Books We've Read - How to Catch a Queen

 

I kept my Alyssa Cole streak up with How to Catch a Queen.  This is a spin-off from the Reluctant Royals series, but it starts a new series, Runaway Royals.  Sanyu and Shanti start the series (and their appearance in A Prince on Paper) married.  They're strained for many reasons - death of a parent, political climate, pressures of running a country (or rebelling against a monarchy).  You know, typical marital issues...  

I thought this book was super unique, and I felt for Sanyu.  I mean, he was kind of a jerk, but it was interesting to learn his point of view and where he was coming from.  Ugh, Daddy issues, they're the worst.  

What I love about Alyssa Cole's books is that the tropes are there.  The plot seems like you know where it's going, but then there's more or it doesn't go the place you thought.  I love that.  I wouldn't say it's a twist so much as a misdirection.  I can't wait for the next book (still have one in my to be read pile at least).

Books We've Read - A Prince on Paper

 

I slowly got back into writing over the holidays.  I had this one in the ereader for quite awhile.  I love Alyssa Cole's books, but somehow they get buried in a mountain of books, but I'm always so happy when I read them.  A Prince on Paper is some secondary characters from her Reluctant Royals series.  Johan was the playboy prince from the previous book.  Nya is heading home after a disappointing time in New York City.  They both end up in the same bed in a private jet (because who hasn't that happened to before?) and get thrown together during mutual friends' wedding.

I loved the characters.  I love a good fake relationship/engagement.  I loved seeing all the beloved characters from the previous book.  There's such great character development, believable dialogue, and chemistry between the characters even if the premise, from a distance, seems a bit much.  That's usually a consequence of the genre in general.  Plus, during one scene, you get to meet the characters from the next book/series.