Yet another charming, romantic and beautifully told story by Kate O'Keefe, it is the forerunner to the brilliant "Royally Kissed" series, the story of Queen Astrid and King Fredrick of Ledonia. Princess Astrid of Elkevik's life had been carefree, she had been cherished by her parents, she had danced amongst the flowers in her beloved garden, she loved her chickens and goats and had named them all. Astrid knew that the time was fast approaching when she would have to marry, she had to make a good marriage, her country desperately needed the money. After a picture of Asti dancing, barefoot to cheer up sick children, a picture with a smiling Prince Fredrick of Ledonia looking on, it was suggested that this would be a good match, Prince Fredrick never smiled. The King and Queen of Ledonia also saw the picture, the beautiful, charming Princess from Elkevik would be an ideal bride for their only son, she would bring laughter and gaiety, and perhaps turn the tide of the referendum in their favour. Fred and Asti had met once before as children and Asti had been strangely attracted to the dark, brooding Fred. but they were now adults and Fred was exactly as the press perceived him, he was uptight, he was organised to a fault, he never let his regal persona slip even when there was just the two of them, he was always aware of his position, and he never smiled......Asti had a fight on her hands, the trouble was, the press were already predicting that this was an arranged marriage to put the monarchy in a good light, and not a love match that the people wanted. Seeing all the negative press, the King and Queen suggested a tour of the kingdom, a tour where they would get to know each other. This tour was filled with some bright spots, some humour and not a little frustration, Asti managed to get Fred to lighten up but underneath she knew that he still viewed the engagement as a contract, could she marry the dark, handsome Prince, knowing that there was no love involved ? door was still open for her to return to Elkevik A lovely few hours of escapism I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.