Review: A Princess in Theory - Alyssa Cole

From Goodreads:

From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.

Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.

The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?

My Thoughts: 

I picked this book as part of the Read Harder reading challenge, and despite a few "quirks" I found a new author and a story that I really enjoyed and I look forward to reading more by Ms. Cole.

This is not a book or a story that is meant to seem grounded in reality.  Instead, it's a modern day fairy tale and if you go into it with that mindset it's a story to enjoy.  If you expect it to seem real, you'll find yourself saying "that could never happen" more than you'd like and probably reduce your enjoyment.  Instead, get lost in the fun and the romance, even if you are someone like me that never really dreamed of being a long-lost princess.

The only "quirk" I found while reading the book was that it is written in a style that is more informal than many books.  Not that most romance use overly formal language, but this is truly written as though the characters (modern 20-somethings) are speaking like they would to each other if they were real people in today's world.  It took a bit for me to get used to, and before long I was enjoying the story enough I didn't notice it as much.

It may defy reality, but the quickly developing relationship between our characters, the challenges they each face (some of their own making), and emotional struggles of trust and love make for an entertaining story. 

A much appreciated review copy received from Edelweiss!

Review: Hurts to Love You - Alisha Rai

From Goodreads: Being bad never felt so good, in the third novel in Alisha Rai’s sexy Forbidden Hearts series!

Well-behaved women don’t lust after men who love to misbehave.

Heiress Evangeline Chandler knows how to keep a secret . . . like her life-long crush on the tattooed hottie who just happens to be her big brother’s friend. She’s a Chandler, after all, and Chandlers don’t hook up with the help. Then again, they also don’t disobey their fathers and quit their respectable jobs, so good-girl rules may no longer apply.

Gabriel Hunter hides the pain of his past behind a smile, but he can’t hide his sudden attraction to his friend’s sheltered little sister. Eve is far too sweet to accept anything less than forever and there’s no chance of a future between the son of a housekeeper and the town’s resident princess.

When a wedding party forces Eve and Gabe into tight quarters, keeping their hands off each other will be as hard as keeping their clothes on. The need that draws them together is stronger than the forces that should shove them apart . . . but their sparks may not survive the explosion when long-buried secrets are finally unearthed.

My Thoughts: I picked up this author as part of a reading challenge that included reading a romance involving a diverse main character or that was written by a diverse author.  I was not familiar with Ms. Rai's work prior to the first in this series, and I had no idea what to expect. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.  Her work is well-written and much more than "just" a romance.  The characters are well developed and she dives into deeper issues that are involved in love, relationships, family, and frankly, life. 

This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone.  Despite being the third in a series that follows two families, the characters don't get old and the story lines aren't the same throughout the series.  There are some underlying issues that carry through considering the ties between the books and the families, but overall, the underlying concerns, the issues that make up the story are unique throughout. Like the other books, we learn about the imperfections of Gabe and Eve, their insecurities, fears, worries, and we see them work to grow and move forward.  I think unlike many books where there are emotional and personal challenges, these don't get glossed over and working to overcome these fears and insecurities is not portrayed as an easy or perfect process.  All the relationships involve work, and that's real, which I think is important. Don't get me wrong, it is certainly a hot romance, but it was so much more than I expected and I highly recommend the whole series. 

A much appreciated review copy received from Edelweiss!