A
Prince on Paper (Reluctant Royals #3)
Author: Alyssa Cole
Publisher: Avon
American
release date: April 30, 2019
Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Contemporary Romance/381 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★
Nya Jerami is the daughter of the
disgraced and now imprisoned former minister of Thesolo. Escaping to the glitz
and glamor of NYC, Nya is dismayed to find the city is too big to suit her, and
she feels out of place there. Her career isn’t taking off the way she’d hoped,
and her love life leaves something to be desired too, only to be found in the
virtual dating games she plays. Returning to Thesolo for the royal wedding of
Ledi and Thabiso can either be a curse or a blessing, as she is unsure of the
reception she will receive from the people, some of whom think she is as guilty
as her father. However, in all her speculations as to what might happen, she
never figured Prince Johan into her calculations.
Johan von Braustein is literally
the red-headed step-prince of Liechtienbourgh and has long held the title of
the Playboy Prince. But that works for him, as it draws attention to himself
and away from his half-brother Lukas, the actual heir to the throne, who is
only seventeen and not ready for the scrutiny of the press. Johan hides behind
his infamous persona and admits no one. But then he finds himself up close and
personal with Nya in the most unexpected way, and all bets are off.
These two are in for a bumpy ride.
As if this isn’t enough pressure,
a referendum is about to be held in Liechtienbourgh, which may bring about the
end of the monarchy. What will happen to Prince Jo-jo/Johan then? The paparazzi
are threatening to tear down his carefully built persona, while even from
prison, Nya’s father attempts to manipulate her.
On the flight to Thesolo, Nya and
Johan, aka Jo-Jo, find themselves becoming friends. Neither one knows the other
has been watching for a long time. Secrets are being guarded, information
withheld, and emotions kept in check. Due to unexpected circumstances, they
present the world with a fake engagement. But how long will they be able to
maintain the charade?
Much as I loved the first two
books in the Reluctant Royals series, this one took my heart immediately,
especially Prince Johan. By the time I was finished reading, I knew this was my
favorite, without a doubt. Watching these two people watch each other, wanting,
longing, and unable to speak due to perceived problems, broke my heart. Both
are wounded, although in different ways, and both are afraid to love. Love, in
their experience, can be manipulative or it can lead to great loss and pain.
But there is more to it than that, as they come to learn, and they will have to
take a leap of faith at some point in order to make their dreams come true.
Johan’s brother Lukas is both
engaging and bratty, typical teenager, although he does have reason to act out,
what with the upcoming referendum. He’s been raised all his life to become a
king, but what if there is no monarchy? Not to mention, he has other issues
he’s afraid to discuss which make him lash out at those he loves best.
Nya’s support group, aka Ledi and
Portia, are not as evident in this book, but they are there for her as much as
possible, and it’s good to see them again, as well as glimpses of Thabiso and
Tav.
This book resonated the most
deeply with me, and I could see myself in Nya, playing her dating sims, although
mine tend to be of the male variety, such as Dream Daddy. It’s easier to give
your heart to a virtual lover than an actual one, but sometimes you just have
to take a chance. This is a don’t miss addition to the series, but you really
need to read them all, as well as the two novellas that are part of the series
also, or you’ll be shortchanging yourself.
I would so love to see these books
made into a series or movie!
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