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blodeuedd's review
2.0
The narrator did a good job, I felt her voices were distinct and it was easy listening to. It is someone I would listen to again.
Bez is looking for an heir to the throne of Ibarania, and comes to investigate Makeda.
Ok, so first, wouldn't it be better to investigate her maybe grandfather? Who knows who he might have married and gotten kids with after this. But ok for the story it is Makeda (her gran had a fling with a maybe prince and thinks Makeda should go for it since there is this whole Become our Prince/Princess and get some cash).
Makeda used to be a doormat, no more. So FU Bez. Makeda is going nowhere. She insults Bez, Bez tries to win her over.
Then came to meh part, the journey they take. It was SO long. And nothing happens, and everything happens in the last 5%. I would have wanted more there.
I did like that it takes time for them to fall for each other, as it should. And it gives Makeda time to wok on herself and not be such a pushover. And I liked how Bez was just so warrior!
I enjoyed it (though maybe less ship next time).
Bez is looking for an heir to the throne of Ibarania, and comes to investigate Makeda.
Ok, so first, wouldn't it be better to investigate her maybe grandfather? Who knows who he might have married and gotten kids with after this. But ok for the story it is Makeda (her gran had a fling with a maybe prince and thinks Makeda should go for it since there is this whole Become our Prince/Princess and get some cash).
Makeda used to be a doormat, no more. So FU Bez. Makeda is going nowhere. She insults Bez, Bez tries to win her over.
Then came to meh part, the journey they take. It was SO long. And nothing happens, and everything happens in the last 5%. I would have wanted more there.
I did like that it takes time for them to fall for each other, as it should. And it gives Makeda time to wok on herself and not be such a pushover. And I liked how Bez was just so warrior!
I enjoyed it (though maybe less ship next time).
clpaige's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
balletbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
omg helpy chaos Muppet vs prickly order Muppet in an Anastasia retelling
I just loved this whole book. If you haven't read any of Alyssa's previous Royals books, you could start with this one since this is the first one where previous couples don't really make an appearance in any way (the connection from the previous book to this one is Bez). Also: cargo ships.
I just loved this whole book. If you haven't read any of Alyssa's previous Royals books, you could start with this one since this is the first one where previous couples don't really make an appearance in any way (the connection from the previous book to this one is Bez). Also: cargo ships.
pattydsf's review against another edition
4.0
”No adventures, no drama, and always there to lend a helping hand, even when her hands were full, that was Makeda. And that usually worked out just fine for her – until it didn’t.”
“Bez was simply too much for most people. Her parents had wondered if her neurodivergence was the issue, but Bez resented the implication. She was quite happy to be ‘too much’ because the alternative, in her eyes, was to be too little.
This was a great retelling of the Anastasia story. I liked reencountering Beznaria and Makeda is a wonderful character. Their time on the freighter was especially fun.
I have read nine novels by Cole and one short story, and I have enjoyed everyone. I always like finding an author who provides excellent happy ever afters. I look forward to Cole’s next book like I look forward to hot fudge sundaes.
“Bez was simply too much for most people. Her parents had wondered if her neurodivergence was the issue, but Bez resented the implication. She was quite happy to be ‘too much’ because the alternative, in her eyes, was to be too little.
This was a great retelling of the Anastasia story. I liked reencountering Beznaria and Makeda is a wonderful character. Their time on the freighter was especially fun.
I have read nine novels by Cole and one short story, and I have enjoyed everyone. I always like finding an author who provides excellent happy ever afters. I look forward to Cole’s next book like I look forward to hot fudge sundaes.
kerrygibbons's review against another edition
4.0
I thought the ending a bit… potentially gross? But otherwise I loved this weird, horny, emotionally stunted little story!
bibliobrittish's review
4.0
3.5 - that twist ending though... thoroughly enjoyable blend of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, only one bed, and bodyguard romancing. A fun update of one of my favorite royal stories, but the pacing got a bit bogged down in the emotional details (albeit a well-done and worthwhile reminder to all those who pour from empty cups).
youreadtoomuch's review against another edition
2.0
A cheesy, sexy read. The tension between the characters was perfect mixed with just a touch of incredulity where the plot was involved. If only the characters were extended the same consideration. Together they were dynamite, apart they fell flat and weren't very coherent characters. Their previous actions contradicted the person we were getting to know. For example, Beznaria lives by this personal honor code to the royal lineage that no one but her really respects to this degree. But then proceeds to intentionally keep a very huge truth hidden from Makeda, a potential royal (lost) heir, that was a groundless attempt at a rupture in the couple on the author's part. Didn't feel respectful to the characters except to create a reason they have those hard conversations. But don't worry it's all easily resolved just as the plot is because it randomly got lost somewhere once we got on a boat.
rensjedi's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked this book, but the ending fell kind of flat. I would have loved either more smut or a longer ending. The whole book we hear about this lost princess and then it's just tied up in a few pages. But still a good read!
greylandreviews's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
ARC provided by Avon through NetGalley for honest review
I wanted to like this so bad! I've been waiting for Bez's story after How to Catch A Queen and I was let down. The pacing wasn't great and over all plot development underwhelming. I did get aspects of an Anastasia retelling but the whole story just wasn't there. And the time spent in Ibarania at the end of the book was to short and rushed. Here's hoping the next book in this series is better!
ARC provided by Avon through NetGalley for honest review
I wanted to like this so bad! I've been waiting for Bez's story after How to Catch A Queen and I was let down. The pacing wasn't great and over all plot development underwhelming. I did get aspects of an Anastasia retelling but the whole story just wasn't there. And the time spent in Ibarania at the end of the book was to short and rushed. Here's hoping the next book in this series is better!