A Princess in Theory

Written by Alyssa Cole

Published by Avon Books, February 27, 2018

My star rating – 4 stars

THE SYNOPSIS:

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? Find it on Goodreads

MY REVIEW:

Every once in a while I crave a book that doesn’t take too much thinking. I read so much fantasy and science fiction, and it bogs down the brain. Sometimes it’s nice to sit back, relax, and live a little through someone else’s life and romance. This book was everything I was hoping it would be!

Naledi as a character was great! She lived her life in the foster system after her parents died at an early age. With no other family to claim her, she was bounced from home to home, and family to family, all the while desperately wanting to be loved and fit in. But she didn’t let her difficult upbringing stop her. Instead she focused on school, work, and building a future for herself. And she had done an AMAZING job! Just as she’s finishing up her schooling and awaiting an intern position, she starts to get these emails that she’s the long lost betrothed to the Prince of Thesolo. Scam, right? She thinks so. Until one day, the very Prince that those emails claimed to be her future husband shows up in her life…… but she knows him as Jamal.

This story line was wonderful! Prince Thabiso plans on going to New York and claiming his bride to be. He wanted to explain to her that she was promised to him since she was a child, and wanted to know why her parents took her away and abandoned their country. But when he shows up, Ledi mistakes him for the new waiter that was supposed to help her for an event at her work. Prince Thabiso just goes with it…… always planning on telling Ledi the truth. But he got caught up in the life of being a normal man. And he got caught up in the long lost connection with Ledi. He tried to tell her many times but something always happened to stay his tongue. This gave them a chance to connect on a level that didn’t include the obligation of royalty and the dependance of an entire country. I also loved the fact that he loved her for who she was and not for the person she was supposed to be if the didn’t leave the country. She had a very different way of life, as she grew up American and didn’t remember her Thesolo heritage

Was this book perfect? No. I thought it was hilarious that she was studying infectious diseases and suddenly there was a mysterious outbreak in Thesolo…. #convenient. I also thought it was hilarious how quickly and easily she learned about the disease…… I want to explain so much more but it would spoil the ending. Suffice to say, I was rolling my eyes A LOT in the end of this book. It was very predictable and convenient.

But did that ruin my reading experience? Somewhat, but not really! This book was everything I hoped it would be. It was a wonderful way to reset and fall in love with the characters. If you’re craving a light, fast paced, romantic read this summer, then you might want to give this a try! I can’t wait to continue with the series! The second book is a companion novel about a character that we met in this book.

Until next time, happy reading!