A Ruff Royal Christmas

by Karen Schaler

This new Christmas romantic comedy from Emmy Award-winner Karen Schaler, writer of the Netflix hit A Christmas Prince, is a hilarious and heartwarming holiday rom-com that sparkles with royalty, romance, and a mischievous pup who changes everything.

“Schaler highlights the magic of the holidays in this fluffy contemporary royal romance. A festive story that would feel right at home among Netflix or Hallmark’s holiday offerings, and the addition of a chaotic canine enhances the fun.” — Publishers Weekly

Princess Ava's perfectly planned Christmas Eve charity event erupts into chaos when she loses Stormy, the Queen's mischievous new border collie. With Christmas approaching fast, Ava has no choice but to team up with Justin, a laid-back American dog trainer who’s used to wrangling strays, not royal runaways!

Sparks fly as Justin’s rule-breaking free spirit clashes with Ava’s determination to follow royal protocol. But when their search for Stormy takes them through glittering Christmas markets, festive holiday activities, and snowy winter wonderlands, an undeniable chemistry builds between them.

The more time they spend together, the harder it is to fight their growing attraction, a problem for Ava, who’s already set to marry the perfect duke. Now, she must decide, stay on the safe, traditional path she has always known…or risk it all and follow her heart?

This feel-good royal holiday romance is a Christmas romantic comedy that’s packed with humor, heart, and holiday magic, and a twist you won’t see coming. Because the best love stories can’t be planned, and they never follow the rules.

Perfect for fans of Karen’s Netflix sensation A Christmas Prince, her novel A Royal Christmas Fairy Tale, her novella Royal Extra After, and Casey McQuiston's, Katharine McGee's, Teri Wilson’s, and Jasmine Guillory’s royal romantic comedies.

Bonus Includes exclusive Christmas recipes and holiday activities from A Ruff Royal Christmas.

5-STAR Readers & Reviewers are Falling in Love with Karen Schaler's Christmas Romance Books and new Royal Christmas Romance A Ruff Royal Christmas.

“Schaler’s romantic comedies are funny, uplifting, and heartwarming.” —Forbes

“Schaler highlights the magic of the holidays in this fluffy contemporary royal romance. A festive story that would feel right at home among Netflix or Hallmark’s holiday offerings, and the addition of a chaotic canine enhances the fun.” — Publishers Weekly

“How A Christmas Prince [Netflix] screenwriter Karen Schaler became a holiday publishing darling.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Karen is one of the most masterful seasonal storytellers writing today with a gift for distilling warmth and magic into profoundly uplifting storylines.”—Rose Hilliard, Executive Editor, Audible Originals

“Karen Schaler brings the cozy to Christmas in her heartwarming tales of love and joy.” —Nancy Naigle, USA TODAY Bestselling Author

“Karen Schaler writes stories that are bursting with Christmas charm!”—Jenny Hale, USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Genres: Christmas, Contemporary Romance

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 30, 2025

About the author

“Karen is one of the most masterful seasonal storytellers writing today with a gift for distilling warmth and magic into profoundly uplifting storylines.” –Rose Hilliard, Executive Editor, Audible Originals


KAREN SCHALER is a three-time Emmy Award-winning storyteller, author, screenwriter, journalist, and national TV host.

Karen writes Christmas movies for Netflix, Hallmark, and Lifetime, including the Netflix, hit A Christmas Prince, and has written seven beloved heartwarming holiday romance novels, including bestsellers Love Always, Christmas, and Christmas Camp where she also wrote the Hallmark movie.

Be sure to follow Karen on GOODREADS for her latest special deals and giveaways!

Karen has also turned her Christmas Camp novel and movie into real-life immersive Christmas Camp experiences for grownups, held worldwide where Karen carefully curates and hosts magical holiday activities from her movies and novels.

Karen also has a Top 10 Audible Bestseller, Once Upon A Christmas Carol featuring a full cast of award-winning actors and world-class musicians, where Karen also wrote the featured original song.

Traveling to more than sixty-eight countries, Karen is also the creator and host of Travel Therapy TV, which airs nationally on top TV and streaming outlets where she features the most inspiring and empowering trips to take based on what you're going through in life.

Karen believes in the power of paying it forward and giving back, and all of her stories are uplifting and filled with heart and hope.

