Your typical commoner girl (this time a writer with writer's block) recently dumped and a "typical" prince who happen to meet on this beautiful marine preserve and the rest is predictable. This movie has a slightly different bent in which the reveal happens earlier than usual and the resulting dilemma takes more time to resolve while the writer is confronted with more of a intellectual problem than usual. The scenery is gorgeous, and the pacing is competently presented. For those interested in the by now well-used rom-com story with a little more bite, this movie has all elements that romantics have come to expect and a tad bit more.

This movie was fairly enjoyable. Is it formulaic? Of course. Do we see the usual tropes that are in all movies about a royal? Absolutely. Does the movie require a lot of suspension of disbelief. Yep. If you approach it with this in mind, you'll have a reasonably enjoyable time watching it.

First, what I liked. The two leads gave good performances. Rhianon Fish was wonderful as romance author Olivia. I've liked her in everything I've seen her in. She's cute, fun, expressive and she shines in every scene she's in. Is she an Oscar-level actress? Probably not. But in the narrow parameters of a movie like this, she does very well. Mitchell Bourke as Prince Alexander was fine. Let's be honest. He was cast in this role more as eye candy than because of his great acting skills. They definitely took advantage of every opportunity to show him shirtless. But he does what he needs to in this role to make the good-guy, down-to-earth prince come to life. The chemistry between the two of them was real and natural. I also liked the gorgeous scenery. As far as cinematography goes, this was a very good-looking movie, and not just because of the photogenic stars.

Now, what I didn't like. The movie was pretty lacking on the believability front. Okay, so it's a given that you have to accept the ridiculous premise that there is a prince from some fictional country called Torovia, who is free to just galavant around the world and strike up relationships with common folk. But within the confines of the fantasy, everything else still needs to be believable. Let's start out with the prince being a huge fan of Olivia's chick-lit romance novels. Yeah, some guys read them, but you needed a credible reason why a man would be reading such novels. Then, there's the unbelievable coincidence that Olivia first runs into Prince Alexander at a coffee shop in New York, then he and she are serendipitously on the same remote tropical island at the same time, AND her ex and his new girlfriend are also on that same island. That requires a bit more explanation than a quick, "It was destiny", as Olivia's friend Katie mentioned in passing. Then there's the whole romance between the queen and her servant Ridley, which virtually comes out of nowhere and seems about as plausible as a horse hooking up with a sea turtle. How about the whole dated premise that the prince has to marry another royal that he doesn't love out of a sense of duty? That notion went out the window when British Princes William and Harry both married commoners.

My other gripe was that Prince Alexander was just a little too perfect. This is a young, very attractive man who was raised in a life of wealth and privilege. Yet, somehow, he's just a normal guy who treats everyone equally and is a perfect gentleman in his interactions with Olivia. And he's also a philanthropist, who is fiercely dedicated to the cause of environmental preservation. Does this guy have any flaws? It would have been much more interesting if the prince was initially kind of snobby and expected Olivia to fall all over him, as other women doubtless had in the past. He could have had a character arc from stuck-up royal to nicer good guy, but he was already a nice guy, so there was nowhere for him to go.

So, take this movie with a grain of salt. It's hardly a perfect movie, even by the standards of Hallmark-eque romances. But just enjoy it for what it is and you'll definitely be entertained.

"A Royal in Paradise" is a delightful TV movie that transports viewers into a world of romance, royalty, and tropical charm. With its captivating storyline, charming characters, and picturesque settings, this film offers a wonderful escape from reality.

The movie tells the enchanting story of Emily, a spirited young woman who unexpectedly finds herself entangled in a royal affair while on vacation in a paradise-like island. As she navigates the complexities of love and the expectations of royalty, Emily's journey becomes a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, and self-discovery.

What makes "A Royal in Paradise" truly special is the chemistry between the cast members. The talented ensemble brings their characters to life, immersing the audience in a world of romance and intrigue. The lead actors deliver heartfelt performances, drawing us into their blossoming love story and making us root for their happiness.

The picturesque island setting serves as a breathtaking backdrop for the film. From pristine beaches to lush landscapes, the cinematography captures the beauty of paradise, making viewers long to step into the screen and experience it firsthand. The attention to detail in the production design adds to the allure, creating an atmosphere that is both luxurious and inviting.

While the movie embraces certain familiar tropes of the romantic genre, it does so with a refreshing twist. The story offers unexpected plot twists and turns, keeping viewers engaged and guessing. It successfully balances lighthearted moments with moments of genuine emotion, striking a satisfying blend that ensures the film's appeal to a wide audience.

In addition to its romantic core, "A Royal in Paradise" also explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the power of following one's heart. These deeper undertones add a layer of substance to the film, elevating it beyond a mere romantic escapade.

From the heartfelt performances to the stunning visuals and engaging storyline, "A Royal in Paradise" is a TV movie that manages to capture the essence of romance, royalty, and tropical bliss. Whether you're a fan of love stories or simply looking for an enjoyable escape, this film is bound to leave you with a warm and satisfied feeling. Sit back, relax, and let yourself be whisked away to paradise.