monday minis: Suddenly in Love, A Princess in Theory

LYING LIARS WHO LIE

Today’s Monday minis are both books where the hero lies about his identity while starting a relationship with the heroine. Not a trope that I like but I did end up enjoying both of these books.


Suddenly in Love (Lake Haven #1) by Julia London
Audio narrator: Cristina Panfilio

Source: Kindle Unlimited

~ Goodreads

Mia Lassiter is thrilled to finally put her artistic skills to use working for her aunt’s interior design shop in her hometown of East Beach. While renovating an old mansion overlooking stunning Lake Haven, she encounters a scruffy but attractive man named Brennan—the owner’s son. She doesn’t realize this sexy recluse is actually Everett Alden, the world-famous rock star in hiding who’s nursing his own artistic and personal crises.

As their personalities clash, tension simmers between the struggling artist and jaded musician, and their time spent alone together in the gorgeous old house only serves to turn up the heat. Soon, Mia and Brennan’s creative passions boil over to inspire passions of another kind…

But reality comes crashing in when Mia’s celeb-obsessed cousin discovers Brennan’s true identity—and reveals it to the world. As paparazzi and industry execs swarm the mansion, Brennan is thrust back into his rock star lifestyle. Will Mia lose her soul mate just when she’s finally found him? Can their love survive the glaring spotlight?

My thoughts: This was your typical jaded rock star becomes a recluse – not trusting anyone until the one girl who doesn’t recognize him or take his crap shows up. Standard fare here but both Mia and Brennan are good people and in a slight twist – Mia is also artistic (a failed painter) – and struggling with the same doubts about her talent as Brennan. They’re kindred spirits and this romance just works despite the over used premise and annoying back & forth once the secret was revealed.

As for the Brennan lying. I got it. And he didn’t exactly lie – just never told Mia he was a rock star. In fact, he was probably more honest with Mia than he was with anyone else in his life. Other than that one itty bitty fact. lol

Audio thoughts: This was my first book on audio and…eh. It wasn’t awful but I could have finished this SO much faster if I read it on my Kindle. On the other hand, listening probably helped me get past the whole lying thing since it felt more like I was *watching* the story unfold. I would have gotten mad and skimmed if I was reading. The narrator (Cristina Panfillio) did a good job but I wasn’t a fan of her voice for Brennan – it sounded strained and whenever she did an excited/exasperated voice for Mia, it was grating.

A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals #1) by Alyssa Cole

Source: Purchased

~ Goodreads

From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

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?

My thoughts: I LOVE the premise! Ledi keeps getting those – you are betrothed to an African Prince – please send your social security # and all personal information – emails lol Of course Ledi deletes all of them but then a real life African prince shows up to claim his bride. Only he falls for her and pretends to be Jamal, a regular guy who waits tables and lives next door.

Ledi falls hard and I had to step away from this book for a bit because of it. Ledi has been let down SO often and Jamal/Thabiso knows this – yet lies to her anyway. I actually understand his reasons and he did try to tell her multiple times but he didn’t. And continued to sleep with her. I just felt SO bad for Ledi and what was coming.

But! Once I took a breather from it and came back to it I loved them together. Thabiso has the whole fish out of water thing going on – having never had to do anything for himself before, and Ledi learns how to stand up for herself more. These two are combustible together and make each other stronger and better,

I wasn’t a fan of the rushed ending either but still a fun read.

Are there any tropes that you aren’t a fan of but found books that made it work for you anyway?