KAREN'S FESTIVE FREEBIE! Be sure to download Karen’s free DIY Christmas Camp Guide at www.karenschaler.com, including delicious recipes and activities from all her stories.

Reviews

[Margo Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet slice of romantic, festive escapism with the Christmassy loveliness turned up to 11. 🎄⛄💗 The plot involves Stormy, a royal dog in the kingdom of Skydovia, princess Ava who has a degree in mechanical engineering and a sense of duty to marry a man she doesn't love, and the American dog trainer who may win her heart. A very easy, enjoyable read.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Ruff Royal Christmas, by Karen Schaler, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Princess Ava cant find the Queens dog, Stormy. This was a sweet Christmas romance, I really liked Ave ad Justin's story.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was like watching a Hallmark movie. i loved it. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE KAREN SCHALER!!!

I’ve read all of her Christmas books and she NAILS the Christmassy elements every time. Every setting is festive and fun with some unique Christmas traditions.

This book was absolutely overflowing with Christmas cheer! 🎄It was different from the typical “falling in love with a royal at Christmas” romance so common on Hallmark in that the Princess Ava is quite reclusive and guards her heart while the Queen (her mother) was the impulsive and fun loving royal.

I loved Stormy the mischievous dog and Justin the dog trainer. Dogs just add something so fun to a book in general but especially a Christmas book!

The characters were great as well. I liked seeing Ava grow and change as she got to know Stormy and Justin. I liked seeing her relationship with her mother change as well.

This romance is completely clean (nothing beyond kissing) and it was so sweet and cute.

I loved this book so much and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves Christmas books! I can’t wait to see what she will write next!


Thank you to Karen Schaler, Hawktale Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-ARC!! ♥️

[Marian Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and festive, plus a dog!
If you love Christmas markets, festive holiday offerings, and a naughty canine with a royal romance this book is for you! You will fall in love with this sweet Christmas story full of Karen’s Christmas magic.

Princess Ava is planning the perfect Christmas Eve charity event. This is not only a tradition but a way to honor her father who passed away the previous year. Everything is going according to Ava’s meticulous plan until the Queen brings home a new border collie who is lovable but very mischievous. Things quickly spiral out of hand when Ava loses Stormy and chaos erupts. Ava has no choice but to team up with Justin, a laid-back American dog trainer hired by the Queen to train her new dog. Things quickly spiral out of control as Ava and Justin give chase to find Stormy before the Queen returns from her trip to Paris…

This is such a festive heartfelt Christmas romance! It is full of humor and heart and you’ll find yourself rooting for Ava and Justin. A wonderful addition to Karen’s Christmas books. I could absolutely see this as a Christmas movie. Delightful!

Thank you to Netgalley and Hawk Tale Publishing for the advanced readers copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Anna Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simba gives gives this book four paws albeit a bit grudgingly as a dog is one of the main characters.

Fans of cozy Christmas fiction, along with lovers of all things royal, will not be disappointed by this romantic Christmas comedy by Karen Schaler. Princess Ava and dog trainer Jeff are tasked with the job of having the queen's new addition to the family trained by the annual Christmas Eve ball. What follows is a delightful tale as these two go ona wild goose chase after the mischievous border collie that escapes from them during a slightly heated discussion. Readers will laugh and cry as they grow along with Ava and Jeff along their journey of self-discovery as they search for the lively pup.

Karen handles the complexities of adults and their sometimes messy relationships with parents wirh grace and humor. Her own love of Christmas shines throughout the novels and Christmas lovers will find themselves transported to a magical, holiday world where happily ever afters do happen. With many surprising twists, and great character development, readers will not want to put this novel down.

A special thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC copy to read and give an honest review.

[Pam Papworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and HawkTale Publishing for sending me the ARC of another cute Christmas story by "Christmas Karen" Schaler. If you are looking for a "deep" story, this isn't for you. But if you want a feel-good Christmas story, then you will enjoy this one. Since a lot of the action takes place involving a dog, Stormy, this story is different from the usual royal romance...thankfully! This royal family cares deeply about animal shelters. Plus, this princess is an engineer and comes up with quirky inventions that are so much fun! Her platform will be to push science and math to youngsters, encouraging them to follow their dreams. This is a new, modern twist.

