martamae77's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Sexual content and Mental illness
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Alcoholism
Minor: Death of parent
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I hated Portia in A Princess in Theory, but Cole managed to create a character that I came to appreciate and root for throughout this book. Portia was fun and in some ways really relatable, and she had great chemistry with Tav. I couldn't stand the ending, however, and the book was riddled with plot holes.
Why did no one suspect Portia might have been drugged instead of managing to get smashed in the span of like 10 minutes after not drinking for months? That's such a weird assumption to make when you've been present for her recovery journey! The final conflicts between Tav and Portia were also pointless. How is it a misunderstanding when you literally tell someone to leave and go back to America? Do we ever address the sister knowingly letting her brother drug Portia? What was the point of him drugging Portia in the first place?
Spoiler
Making the Queen the sassy side character was a bizarre choice for me. The whole plot point with the nail polish made no sense. How would her nails be that visible in photos to notice the difference? How would no one with her IRL see that change? Don't you have to submerge your nail into the drink for it to work?Why did no one suspect Portia might have been drugged instead of managing to get smashed in the span of like 10 minutes after not drinking for months? That's such a weird assumption to make when you've been present for her recovery journey! The final conflicts between Tav and Portia were also pointless. How is it a misunderstanding when you literally tell someone to leave and go back to America? Do we ever address the sister knowingly letting her brother drug Portia? What was the point of him drugging Portia in the first place?
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol and Alcoholism
egmamaril's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a lovely book, but I live in Scotland and found it hard to suspend my disbelief.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Drug abuse and Medical trauma
Minor: Alcoholism and Alcohol
astropova's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Absolutely excellent, loved it! And now I have a new trope to add to my wheelhouse: "here I come to save/fix your shop/town/life"!
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Emotional abuse
memorable's review
adventurous
emotional
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
4.25
I really like this series! I didn’t know I was one to like stories of royalty, but here I am.
I didn’t like Portia in the first book as a side character, but learned to love her in this book! It all made me understand her more and knowing where she’s coming from, her actions are understandable!
The ending felt somewhat rushed, I had the same feeling listening to the first one, too. There is such a huge built-up and then after the climax everything happens somewhat fast. I really like the story nonetheless and I definitely want to read the other books of the series, too!
I didn’t like Portia in the first book as a side character, but learned to love her in this book! It all made me understand her more and knowing where she’s coming from, her actions are understandable!
The ending felt somewhat rushed, I had the same feeling listening to the first one, too. There is such a huge built-up and then after the climax everything happens somewhat fast. I really like the story nonetheless and I definitely want to read the other books of the series, too!
Graphic: Sexual content, Drug abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Racism, Misogyny, and Death of parent
Harry Potter referencesSpoiler
Person is druggedbeholderess's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Racism
More...