London On My Mind

81p6EjZOZ9L
Author(s)
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Publisher
Age Range
14+
Release Date
June 04, 2024
ISBN
978-1339014890
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Sixteen-year-old Dayana has always dreamed of visiting London -- to walk along the Thames, take pictures outside Buckingham Palace, and maybe even get a glimpse of Arthur, Prince of Wales, whose marriage has been all over tabloids. But the trip of her dreams turns into a royal nightmare when her mother passes away. Now, Day must leave Rio de Janeiro to live with her estranged father and his new family in London.

As it turns out, the U.K. isn't exactly Day's cup of tea. She struggles to forgive her father for walking out on her and her mom all those years ago; fights with her stepsister constantly; detests her stepmother; and she can't even see One Direction in concert because they've been broken up for ages. All she wants to do is trade the rainy skies of London for the sun and beaches of Rio.

That's when she runs into the girl of her dreams -- literally: The coincidentally named Diana, a witty, funny, redhead who was in the middle of . . . escaping Buckingham Palace? Something isn't right here, but it makes Diana all the more alluring. As time passes, and the two girls grow closer, Day can't help but wonder if there is more than a little truth to the rumors surrounding Prince Arthur -- and if Diana might be involved somehow. Is it all in her head, or could Day be caught up in a real-life royal scandal?

Editor review

1 review
London On My Mind
(Updated: October 19, 2024)
Overall rating
 
3.3
Plot
 
4.0
Characters
 
3.0
Writing Style
 
3.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Dayana always dreamed of going to London. After her father leaves, Dayana is angry. Then when her mother tragically dies, she's whisked from her Brazilian home to live with her estranged father and his new family. The London dream of her childhood is anything but that. While walking by Buckingham Palace a chance encounter with Diana catches her attention and later her heart. But it seems there is much more to Diana than she lets on. Add to that rumors that Diana might be connected to British royalty.

What worked: Cute, fun LGBT romance set in London. Add a possible Royal to the mix. When Dayana comes to London, she struggles with a ton of emotions including guilt that she might have had something to do with her mother's death. The anger she has toward her father is very realistic. To Dayana, he deserted her when she was a child. Then she finds out he has a different family, including a stepsister Georgia who suffers from a mysterious illness. That's a lot to put on a teen's plate!

I liked the romance build-up between Dayana and Diana. It was sweet and fun. The secret Diana has about her ties to Buckingham Palace are kind of obvious. I wasn't surprised at the reveal. I did think Dayana's impulsive reaction was kind of over the top. I wanted more on their new relationship besides the Royal tabloid accounts.

The strained relationship between Dayana and her father Roberto could have been deepened. I like how her stepmother tries with Dayana. Georgia's health issues were interesting and believable.

I did love the Nottinghill shout-out. Very cute and adorable!

RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE fans will enjoy this LGBT romance set in London.
Good Points
1. Fun, LGBT romance
2. London!
3. Royalty!
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