A review by nglofile
A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole

3.0

3.5 stars.

First, the cover: Gorgeous. Magnetic. Hearts will swell. It balances both formula and freshness, and that could equally describe the story contained within.

This is a last stop in my most recent circuit of romance check-ins, and Alyssa Cole deserves all the buzz she's been building: multiracial pairings, royal fantasy, self-aware characters who still fumble with old patterns, playful sensuality, and a foundation of respect. There are a few truly original scenarios that contemporary readers will thrill to see depicted, and the best part is that they resonate as Romantic Gesture even though the significance is understated and might seem rather ordinary out of context.

However, this story didn't win me over without reservation. Though the introduction of the online game Nya plays was cute, her investment in it throughout the story grew ridiculous, and the trouble it would eventually cause was thoroughly telegraphed. Also, each of the family dramas had legitimate substance at times, but those were undercut with characters that played too closely to type. Then there's this:
Spoilerthe choice for N's first time to take place in a public setting, even at her instigation, was not true to either character and tainted the moment with slight cringe
. Quibbles aside, there's a great deal to recommend this author and this series, and both will undoubtedly be more prominent in my suggestions for specific readers.