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notsobinaryart's review
Compared to Alyssa Cole’s other books in the series, this one seems much less cheery and hopeful. The constant manipulation and gaslighting from one of the significant side characters made the read not entertaining for me. The blatant misogyny also was something I didn’t expect to bother me as much as it did, but it was so severe in this country’s culture (or at least in their politics) that I couldn’t personally find enjoyment.
This isn’t to say it’s a bad book, but I would say to know what to expect before reading this book.
This isn’t to say it’s a bad book, but I would say to know what to expect before reading this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Abandonment and Emotional abuse
thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
3.5
I really loved Shanti in this book! She knows what she wants and is so driven. And wow, she has to put up with a LOT.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Grief
toffishay's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexism, and Misogyny
caseythereader's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
3.5
- Cole is the queen (ha) of meaty romance novels. Political jockeying! International relations! Unpacking toxic masculinity! Library archive maintenance! It's all here in HOW TO CATCH A QUEEN.
- I was so pleasantly surprised at how big a role characters from the Reluctant Royals series played in this book! So nice to see them all on the page again.
- I feel like it took a little too long for Sanyu to catch on to what Shanti was asking for, but at the same time I was happy to watch him unlearn so much.
- I was so pleasantly surprised at how big a role characters from the Reluctant Royals series played in this book! So nice to see them all on the page again.
- I feel like it took a little too long for Sanyu to catch on to what Shanti was asking for, but at the same time I was happy to watch him unlearn so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, and Sexism
allisonwonderlandreads's review
funny
hopeful
fast-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
3.0
I continue to be convinced that Alyssa Cole can do no wrong. This feisty start to the spin-off series Runaway Royals adds to the map, network of characters, and histories in the world Cole has envisioned. Our romance follows a king and queen in an arranged marriage. Shanti has been preparing herself to be a queen since childhood, described as "just a bit scary" by her own teachers and tutors as she single-mindedly chased her goals. Now her lifelong aspiration has finally been achieved in a sense, but her new nation hems her in with its traditions at every turn. Not least of which is the fact that her position is in a trial period to be renewed in 4 months, something that didn't happen once in the previous king's life as he cycled through brides with general indifference. Her husband, King Sanyu, is grieving his father, struggling with feelings that he will never live up to his role, and dealing with a sometimes debilitating "not-fear" that sounds suspiciously like anxiety attacks. Meanwhile, their small nation is on the brink of revolt while caught in the iron fist of economic hardship.
As usual, Cole tackles the emotional hangups of each character and the challenges of the relationship with finesse. There is emphasis on communication, respect, and spicy hot passion. This book dives more deeply into politics than her other Royal novels. The role of government and its duty to its people, the right to protest and demand fair treatment, and lack of women in decision-making positions are all addressed throughout.
I have to be honest that my favorite part was a pair of scenes starring one of the romantic leads of the forthcoming sequel. I will read anything involving Beznaria Chetchevaliere in future. All I want is to read an entire book where she talks about how everything is a social construct and then watch her run off for unsanctioned missions to rescue damsels in distress. That is all. Aka you can catch me reading the next book asap.
Content Warnings
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Grief
zombiezami's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved Shanti as a character. She seemed very cold when she made her debut in A Princess in Theory and when she showed up again in A Prince on Paper. I'm glad that she got so much more fleshed out here. She's a badass! I was also really endeared to Sanyu. He reminded me of Chidi on The Good Place: he has so much undiagnosed anxiety, but I'm glad that he gets therapy in the end. So many characters in romance novels very seriously need therapy, not just romantic love, and I'm glad Alyssa Cole understands that!
As in previous books taking place in this world, the fictional African nations have same gender loving characters and it is a complete non-issue, and even celebrated. I loved the idea of triad marriages in this book. It is so healing to read these stories in which homophobia functionally doesn't exist in Africa (at least in the two countries we've visited through these series).
I don't really understand why this is being considered a separate series than the Reluctant Royals series, since so many of the characters in that series show up here. But I'm glad we readers get to spend more time in this world!
As in previous books taking place in this world, the fictional African nations have same gender loving characters and it is a complete non-issue, and even celebrated. I loved the idea of triad marriages in this book. It is so healing to read these stories in which homophobia functionally doesn't exist in Africa (at least in the two countries we've visited through these series).
I don't really understand why this is being considered a separate series than the Reluctant Royals series, since so many of the characters in that series show up here. But I'm glad we readers get to spend more time in this world!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Terminal illness
Minor: Animal death, Gun violence, and Vomit
nitya's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Note: I didn't get an ARC, my pre-order arrived very early!
So this was my first time ever reading anything by Alyssa Cole, and for the most part I enjoyed it! The worldbuilding is wonderful, Shanti and Sanyu are freaking adorable, and there's really well done anxiety rep, exploration of imperialism on "third world" nations, and criticism of patriarchy/toxic masculinity. And the Reluctant Royals character cameos makes me more hyped to read the series!
My biggest issue is thatthe main antagonist, who is super abusive and toxic to Shanti and Sanyu (and anyone who tries to call him out on his BS honestly), was redeemed at the end and never apologized for his actions, especially to Shanti. I didn't read the epilogue which apparently goes on to paint him as a kind grandfather figure. Yeaaaah no thanks. I was hoping he would drop dead but I guess I will leave that as a personal headcanon.
On a positive note, I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series (and the character intro is delightful)!!
So this was my first time ever reading anything by Alyssa Cole, and for the most part I enjoyed it! The worldbuilding is wonderful, Shanti and Sanyu are freaking adorable, and there's really well done anxiety rep, exploration of imperialism on "third world" nations, and criticism of patriarchy/toxic masculinity. And the Reluctant Royals character cameos makes me more hyped to read the series!
My biggest issue is that
On a positive note, I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series (and the character intro is delightful)!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Grief
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