**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A Charming, End-of-the-World Rom-Com with Heart**

*The Prince & the Apocalypse* by Kara McDowell is a delightfully chaotic, heartfelt, and fun ride through Europe—with a ticking clock and a crown prince in tow. It’s not every day that you get to say a royal romance comes with an apocalypse deadline, but this one delivers that high-concept pitch with wit and surprising emotional depth.

Wren Wheeler is relatable from the get-go—an American teen who planned the “trip of a lifetime,” only to feel totally out of sync with her expectations. Her chance encounter with Prince Theo (yes, *that* Prince Theo) spirals into a cross-continental adventure that’s part rom-com, part emotional reckoning, and part existential road trip. The fact that the world is ending in eight days? Just adds pressure to every decision, detour, and deepening connection.

McDowell’s writing shines in the banter between Wren and Theo—their chemistry is effortless and charming, laced with vulnerability as they try to figure out what matters most when time is running out. The European backdrop (from London to Santorini) gives the story an escapist, cinematic feel, while the end-of-the-world premise lends surprising poignancy to their journey. It’s about finding meaning, connection, and joy in the chaos.

**Why it earns 4 stars:**

* 🌍 A fresh, adventurous setting with romantic and emotional stakes
* 👑 Theo is both swoon-worthy and layered—far more than just a runaway prince
* 🧭 Wren’s growth and longing for home are deeply relatable
* ⏳ The apocalypse angle adds urgency without weighing the story down
* 🚂 A great mix of action, humor, and heart

The only reason it doesn't quite hit five stars is the pacing—some moments feel a little rushed or conveniently timed. Still, it’s a wholly enjoyable, YA-meets-royalty road trip with just the right mix of levity and depth.

Perfect for fans of *The Sun Is Also a Star*, *Red, White & Royal Blue*, or anyone who likes their rom-coms with a little stardust and a looming comet.

Wren Wheeler spent what was supposed to be her dream vacation in London sick and doing zero of her perfectly planned itinerary. Which is why, even though all she wants to do is go home, she tries to get breakfast at a famous pub before heading to the airport. It's there that she meets a young man in need of rescue, which makes her miss her flight. But that's not even the important part; it's that the world is in chaos because there's a giant asteroid heading towards Earth and will kill everyone in 8 days. Wren will have to do all she can to make it home in time to see her family, and the first step to achieving that is calling in the favor the young man offered in exchange for her help. Good thing he's the prince because that means he'll be able to help her easily, or maybe not.

The plot follows many tried-and-true YA clichés of the focused student being forced into a situation she has no control over. The fact that the situation is a world-ending apocalypse is a nice twist. The fact that she's forced to travel with a runaway prince if she wants to see her family before the end is icing on the cake.

Wren is not particularly likable at the beginning. She's rigid and obsessive with things going her way, but the more things don't work out, the more you get to see her real personality, and it turns out that she's fun and determined. Theo is a bit of a mystery, but that's why his character works. We get little bits of him that reveal just enough to make him as intriguing to the reader as he is to Wren. They're interesting characters apart, but they're perfect together.

And that ending! I think the 'what?' of it made me love the book even more.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the fun read!

I ended up listening to this as an Audiobook. I honestly had no clue what to expect, but I enjoyed the listening experience a lot more than I honestly thought I might. A bit unrealistic? Yes. But that's what makes for a great story to immerse yourself in! I can't wait to read book two soon.

This was a really fun but also a really ridiculous read. It was just a bit too over the top for me to appreciate and roll with the chaos. T

The Prince & The Apocalypse totally swept me away! I devoured it in one sitting—Wren and Theo’s banter and chemistry were amazing. The story blends humor with emotional depth as they embark on a wild road trip while the world ends. I loved how Wren loosened up and Theo’s unexpected vulnerability. The premise is wild, but it works, mixing fun with deeper themes like grief and finding joy in chaos. The ending left me devastated—I need a sequel!

A fun read for sure — love the romance with all of the sassy banter, the past-paced adventure, the impending doom! Definitely not a combo I’ve read before, so that made it more fun!

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Kara McDowell's "The Prince & The Apocalypse" is a unique blend of YA romance and dystopian elements, creating a captivating and fast-paced adventure.

Wren, an eighteen-year-old control enthusiast, finds her meticulously planned trip to England derailed when she unexpectedly encounters Prince Theo. Their initial meeting, a favor turned escape, sets in motion a whirlwind journey across Europe as the world faces an impending apocalypse.

McDowell skillfully balances the lightheartedness of a rom-com with the tension of a world on the brink, keeping the reader engaged throughout. Wren's character arc, from rigid planner to adaptable adventurer, is well-developed, and her dynamic with Prince Theo is both charming and suspenseful. While the genre blending might feel unconventional, it ultimately contributes to the novel's originality.

