A review by sarahhbeth_reads
A Prince on Paper, by Alyssa Cole
4.0
As is typical of her work, Alyssa Cole expertly manipulates longstanding romance tropes, giving the "the virgin and the rake" and "marriage of convenience" a 21st century update.
I am very sick of the all-to-common "I can't let this person love me for their own good, but also I will not give them any agency in this decision" romance trope, and I appreciated that Cole confronted and intentionally eschewed this device. As Nya's family "sheltered" her from the world her entire life, gave her no agency, and instilled no confidence in Nya's ability to govern her own life, Johan and Nya's openness throughout their fake relationship is important and appropriate. On a related note, the novel examines the complexities, lasting trauma of an abusive parent-child relationship.
Like in A Duke by Default, Cole challenges the European royal status quo. Lukas's storyline is especially meaningful and unusual in a royal romance, albeit as a side plot.
Ultimately, this book, especially the first half, just wasn't as wholly engaging as the first two in the series. I wouldn't recommend it as a standalone. A Prince on Paper improves as the story develops, but I don't think it's a "must read."
I am very sick of the all-to-common "I can't let this person love me for their own good, but also I will not give them any agency in this decision" romance trope, and I appreciated that Cole confronted and intentionally eschewed this device. As Nya's family "sheltered" her from the world her entire life, gave her no agency, and instilled no confidence in Nya's ability to govern her own life, Johan and Nya's openness throughout their fake relationship is important and appropriate. On a related note, the novel examines the complexities, lasting trauma of an abusive parent-child relationship.
Like in A Duke by Default, Cole challenges the European royal status quo. Lukas's storyline is especially meaningful and unusual in a royal romance, albeit as a side plot.
Ultimately, this book, especially the first half, just wasn't as wholly engaging as the first two in the series. I wouldn't recommend it as a standalone. A Prince on Paper improves as the story develops, but I don't think it's a "must read."