The Rules of Royalty - by Cale Dietrich

About the Book

When seventeen-year-old Jamie Johnson discovers he is a prince, he begins to learn royal protocols from Erik Lindstrom, a self-proclaimed spare prince, but as their friendship deepens into something more, they must choose between following their hearts or fulfilling their royal duties.

Book Synopsis

"A must read for all who love, love." --Kosoko Jackson, USA Today Bestselling author of The Forest Demands Its Due

Two princes from neighboring countries fall into a whirlwind royal romance in this sparkling spin on The Princess Diaries by Cale Dietrich.

Act like a prince, but don't fall for one.

Jamie Johnson has never been the centre of attention, and he's perfectly okay with that. His entire world unravels as a hidden truth emerges: he's the heir to the throne of Mitanor, a sun-drenched southern European country, and the press is ready to expose this secret to the world. An invitation to spend the summer in his father's palace arrives, giving Jamie a chance to get to know the man he never thought he'd meet.

Meanwhile, in a northern European kingdom known for its cold climate and stoic royals, Erik Lindstrom, the spare prince, grapples with the upcoming marriage of his golden-boy elder brother. With the country's spotlight trained on his family more than ever, Erik feels sidelined and tightly controlled. So when he receives an offer to tutor the newly found American prince in the ways of royalty, he accepts without hesitation.

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. Now each must make a choice: follow their hearts, or the time-honored royal path where crown and country reigns supreme, no matter the personal cost.

Review Quotes

One of Amazon's Best YA Books of December!

Fangirlish, "10 Best Romance Books of December"

Book Riot, "The 8 Most-Anticipated New Queer Books Out in December 2024"

"Dietrich has written a quintessential gay romance. Everything about it--its tantalizing premise, its highly engaging plot, its to-die-for characters--is practically perfect, and it's irresistibly readable, to boot. The pages fly by as readers root for the starcrossed boyfriends, with whom readers will have doubtlessly fallen in love, and hope for a happy ending." - Booklist (starred review)

"Immediate and emotional first-person chapters detail the highs and lows of royal teenage life in this slow-burn romance by Dietrich, which is studded with high-society extravagance and old-world charm." - Publishers Weekly

"An LGBTQIA+ romance reminiscent of The Princess Diaries with -characters readers will root for." - School Library Journal

"Readers will enjoy indulging in the deliciously slow-burn romance between the kind, honest, and adorable boys, who narrate in alternating first-person chapters...this cozy royal love story is thoroughly delightful." - Kirkus

"A loose, queer retelling of The Princess Diaries is probably just what the doctor ordered for many of us given, you know, everything in the world right now and this warm, gooey slow-burn tale of a romance between two princes gets every emotional beat exactly right." - Paste, "The Best New YA Books of December 2024"

"The Rules of Royalty is a compelling YA contemporary romance that brings together compelling characters, a great love story, and coming-of-age storylines." - YA Books Central

"...a sweet royal romance billed as a gay YA spin on The Princess Diaries. If you need a dose of feel-good cheer this holiday season, how can you beat that?" - Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, "December 2024 Queer Romances"

"The Rules of Royalty is a sweet story of friendship, love and the importance of found family. Cale Dietrich's take on The Princess Diaries is a lighthearted rom com with just enough angst to keep the plot moving along." - Geek Girl Authority, "New Release Radar"

"If royal romances and The Princess Diaries are your cup of tea, The Rules of Royalty will be your new favorite LGBTQIA book." - Eulalie Magazine, "7 LGBTQIA Books to Finish The Year Strong"

"This slow-burn romance doesn't shy away from the challenges of royal life. A delightful read." - Arlington Magazine, "10 New Books to Read in December"

"The Rules of Royalty is a must read. Jamie and Erik are 100% the princes we need--and deserve. Their love pops off the pages while Cale Dietrich plays with your heartstrings in this wonderfully crafted royal romance." Jordon Greene, author of Every Word You Never Said

"Smart, funny, full of heart, and packed full with Dietrich's signature style, The Rules of Royalty is the type of book that reminds you that miracles happen, once in a while. I couldn't stop smiling while reading and rooting for Jamie and Erik. A must read for all who love, love." --Kosoko Jackson, USA Today Bestselling author of The Forest Demands Its Due

"An enchanting, crown-worthy read! The Rules of Royalty delivers laughs, swoons, and a reminder that being our most authentic selves is the best happily-ever-after. Erik and Jamie are what real fairy tales are made of."--Julian Winters, award-winning author of Right Where I Left You

Praise for If This Gets Out:

"If This Gets Out is an absolute showstopper! Equal parts edgy and adorable, this bright, joyful book has everything I look for in a queer YA romance--Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich tell this story in perfect harmony." --Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of Us and As Far as You'll Take Me

"If This Gets Out is the perfect book.... It deftly explores the dark side of fame [and] the giddy thrill of first--and forbidden--love." --Mackenzi Lee, New York Times-bestselling author

"[A] sweet and swoon-worthy romance. Zach and Ruben are a pitch-perfect duet!" --Caleb Roehrig, author of Last Seen Leaving

"Dazzle[s]...with a narrative of queer boy-bandmates who wrestle with newfound fame, and newfound feelings for each other. Readers will fall in love." --Adam Sass, author of Surrender Your Sons

"If This Gets Out blends the ache and the beauty of coming out under the lights of celebrity with the ways in which queer love is told to stay hidden, even when it's the only thing keeping the music going." --L.C. Rosen, author of Camp and Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts)

"If This Gets Out will suck you in from Page 1...[and] stick with you beyond the finale." --Associated Press

"Fun, heartwarming, and a vital purchase for all collections serving teens." --School Library Journal (starred review)

"This unexpectedly poignant love story... subverts expectations in refreshing ways.... A lively novel with as much appeal as the band itself." --Kirkus

"Dietrich and Gonzales keep the tension high and Ruben and Zach's voices distinct in this friends-to-lovers romance that shines with passion and verve." --Booklist

"Riveting...If This Gets Out is the perfect read for anyone who loves music, friends-to-lovers romances or ever secretly shipped members of a band!" --Nerd Daily

About the Author

CALE DIETRICH is a YA devotee, lifelong gamer, and tragic pop punk enthusiast. He was born in Perth, grew up on the Gold Coast, and now lives in Brisbane, Australia. He is the author of The Love Interest, which was a 2018 Rainbow List Selection, The Pledge, and If This Gets Out.