A review by onthesamepage
Prince's Gambit by C.S. Pacat

adventurous dark 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? No

5.0

"We can face each other as free men. Whatever is to fall out between us can do so then."

I spent about 2 days in a daze because of this book, and that is the highest compliment I can give.

I don't think Pacat knows what middle book syndrome is. Prince's Gambit builds upon everything she so masterfully set up in Captive Prince, both in the politics and in the relationships. I actually loved the political machinations as well—Laurent has a devious mind, and I would pay for a peek. But what had me buzzing like I had consumed 10 shots of espresso was definitely the dynamic between Damen and Laurent.

Usually I tend to prefer multiple POV in my books, but especially in romances, because I love getting to see two characters fall for each other. But I think in this case, reading everything just from Damen's POV makes it more tantalizing. Just like Damen, I can only guess at what is going on in Laurent's head, and I desperately want to know, because I have so many guesses. I can only hope that some of them turn out to be right.

There were scenes here that had me giggling and kicking my feet. Every time Laurent smiled or laughed I was grinning like a goon. I loved seeing how their relationship changed, and how Laurent slowly comes to rely on Damen, but also how Damen steadily learns to read what Laurent wants, without Laurent saying anything. It's a slow burn, but it's so good.
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