[Katie Oeschger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for a pre-release of A Ruff Royal Christmas by Karen Schaler.

Karen Schaler did it again - another endearing, unique, and feel good Christmas tale. Christmas is coming to the royal palace! Sparks fly between Ava and Justin as they search for the queen’s lost dog. Will Ava choose to follow her heart or the duty she was trained to followed? This book was so good that I read it in less than 24 hours. I highly recommend adding this story to your Christmas reading list.

[lucialeelibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of A Ruff Royal Christmas by Karen Schaler from the publisher and NetGalley—thank you for letting me enjoy such a delightful story.

One of the things I loved the most about this book was how it managed to give me that magical Christmas vibe in the middle of August—such a beautiful experience.
While reading, I felt as if I were sipping hot chocolate, surrounded by snow, with a sweet dog by my side (I have a precious one myself 💕) and a cozy little cabin tucked away in the mountains. The story is simple, completely clean, sweet, and heartwarming. I recommend it if you love Hallmark Christmas movies and if your heart is ready to be filled with holiday spirit.

[Megan Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ruff Royal Christmas was the perfect book! It was literally like walking into a Hallmark Christmas movie. The only difference was it was quite unpredictable!! There were little twists and turns that you never saw coming! From the very beginning, you were thrown into a picturesque novel and fell in love with the characters! Such a full good book with a great storyline! Would love to see it as a movie!

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A RUFF ROYAL CHRISTMAS was a Christmas romance featuring an energetic rescue border collie (Stormy), a princess (Ava), and a dog trainer (Justin). When Stormy disappears shortly after the Queen leaves for a short trip, princess Ava and trainer Justin have to band together to find him before the queen returns home.

This novel is set in the fictional country of Skydovia in Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, Princess Ava comes across as extremely uptight and unlikable throughout most of the book, and the romance was unbelievable. The plot did recover somewhat, but I think I would have liked this book more had Ava’s character been softened from the start. Her mother, on the other hand, was delightful. Overall, A RUFF ROYAL CHRISTMAS wasn’t as charming as I hoped.

🌟 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. 🌟

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story of Princess Ava getting ready for the Christmas Charity Ball, when her mother the Queen brings home a dog named Stormy, that wrecks the place. Her Mom says she has hired the world's best dog trainer Justin and her will be here soon, Then her mother leaves for a trip to Paris. Justin comes to get the dog just as he runs away. NOw the story begins . Follow Ava and Justin on their journey to find Stormy. A VERY GOOD READ,

[Alicia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ruff Royal Christmas is a heartwarming tale of how the lives of a royal family and a commoner intertwine all because of a mischievous dog. Author Karen Schaler brings out the personality of each character as you become immersed in each scene.

Schaler’s enchanting style makes this a book you can’t put down. This must-read brings a refreshing spin on the holiday romance and will be a favorite for the season!

[Alicia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ruff Royal Christmas is a heartwarming tale of how the lives of a royal family and a commoner intertwine all because of a mischievous dog. Author Karen Schaler brings out the personality of each character as you become immersed in each scene.

Schaler’s enchanting style makes this a book you can’t put down. This must-read brings a refreshing spin on the holiday romance and will be a favorite for the season!

[Alicia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ruff Royal Christmas is a heartwarming tale of how the lives of a royal family and a commoner intertwine all because of a mischievous dog. Author Karen Schaler brings out the personality of each character as you become immersed in each scene.

Schaler’s enchanting style makes this a book you can’t put down. This must-read brings a refreshing spin on the holiday romance and will be a favorite for the season!

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to Karen Schaler Books. A standalone, I'd call this feel good fiction - This one was especially helpful as I'd come down with the dreaded flu so this book was my escapism! It would make a fab Netflix movie.

The plot is interesting as our main character starts with a very narrow view of the world. The longer the book goes on, the more Princess Ava realises that life has more layers that perhaps she initially thought. I like that our hero also had to make some choices about the direction of his life. Will be looking to buy the book for my library when available.

I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Hawktale Publishing, for letting me read and review an advanced copy of ‘A Ruff Royal Christmas’, by Karen Schaler.

