Book Perfume

I’ve been suffering from Royal Fever all my life.

It’s a chronic condition that’s always lurking under the surface, and, as with any prolonged ailment, it has its flare ups based on certain triggers. Engagements. Weddings. Babies. Wimbledon. Needless to say, I’m having a major spell right now that I can’t seem to shake. Kate and William are having another baby! Prince Georgie Porgie had his first day of school! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are in love! Prince Harry celebrated his 33^rd birthday! Prince Harry has been extra handsome lately!

Okay, so this particular bout of Royal Fever is obviously giving me a major case of “The Gingers.” That happens sometimes. Especially during pumpkin spice season. Which is why there’s really only one logical choice for our Literary Hunk of September: Prince Frederick of Wales from Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan’s royally fabulous The Royal We.

The Royal We is one of my favorite, favorite novels, and not just because of my obsession with all things blue-blooded. While the story may have been inspired by one we all know—the commoner and the future King of England who fall in love in college—it is so much more than that, and the characters are entirely their own. Bex and Nick, the central couple, are not Kate and William (though I adore them just as much), and Freddie, Nick’s devilish, ginger-haired brother, is not Prince Harry—but good God, he is just as delicious.

Freddie is the kind of naughty, good-natured, always unpredictable rogue I beg for in novels. He’s wild and plagued with wicked rumors of raucous escapades and crazy dalliances—and most of the rumors are true. He’s hilarious, a prankster, and he always follows his giant heart, even when he’d be better off using his head. His pecs have their own calendar, and his smile could win a prize.

He’s also the master of doling out nicknames. I love a man who can bestow a good nickname.

What I love most about Freddie, though, is that there are so many layers to him. Yes, he’s the Ginger Gigolo to the press—and maybe that’s warranted—but he also loves fiercely, wears his emotions on his sleeve, and protects those he cares about most. Maybe he doesn’t always go about it in the best way, but his intentions are always good. It can’t be easy being “the spare,” especially when the world fawns over your big brother, but Freddie works it like a champ. He flies for the Royal Navy and he’ll moon you for a laugh. This guy’s got hidden depths we don’t even know about, which is why my first reaction after finishing The Royal We was:

WHERE’S THE FREDDIE BOOK?

(Through tears and feels and hugging the book tightly, of course.)

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again and again: If you haven’t read The Royal We, you must. I’ve recommended it to so many people, and without fail, it’s a winner every time. If a secondary character like Freddie has left such a lasting impression on me, imagine how good the rest of the book is. You don’t even have to have Royal Fever in order to enjoy it, but I’ll tell you one thing for sure: After reading it, you’ll undoubtedly come down with a case of The Gingers.

In addition to creating the glorious Freddie, Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan write my favorite blog, gofugyourself.com. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram if you’re not already!

Miss any of our previous Literary Hunks of the Month? They’re all right here, hunky all the year through.