The unexpected ending left me eager for the sequel, and I'm curious to see how McDowell continues this compelling story.

4 stars

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I LOVED this book. Blew me away. So much fun to read, the story line was brilliant and the banter was amazing. Wren and Theo were easy to love both as a couple and as individual characters with their own issues. Loved the mental health representation and from the point of view where someone wanted to get help and couldn't. It is usually the other way around so this was a unique change in perspective. I will most definitely be reading this one again and can't wait to start book 2!

I felt there were better romances out there amongst royal families. This one felt too gloomy, and couldn’t capture my interest

I REALLY liked the premise and it started out so good for me. But then I don't know...okay I think maybe I got a little bit of trains planes and automobiles vibes for some reason and I hated that movie unfortunately.

A lot of ridiculous things happen and they made sense (sort of) but one in particular toward the end I was like wait that's dumb and then it derailed a bit for me. So there were ups and downs for me. All in all, I liked Wren and Theo alright but some things affected my enjoyment after awhile when the events seemed to spiral into ridiculousness.

I thought this was such a refreshing read! It wasn't the lightest read, but I loved the characters and their chemistry! It felt authentic and I really liked that. I will definitely be reading book 2!

This book was an absolute whirlwind! The Prince & The Apocalypse combines adventure, romance, and a countdown to disaster in an addictive way. Wren, an 18-year-old planner on a high school trip to London, finds herself unexpectedly teaming up with Theo, the Prince of Wales, after they cross paths just as the world learns of an impending comet set to hit Earth in a week. As Wren desperately tries to get back to the U.S., she and Theo embark on a wild, cross-country journey, evading paparazzi and developing an undeniable connection.

The story’s humor, tension, and surprising twists make it impossible to put down, especially with that shocking cliffhanger. It’s packed with nods to classics like Before Sunrise and The Princess Diaries, and Theo’s touching moments and charm only add to the fun. This romantic-comedy-meets-dystopian journey is fresh and delightful; I can't wait for book two!

If you're expecting a light rom-com, this isn't it. It's a bit heavier than that but a fun read nonetheless. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable and the concept is a good one.

Kara McDowell's successive releases of linked books are always so much fun. She does a great job bringing to life her characters and the unique situations they end up in.

I love this book. The relationship between Wren and Theo is so fun to watch develop from total strangers helping each other through convenience to their budding love. The drama and stakes feel wild and crazy, but it's the end of the world and anything feels like it could happen.

Very middle of the road YA with more of a focus on the romance than on the actual apocalypse situation, which was a bit disappointing! With a title like that I was hoping for a bit more of a dystopia vibe. Still a fun and easy book though.

Not much to say about this one. A mid lane YA book about the world ending and a girl trying to find her way back home overseas and enlisting a prince to help her as he is also trying to get away but from his responsibilities.
It's cute but not really what I was expecting and the writing style didn't do anything for me so I kept putting it down multiple times but I finally finished it.
The ending set up a possible sequel.

4.5 stars!! I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! I was in a reading slump when I picked it up, but it was exactly what I needed. The Prince and the Apocalypse is a fast-paced, easy, and surprisingly lighthearted read (as lighthearted as it can be for it being about the end of the world). The romance was believable, and I love the complexity of the characters. A great summer vacation read, especially if you're traveling Europe! excited to pick up the next one!

This one has a lot of great reviews. Sadly, mine isn’t one but I really think this is a case of “it’s not you, it’s me.” I wanted more dystopia and it gave more rom-com. It can’t help being what it is!

Wren is a planner and a listmaker, and she fully expected to enjoy a post-graduation trip to London just as much as her older sister had.

She didn’t.

And when it’s finally time to go back home, there’s a small problem. There’s an asteroid headed straight for Earth, and the airport is chaotic. Good thing the fictional heir to the throne of England owes her a favor.

Of course, nothing goes smoothly, and their attempt to get to the royal estate in Greece and a private plane runs into one obstacle after another.

The story is told only from Wren’s point of view, so it takes us a while to understand just why Theo is the way he is. The dialogue is cute, the main characters have complex feelings about their families, their duties, and each other. As they each reveal more and more of themselves, both realize more and more about what is truly important to them. Of course, there are multiple instances of misunderstandings and jumping to conclusions that throw obstacles into their relationship. And I wouldn’t say the ending is a “happily ever after.”

Since there’s a sequel, I don’t think it would be too spoiler-y of me to tell you that the world doesn’t end after all.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Doomsday. Cursing, including a few F-words. Sex (closed door) between people who are (maybe) married. Car theft and other minor theft. Mental health struggles.

Who Might Like This Book:
Those who like doomsday scenarios, royalty, stories about road trips.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2024/07/ya-royal-romance.html