I received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Princess in Theory by Alyssa ColeAlso in this series: A Duke by Default, A Prince on Paper
Series: Reluctant Royals #1
Published by Avon on February 27th 2018
Genres: Royalty
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Avon
ISBN: 0062685546
From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella
and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .
Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.
Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.
The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?
I had been hearing about Alyssa Cole for quite some time, and I was really intrigued by her historical’s however when I was offered the ARC, I knew I couldn’t resist trying out this sexy royalty romance and what a cover right? I mean, how can you resist such a fun romantic cover. I love the bright colors and how happy they look together. So my first impression on this book was WOW!! I had so much fun with this story, I can’t even express how much joy and happy feels this book gave me. And it didn’t turn out the way that I expected it too either, which only leads the reader into a story that has some twists and turns for sure.
Our story starts off when Naledi Smith, is our heroine. Naledi is attempting to finish grad school and working multiple jobs. She has a pretty busy life, and has no time for distractions, let alone annoying emails claiming she is some african princess…..right??!!! Prince Thabiso has never forgotten the young girl that was his friend and disappear, the girl that he was supposed to marry and rule a kingdom with. Now its time for him to marry and they were betrothed and he means to find her. But from the moment that he meets her, he knows he wants to know more. But he also knows that she needs to know the truth about who he really is. Thus begins a game of flirting and chemistry between Thabisco and Naledi. But will our prince be able to find the right time to tell Naledi the truth and win her love or lose her forever…
I was hesitant to tell you about my wealth and my background because I wanted you to see me for me. I’m used to people judging me for everything I own and represent, and not me as a person.
What a fantastic romance and such a whirlwind of a love story that I fell in love with. Seeing two people who were separated as children only to find each other again. And add in the mix of a royalty romance, plus a bit of amnesia a bit. Our heroine was just a child when her parents fled the country but were killed and she ended up an orphan and forget her heritage and where she came from. Our hero has always had to deal with some difficult responsibilities, but for most of his life he has devoted his time and energy to his people. But when pressure is put on him to get married, he knows that he wants Naledi. Even though she doesn’t know who he really is, she sees the real man, the man who no one else sees.
I know who you are. You’re the guy who learned to cook for me. the guy who’s made me laugh harder than I have maybe ever, who made me come so hard I thought I’d peed myself.
What I found most interesting and an aspect of the story that I truly loved was the “secret” wasn’t dragged out through the whole story. I love the way it unravels and seeing these two overcome the challenge of mistrust and find unity in each other and in their dreams of the future. And boy learning more about Naledi’s parents and the reason they left blew me away. Honestly I never expected the outcome that ends up being revealed. The romance that builds between the two here are simply wonderful. I have found that their story is not your average royalty set up. It has its dramatic elements of course, some mistrust and secrets, so we see them have to learn to overcome certain issues in their relationship, but we also see how strong their connection is to each other. I think that is what I loved the most. Was seeing the way that they learn to trust again and that is where the intimacy they have just grows deeper and as a reader you just fall for them even more completely. The humor that is introduced is witty and fun and leaves you with a smile.
Overall I found A Princess In Theory to be a sexy and lively romance that I won’t ever forget….a true gem of diverse romance that is a full of mystery, hidden truths and a stunning whirlwind of emotion and passion!!
LOL, yes I would not trust those emails either
Yeah not the most attractive right?
Aaaww this sounds so cute! The emails part is hilarious though, and to think that they were actually not too far off from the truth xD
Amazing review! I’m glad all the hype was worth it 🙂
I still have yet to try a Royalty Romance. Might have to change that for 2018.
I do love royal style romances, both contemporary and historical and fantasy!! They are so fun to read. But I have noticed more readers reading them more the past few months since the real “royal engagement” of Prince Harry and Megan.
Prince Harry and Megan are the cutest couple.
I’m currently reading it, and having a lot of fun. I’m a little baffled as to why this is only my first Alyssa Cole book. Her writing is wonderful! I’m glad to hear that the secret isn’t dragged out the whole book and that they work through their issues.
Great review! 🙂
I’m so glad he didn’t keep it a secret through the whole story. That can get tiring and I hate waiting for the blow up it causes. Neat how he comes to be with her and get treated like a commoner and know for sure that she likes him for himself. I’m intrigued by the secret you mentioned with the parents.
Looks like a good one, Renee. I love her historicals so I’ll have to try this one.
I really liked this one too! I’m so glad to hear you did as well. I still haven’t read Cole’s historicals, but they are on my list.
I heard about the author but it’s the first time that I hear about this book but I confess that I’m curious!
Nice! I’ve heard good things about her work but haven’t tried any out yet. Love a modern royals story so I’m adding this to the TBR… 😉
I know the title is Princess in Theory but for some reason I didn’t connect that it was a royal romance. Duh lol It’s been on my TBR list for a long time now.