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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't think this book was good. Honestly, I don't think Alyssa Cole is a particularly good writer, at least not on the level of her prose.
But I kind of can't get enough of these contemporary romance books about fake royalty, and I'm not sure why. I'm firmly anti-monarchy, and I don't really get the whole royalty fantasy, but I'm fascinated by the way this series is exploring and questioning the role of monarchies in the twenty-first century. There are a lot of really interesting conversations happening here about history and heritage and decolonization and power—in the context of a fairly okay romance book.
Makeda was far too relatable as a main character. I experienced a lot of psychic damage from how personally targeted I felt by many aspects of her character. And Bez was hot. Very much my type. Very chaotic. Very fun. So I was invested in their relationship for sure, but I also thought the romance was just sort of fine. Very odd little book. Not as good as book one in the series cause the politics in that one were more interesting and we spent far too much of this one on a ship setting up book three, but I did definitely enjoy it.
But I kind of can't get enough of these contemporary romance books about fake royalty, and I'm not sure why. I'm firmly anti-monarchy, and I don't really get the whole royalty fantasy, but I'm fascinated by the way this series is exploring and questioning the role of monarchies in the twenty-first century. There are a lot of really interesting conversations happening here about history and heritage and decolonization and power—in the context of a fairly okay romance book.
Makeda was far too relatable as a main character. I experienced a lot of psychic damage from how personally targeted I felt by many aspects of her character. And Bez was hot. Very much my type. Very chaotic. Very fun. So I was invested in their relationship for sure, but I also thought the romance was just sort of fine. Very odd little book. Not as good as book one in the series cause the politics in that one were more interesting and we spent far too much of this one on a ship setting up book three, but I did definitely enjoy it.
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
slow-paced
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Makeda and Bez were both fantastic and I adored spending the book with them but over 200 pages before even a kiss? I am not built for that!!!
August book club read I just don’t have time to finish with the rest of my August tbr.
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-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:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Trigger Warnings: Addiction, alcoholism, gambling, fired, break-up, past familial death, parental abandonment, alcohol, sex, lying, blackmail, past bullying
Representation: Black, Neurodivergent, Pansexual
How to Find a Princess is a queer contemporary romance retelling of Anastasia. The story begins when Makeda is fired and then broken up with. When investigator Beznaria comes to fetch her as the rightful heir to the Ibaranian crown, Makeda isn’t having it. Finally agreeing to save her grandmother, both women venture back to the island on a transatlantic adventure.
What a great story! Perfect for anyone who ever wished for Anastasia to be queer. I loved the banter of the two main characters and especially loved the grandmother! This book also had a One bed plot line, which is my favorite trope! It was an interesting take on it this time! I loved the character development in the story and I thought the library scene did a good job of showing how healing and growth is not a linear journey. I also really enjoyed the steamy sex scenes! While I was reading, I knew this like all other romance would fall to the cliche 3rd act break-ups, but this was extra worrisome when the story only had an hour left. Surprisingly enough, the resolution didn’t feel rushed! And the ending! I was so shocked and never saw it coming!
Representation: Black, Neurodivergent, Pansexual
How to Find a Princess is a queer contemporary romance retelling of Anastasia. The story begins when Makeda is fired and then broken up with. When investigator Beznaria comes to fetch her as the rightful heir to the Ibaranian crown, Makeda isn’t having it. Finally agreeing to save her grandmother, both women venture back to the island on a transatlantic adventure.
What a great story! Perfect for anyone who ever wished for Anastasia to be queer. I loved the banter of the two main characters and especially loved the grandmother! This book also had a One bed plot line, which is my favorite trope! It was an interesting take on it this time! I loved the character development in the story and I thought the library scene did a good job of showing how healing and growth is not a linear journey. I also really enjoyed the steamy sex scenes! While I was reading, I knew this like all other romance would fall to the cliche 3rd act break-ups, but this was extra worrisome when the story only had an hour left. Surprisingly enough, the resolution didn’t feel rushed! And the ending! I was so shocked and never saw it coming!