This Hallmark movie type story features Princess Ava, from an unknown European country, in a constant struggle with her mother, the queen. She is supposed to announce her arranged engagement to Duke Henry at the annual Christmas extravaganza. When the queen brings home a rescue dog, Ava’s life is totally upended. After the queen leaves town, leaving the dog behind, the castle’s Christmas decorations are destroyed and the dog goes missing. When the American dog trainer, Justin, and Ava start the search, it starts the process of bringing the two together, defrosting the very icy persona of the princess.

This was a fun Christmas read, even in the middle of the hot summer.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Ruff Royal Christmas was delightful!

Princess Ava has put together the most perfect Christmas Eve charity event. Not only is it a tradition, but it's to honor her father after he passed away this last year. Things are running smoothly until her mother, The Queen brings home Stormy. A Border Collie who is a bit naughty. Naughty, playful, mischievous. A handful for sure. Things would be ok, but The Queen needs to make a quick trip to Paris and asks Ava to watch Stormy, until the dog trainer can come and pick him up. She is not thrilled and even less so when Stormy makes a bit of a mess. Where is that trainer already?

Justin loves nothing more than training dogs. He has a gift when it comes to them and then finding them their forever homes. He has known The Queen for many years through charity events and when she asks him to come and train her new dog, he can't say no. When he arrives at The Palace he gets into a bit of a bickering match with The Princess. After that things quickly spiral out of control. Stormy runs off and from there Justin and Ava spend the next two days searching for The Queens precious pup.

This story was super cute. It was fast paced, full of humor, festive and so much fun!

*Thank you NetGalley & Hawktale Publishing for providing me with an advanced readers copy for a honest review*

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading a Christmas story in July. The heat is always unbearable where I live and picturing snow gives me hope. This author never lets me down with her signature humor, romance and heartfelt royal escapades. This a cute plot with Princess Ava in the midst of the annual benefit Christmas party when Queen Kathleen arrives with an untrained, mischievous adopted dog. I’ve never related more to a character than with Princess Ava. She’s all business with no time or patience for a dog who’s destroying all her hard work. Shocker, there are people who don’t like dogs, I’m one who prefers cats. The Princess has been expected to marry Duke Henry since she was a child. Justin, a much needed dog trainer, could upset traditions and expectations. I laughed at many of the capers the new pet created and there were surprises along the way. It was a quick and easy read that brightened my day. Thanks so much to HawkTale publishing and Karen Schaler (via NetGalley) for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “A Ruff Royal Christmas”. Get yourself a copy, it’ll be published 09/30/2025. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without any compensation.

[JustOneMoreChapter1111 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Karen Schaler for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I thought the book was a delightful short read, perfect for a Hallmark adaptation. While it took me awhile to warm up to Ava, I loved Justin right off the bat. Definitely a nice read to get me excited for the holiday season!

[Megan Harvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ruff Royal Christmas 🎄 🐶
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Review:
This is such an amazing heartwarming Christmas romance!
Princess Ava has planned a Christmas Eve charity event, but all goes wrong when she loses the Queen’s mischievous dog. Ava teams up with Justin, who is a dog trainer, to find the dog.
The longer they spend together trying to find the runaway dog, the more tension and sparks fly.
The even bigger issue- Ava is engaged and ready to marry the duke. She needs to figure out, should she marry the duke or follow her heart?

This is the sweetest holiday romance! It is packed full of fun, Christmas cheer and love. This was the perfect read for Christmas in July! The main characters, Ave and Justin, are absolutely perfect for each other.
If you are looking for the perfect Christmas romance read for the holidays this year, this is it!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Ruff Royal Christmas is a quick, charming read perfect for the holidays. When the queen adopts a spirited dog, she brings in a famous trainer to help.

The story follows the princess and the dog trainer as they search for the runaway pup, and along the way, walls start to come down and feelings start to grow. There’s humor, heart, and just the right touch of royal drama. A fun and sometimes emotional journey to a sweet HEA.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Christmas classic by Karen Schaler to add to her growing lists.

The main characters go through a journey of growing and they work well together and you can never go wrong with including a dog with Christmas joy.

