[book-info]
Don’t want to read the whole review? Click to jump to the Skinny Review.
It took me a while to get into A Princess in Theory. In fact, I received an ARC last year and I had put it on-hold since then! When I finally caved and bought the audiobook and listened to it, I was delighted but also a little bit distracted.
See, I saw Black Panther this year and the accent the narrator, Karen Chilton, used for Thabiso reminded me of the Wakanda accent and I kept picturing Chadwick Boseman in the Black Panther suit. Also, Thesolo also reminded me of Wakanda, albeit not as highly advanced. In this case, the distraction made it a little bit hard for me to enjoy the book fully.
However, I LOVED Naledi! I love that we have a POC, female in STEM! We seriously need more representation here! She is independent and smart and hardworking, a character that I look up to. Again, we need more representation of these types of characters in romance.
A Princess in Theory also had a Coming to America feel and I also recently saw that movie on TV. While I didn’t like Thabiso’s deception, I totally understood his reasons. But I think he should have groveled more.
One bad thing about A Princess in Theory is that I saw the villain a mile away. I knew who it was, I knew that he was behind the whole issue in Thesolo, so it wasn’t really a surprise to me. We also didn’t get to see this villain accused or tried or defeated because it was told to us. I honestly would have wanted a showdown between the villain, Naledi and Thabiso and get a few answers – but we weren’t given any. This basically made me take-off half a star in my overall rating.
While I know romance is sometimes predictable, I still prefer to be kept guessing, at least until closer to the villain reveal. As it was, I was halfway through the book when I knew who it was.
Overall, I enjoyed A Princess in Theory and I can’t wait to read the next book A Duke by Default.
I normally don’t comment about book covers in my reviews unless there is something especially good about them and this one has it in spades! I absolutely love the cover featuring a POC couple! This type of cover isn’t very common, and I want to see more. Plus, did you see Naledi’s dress? I follow Alyssa Cole on Twitter and she tweeted out the Etsy shop of the lady that made the dress! So, YES you can absolutely BUY this dress! I am partial to the design and colors that Portia is wearing in A Duke by Default and I am thinking about buying it for myself!
[rating-report]
affiliate links below
What is your favorite book featuring a heroine in STEM?
I was laughing as I read through the synopsis. This book seems super cute! I also totally agree that these covers are amazing! I’m definitely going to check out that Etsy store now!
Malka @ Paper Procrastinators recently posted…Make Me Read It Readathon Wrap Up
It really is super cute, Malka! 🙂 and the clothes are adorable!
I love the covers for these books too! The dresses are so pretty and bright!
I’m glad you enjoyed it. That’s funny about the Wakanda accent but I can see where you’re coming from. Naledi was a fun girl! I’m excited for you to read Duke by Default. I have a feeling you will enjoy that one even more!
Nick recently posted…The Weekly Recap (13): Trying To Boost My NetGalley Ratio
I love Naledi! Her sarcasm was perfect! And the dresses are drool worthy! SERIOUSLY! I can’t wait to read Duke by Default!! Well, I’m going to listen to it, I hope I love the accent!