Reviews

How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole

holyhead_harpie's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

loveambreen's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm giving this 5 stars because Alyssa Cole's novels are always better than any other romance novel I can find, and I genuinely love everything about this world she's built.

That said, on an Alyssa Cole scale, this is probably a 3.5-4 out of 5. While I loved these characters and their dynamics, I still found myself most excited when previous characters popped up. This book didn't have the goofy fun of A Prince on Paper, but the character work wasn't as deeply done as A Duke By Default.

Cole's endings are always kind of rushed and that's still the case in this book, but to a lesser extent. But I'm not sure if that's because she's gotten better at it or because there wasn't as much plot that could be feasibly rushed.

The summary also felt kind of misleading. I don't have a problem with what the book turned out to be, but I was under the impression that things would happen much earlier and much more dramatically than they actually did. The broad outline was actually more formulaic than I assumed based on the summary.

mylastromancenovel's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

General Thoughts: I have read quite a few Alyssa Cole books recently. They are always fun, cute, lighthearted, and a quick read. This one was no exception. She had her work to do redeeming the MMC from some of the prior series that this one spun off from, but she did it.

I liked the characters and I thought she did a great job building the pacing of this one. I love the representation in all of this author's books of fictional African countries. She always has funny books that I love. If you're looking for a lighthearted read, check this one out.

Spice Meter: ❤️‍🔥.5 Not very prominent, but there were some spicy scenes.

Romantic Tropes
-dual romance
-contemporary romance
-royalty romance
-arranged marriage

You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.

laughatlantis's review

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

4.0

I really like Alyssa Cole’s romances for light frothy reads. This one delivers. The FMC is smart and pushes for what she wants despite being in an untenable situation. The MMC is appropriately problematic, but fixable. It’s a fun set up and the backdrop of being matched on “royalmatch.com” is delightful ridiculous.

alicebme's review against another edition

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4.0

Ok it turned out alright. Everyone is so evolved and open to change in this book. I like the trend toward romance novels with evolved relationships and values. Will read more Alyssa Cole for sure.

lx2's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective 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 think it’s a miracle or a testament to alyssa cole’s skills that i’m into these straight royal stories so much!!!

edit:
  • i think the conclusion was a bit rushed
  • this would made such a good tv movie. instead of producing these white blend love stories they should invest in this series/universe! 
  • i love alyssa cole!!!
  • some of the dialogue felt too on the nose/too expository, especially towards the end which prompted that feeling of it being rushed 

travelingdolphin's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted mysterious 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? It's complicated

3.75

marieintheraw's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a lot slower of a start than I would have wanted, plus somethings just do not work plot-wise for me. That being said, Alyssa Cole has such a humorous style that makes up for most of my problems.

lauraellis's review against another edition

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Got distracted and want to start over

theseventhl's review against another edition

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5.0

It's stunning, beautiful, sexy, progressive, hilarious, and everything else that makes an Alyssa Cole novel an instant must read. Go read the previous series if you haven't, then sprint right on back and start reading the RUNAWAY ROYALS series. You will not regret it.

Pre-release review: I know this doesn't come out until next spring but 'RELUCTANT ROYALS' SPIN-OFF, FUCK YES, I AM SO AMPED, GONNA PRE-ORDER IT RIGHT NOW IDGAF HOW LONG I MUST WAIT