Reviews

Prince in Disguise by Tavia Lark

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ravenmicheleee's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

mary_soon_lee's review against another edition

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hopeful mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This is the second gay-prince fantasy-romance in the Perilous Courts series, moving from the prince of book one (Julien) to his youngest brother, Bellamy. As before, the perspective alternates between the two sides of the romance.

I found this a diverting, entertaining, escapist read, but not -- for me -- the equal of book one. I liked both main characters, but less than I'd liked book one's Whisper and Julien. And the interplay between them lacked the sweetness and the intensity of the first book. The brief introduction to the world's dragons was the highlight of the book.

Three and a half out of five minstrel stars.

About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

spicy_tofu60's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

thage's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

gigiviolent's review

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

tashmarcelle53's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Seriously strong plotting and slow-burn romance in this MM romantasy. Dragons, and a disappearing animal sidekick! Excellent.

The second book in Tavia Lark’s Perilous Courts series is another heartwarming, sexy delight. Magic, dragons, true love and all the trials and tribulations one could want along the way, this tale of a prince in disguise and an enemy dragon rider in hiding starts with an abduction and ends with stolen hearts.

Please read the book copy for a summary of the story.

I adored the first book in this trilogy (Prince and Assassin) and ate up this second installment just as fast. The author’s fantasy world is vivid, refreshing, immediate, and lush with details and machinations, authentic characters, and creatures who will capture your heart as much as the heroes do (teleporting mink, anyone? Sarcastic dragon? You are covered! Though I did wish for a glimpse of the fell cats…! Author, more fell cats please.) Bell and Rakos are literally thrown together in a cell, and the way they instinctively fall into working together and complementing each other’s strengths charmed me from the start. Though neither can reveal his true identity, they can’t hide the marvelous people they are and of course can’t help falling for one another, despite knowing this can’t be a long-term Thing. Ha ha ha! So fun to see that unravel.

One thing I love about the author’s characters is they don’t shy away into dishonesty and annoying dissembling with their feelings. They step up for their Person and it is a thing of beauty to see. The chemistry is HOT (yes, there’s spice!) but the respect and leaps of faith in the face of doubt are even hotter. An impossible situation becomes possible through the inability to see them ever apart, and it’s another joyous read. Glimpses of Bell’s other brothers were appreciated, and a lot of fun is promised for book 3. Bring it.

HEA. No cheating/emotional cheating. Scrappy, inspiring, magically fun characters with strong moral codes—an all-around delightful story. Highly recommended.