Stevie‘s review of A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals, Book 1) by Alyssa Cole
Contemporary Romance published by Avon 27 Feb 18

Although I have several Alyssa Cole books on my ‘To Read’ list, I passed on this one when I was originally offered it to review, although I immediately regretted my decision and bought a copy in time for the release of the second book in the series. Naledi Smith is my sort of heroine, a self-reliant scientist, who grew up in care and now works two part-time jobs to fund her way through her postgraduate studies in epidemiology, as well as being the general dogsbody for more senior researchers in the lab. Recently, Naledi has been receiving what she takes to be spam emails, purporting to be from the assistant to an African prince and claiming that Naledi is the prince’s long-lost betrothed. Although Naledi has always wondered who her parents were – she has no real memory of them or of the car crash in which they died – she refuses to believe that they were anyone of any great importance in the wider world.

Prince Thabiso remembers Naledi, however. In addition to his actual childhood memories of their betrothal ceremony, he is constantly nagged by his parents to find a worthy replacement bride and settle down, since Naledi’s parents’ ‘betrayal’ shows that the children weren’t really destined to be together. When his assistant’s emails to Naledi fail to receive replies, Thabiso takes advantage of an ambassadorial trip to New York to search her out for himself. When they first meet, Naledi is busy at her waitressing job and mistakes Thabiso for a new member of the team. He goes along with the ruse, figuring she might show her real character better if she isn’t overcome by his status. Thabiso has met a lot of women who want him for his title rather than for any of his other attributes.

Naledi is very taken with the new guy, although he doesn’t last long at his job, and is pleased but wary to find that he has sublet the apartment opposite hers while her neighbour is away visiting relatives. The pair begin a relationship, which is going well until Naledi discovers Thabiso’s true identity at a very public dinner. Having had her trust in him shattered, Naledi agrees to accompany Thabiso back to his home country, close to South Africa, on the promise that she can work with top epidemiologists who are investigating a mysterious illness affecting Thabiso’s people.

I loved Naledi for all her scientific curiosity and resiliance and for her strong friendships with the women around her. I was less taken with Thabiso’s habit of solving problems with money, although in the end he did learn his lesson. This book was very much a fairy tale, and I allowed myself to be swept up in the impossibleness of some of the situations, because the subjects and settings for the plots were just far enough outside my experience for me to suspend my disbelief. Overall, a fun take on the royal marries commoner trope.

Grade: B

Summary:

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?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: