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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I enjoyed this a considerable amount more than the first one, but I was not a fan of the ending. Also, Portia is a damn fool lolol
So much fun! I'm not usually one for royal romances, but this series is just so *fresh* that I can't help but love it. Also, put a curmudgeonly Scottish sword-maker in a book and I am SO THERE!
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Probably a 3 1/2 star
I found this book from Rec it Wednesday from Smart B$tches insta stories.
It is a different book for me - but it was the answer to the prompt - "Favorite Contemporary you read recently" - so I hade to try it.
Portia goes to Scotland to be an apprentice for Tav a sword maker. He is rather gruff and doesnt think he needs help, and Portia is rather down on herself - as her family has llw expectations.
I like the idea, and enjoyed the new setting
Tav and Portia had chemistry right away - they fought it - then neither of them had confidence it could work.
This book is wordy - I know people speak differently in Scotland, but wow Portia could go down a self depreciating rabbit hole, and Tav spent time over thinking too.
The chemistry was there but low on romance.
The conflict that drove them apart was a long time coming and the resolution was a while coming but not satisfying to me - had me thinking thinking this may be this is one of those cliff hanger books - nope.
I may try another book from this author, but I might stay clear of this series.
I found this book from Rec it Wednesday from Smart B$tches insta stories.
It is a different book for me - but it was the answer to the prompt - "Favorite Contemporary you read recently" - so I hade to try it.
Portia goes to Scotland to be an apprentice for Tav a sword maker. He is rather gruff and doesnt think he needs help, and Portia is rather down on herself - as her family has llw expectations.
I like the idea, and enjoyed the new setting
Tav and Portia had chemistry right away - they fought it - then neither of them had confidence it could work.
This book is wordy - I know people speak differently in Scotland, but wow Portia could go down a self depreciating rabbit hole, and Tav spent time over thinking too.
The chemistry was there but low on romance.
The conflict that drove them apart was a long time coming and the resolution was a while coming but not satisfying to me - had me thinking thinking this may be this is one of those cliff hanger books - nope.
I may try another book from this author, but I might stay clear of this series.
Aside from the rude comparison to Hermione and Ron, this book was literal perfection.
A great addition to the Reluctant Royals series. Loved the family and friendships in this one, with a totally believable friend squad, and realistically fraught parent dynamics. Portia was so human and relatable--I really cheered for her to find her place and her own self-worth.
This was better than the first book in the series. Call it 4.5 out of 5 to differentiate.
I think Cole had a better handle on both characters, and the setting really worked. The whole armory/Duke thing REALLY worked, even if it was completely and absolutely unbelievable. (And it was.) Super cute ending, too. Abrupt though.
Thanks to the publisher and to Edelweiss for the digital ARC.
I think Cole had a better handle on both characters, and the setting really worked. The whole armory/Duke thing REALLY worked, even if it was completely and absolutely unbelievable. (And it was.) Super cute ending, too. Abrupt though.
Thanks to the publisher and to Edelweiss for the digital ARC.
I had a very similar reaction to this book as I did to the first in the Reluctant Royals series, ([b:A Princess in Theory|35271238|A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals, #1)|Alyssa Cole|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1501702014s/35271238.jpg|56629976], which is that I loved a lot about the characterization and how the stories were told, but the ending felt rushed.
Will this prevent me from reading the next book in the series or recommending Ms. Cole to my friends? No, but it does blunt my overall enjoyment of the book.
Will this prevent me from reading the next book in the series or recommending Ms. Cole to my friends? No, but it does blunt my overall enjoyment of the book.
this was so gooood! tav and portia are amazing and her feelings of unworthiness hit a little too close for me heh
i just wish it had an epilogue :(
also, i know next book is nya and johan’s, but i was wondering if reggie is getting a book as well... i hope so!
i just wish it had an epilogue :(
also, i know next book is nya and johan’s, but i was wondering if reggie is getting a book as well... i hope so!
What to say. What to say. Grumpy swordbae was wonderful to watch work through what he had and what he wanted. Portia was amazing. Her figuring out that she wasn't the screw up that she believed herself to be was a sight to behold. They made a typical relationship misstep, but it was good to watch them figure out how to make things work. This was thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to what Ms. Cole has in store for us.