Ella was too smart to instantly fall for the bad boy and I'm glad she made him work for her affection. At times I felt that the story was dragging and I was desperate to see Magnus make a change for the better. It seemed unrealistic that someone so famous could hide behind his very public "wild" mask.

I enjoyed The Wild Heir and I'm glad I got the opportunity to see Magnus in a different light. It was great to catch up with The Swedish Prince and I can't wait to know more about The Nordic King. I finished with a smile on my face and content that they were really meant to be together.