I laughed so often while reading and I could picture this one as a movie so easily.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ruff Royal Christmas is a cute, uplifting story involving a princess, the queen mother, and an American dog trainer, Justin, hired to enroll the newest member of the royal family into his Puppy Bootcamp. Princess Ava wants nothing to do with the new dog, Stormy, a rescue dog. Her mother, the queen, loves Stormy and leaves him in Ava’s care when she heads to Paris for a few days. The antics really take hold when Stormy disappears just before Christmas. Justin and Ava are frantically looking for the dog who is spotted in various locations around town. The sub story in the book is the importance of animal rescue organizations. I love how this book brings attention to the plight of rescue dogs and animal shelters, a very worthwhile cause.

[Amanrit Uppal]

Full disclosure. I did not finish this book.

While I ultimately chose not to finish it, I still want to offer appreciation for the author’s writing style, which was warm, inviting, and well-crafted. I realized early on that this story leans into a Hallmark-style Christmas romance. I personally found it wasn’t the right fit for me.

That said, I can absolutely see this book being adored by readers who love festive, heartwarming reads with wholesome romantic energy. The writing itself is strong, and for fans of feel-good seasonal stories, I think this would be a delightful addition to your winter TBR.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to preview this title!

[G C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

This is really more 3,5 for me but I’m unable to give .5 stars so I rounded up.

This cozy book has Hallmark movie vibes. The story was very heartwarming and the ending was perfect. I don’t usually read royal romances but loved the dog aspect so decided to give it a shot and glad I did!

[IngramSpark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!

A heartwarming holiday romance between a European princess and an American dog trainer looking for the queen's lost dog. Perfect for fans of wholesome rom-coms, love triangles, and festive fiction!

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Karen Schaler book I've read, and it certainly won't be the last. "A Ruff Royal Christmas" was exactly the light, entertaining, cozy holiday romance novel I was looking for. Schaler's writing is engaging and her characters are so well developed. I was a fan of the Netflix film "A Christmas Prince" before, and hadn't realized she's the author behind it. This latest novel gives similar vibes. Fans of royalty and Christmas fiction will enjoy it.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ava and Justin's journey and watching their romance develop. Add in a free-spirited Queen mother who wants to see her daughter happy without settling and you have the perfect recipe for a "Hallmark" style romance to unfold. I just wish there could've been a little more dog training in the novel,

Nevertheless, I give this book 5 stars. Can't wait to check out the rest of the author's backlist.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hawktale Publishing for the ARC copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan Faloon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything is going according to schedule. Princess Ava of Skydovia is heavily engaged in preparing Vailgate Castle for the annual royal Christmas party. She demands perfection from the placement of decorations on the perfect tree and the setting for a big announcement. Once the Queen gives permission, she will have a public proposal from the duke her father planned she would marry. This, the first Christmas since her father, Prince Frederick's untimely passing she had to have the best party ever, in his memory.
But, her mother, Queen Kathleen, has shocked her by bringing an intruder into the castle, a Dog! That dog is named perfectly; Stormy is destroying everything he gets close to. Along with the dog the Queen has brought an American into the situation. Justin is to take the Border Collie into his Puppy Bootcamp training program. He can't teach this dog quickly enough. Actually, Stormy takes off and is missing so the Princess has more problems to deal with. Her mother will never forgive her.
This is a sweet and sometimes comical romance with a beautiful Christmas setting. I totally felt the Christmas movie vibe all through reading the book. The slightly adventurous search for Stormy takes Ava and Justin from place to place in Skydovia. Ava begins to see things differently during the exhausting search.
I want to thank the author Karen Schaler, Hawk Tale Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy of this feel-good Christmas tale. It was a good book to read during "Christmas in July" season while near an air conditioner. Fans of royal romance stories should enjoy this, especially if you love a mischievous dog.

Recipes and Festive Activities including the very special recipe; Stormy's Paw-sitively Delicious Dog Treats are added in.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a heartwarming, delightful Christmas sweet romance. Princess Ava is planning the Christmas party that she wants to be perfect. She is very meticulous and organized and picky. When her free spirit mother, the queen shows up with a border collie, she is not happy. When Stormy runs away, she needs the dog trainer Justin to help her find him. As they spend time looking everywhere for this dog, the sparks start, their chemistry is strong, their banter is wonderful and some royal drama as well. I enjoyed so much this delightful Christmas romance and hope you will too.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC copy, this is my honest review and is all my opinion.